13 Meals to Feed a House Full of Guests

House full of guests? Don't sweat it. From French Toast Casserole to Sloppy Joe's, here are 13 ideas for breakfast and dinner to keep your crew fed and happy.

By
Claudia Cash
Claudia Cash
Claudia Cash

Claudia has been a contributor for Simply Recipes 2017, writing numerous articles focused on cooking on a budget, quick and easy meals, and kid-friendly foods.

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Published December 03, 2019
Claudia Cash
13 Meals to Feed a House full of Guests

The holidays are approaching and you’re the host this year. Eek! While you have the holiday menu planned to every last detail, maybe you aren’t quite sure what to feed everyone before and after Christmas?

When it comes to feeding a house full of guests, my motto is Keep It Simple. I’ll pull out all the stops for Christmas Day, but I’m Team Simple Dinner for everything else!

When we think of having meals for guests, our minds typically start thinking of dinner, but when people are staying with you 24/7, you also need to think of breakfast and snacks. I’ve covered all these meals in this round-up – plenty of recipes that your guests will surely love!

  • Green Chile Enchiladas

    Green Chile Enchiladas
    Elise Bauer

    Enchiladas are my go-to for feeding house guests. I can easily double the recipe, make it in advance (either the day of, or a few weeks ahead and freeze for later), and they are filling to the max. We also have a number of other enchilada recipes for your tasting pleasure!

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  • Best Ever Sloppy Joes

    Sloppy Joe
    Elise Bauer

    You’re one pot away from a crowd pleaser. Our version has some carrots and celery in the mixture, making the meat go a little further. Serve it on toasted hamburger buns and add a side salad and dinner is served for all your guests! (P.S. Here's another version if you have vegetarian guests!)

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  • Easy Chicken Lo Mein

    Easy Chicken Lo Mein
    Nick Evans

    It’s really tempting to order take-out when guests are around, but ordering that much food for a crowd can get spendy! This budget-friendly, easy version of Chicken Lo Mein is so simple and will fill everyone to the brim.

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  • Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

    Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake
    Elise Bauer

    If your guests are staying after the holidays, this dish is a fantastic way to use up any leftover ham. It’s the best mash-up ever of a ham and cheese casserole and cheesy pasta.

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    Continue to 5 of 13 below.

  • Easy Tomato Soup

    Best Tomato Soup Recipe - bowls of tomato soup on table with bread
    Alison Bickle

    Nothing is as inviting as a warm bowl of soup. Add in some grilled cheese, and your guests are sure to stay an extra few days in hopes of more food like this! This soup is easy to make with canned tomatoes and has a velvety texture that can’t be beat!

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  • Grilled Cheese BLT

    Grilled Cheese BLT sandwiches
    Aaron Hutcherson

    There are so many times when you’re busy catching up with loved ones you haven’t seen in a long time, and suddenly it’s time for dinner. BLTs to the rescue! Pull out a loaf of bread, grab the bacon, and start cooking.

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  • Turkey Tetrazzini

    Turkey Tetrazzini
    Elise Bauer

    Put those leftovers to good use! This is a hearty pasta bake with a creamy cheese sauce that’s seriously the best.

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  • Mexican Tostada

    Mexican Tostada
    Elise Bauer

    Set up all the toppings and have a tostada bar for your guests! Include refried beans, chicken, shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and so much more. Let your guests pick and choose how they top their tostadas, just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand because these are meant to be messy.

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    Continue to 9 of 13 below.

  • French Toast Casserole

    Make Ahead French Toast Casserole
    Lisa Lin

    This is truly a delightful breakfast! It has the best crunchy topping that’s full of cinnamon and spice and everything nice. You can definitely make this ahead of time and refrigerate it until the morning. (This slow cooker version is also good if you have guests who like to sleep in!)

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  • Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

    Biscuits and Gravy Bake
    Irvin Lin

    Everyone loves biscuits and gravy, but making them into a casserole will save you time and a lot of effort. Your guests will love to wake up to the smell of this cooking.

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  • Joe's Special (Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Beef, and Mushrooms)

    Joe's Special Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Beef, and Mushrooms
    Coco Morante

    Make this for breakfast or dinner. Your guests won’t care! All they’ll care about is if there’s enough for seconds... or even thirds. It has simple ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.

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  • Orange-Spiced Whole Wheat Muffins

    Whole Wheat Muffins with Nuts
    Alison Conklin

    Again, these aren’t a meal, but they do make for a fantastic portable breakfast or snack. You just never know when your guests will need a little pick-me-up, so these are what you need to have on hand.

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    Continue to 13 of 13 below.

  • Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    Peanut Butter Protein Balls
    Leela Cyd Ross

    While these aren’t a meal, it’s pretty much a given that you’re guests are going to need to snack. And when they do, you’ll be prepared with these.

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