Meat for a Crowd: How & What to Cook for a Large Group

Cooking for a crowd can be daunting, which is why selecting the right meats can make a huge difference in the success of your event. Whether you plan to grill, use a time-saving slow cooker, or roast, there are plenty of meat dishes that can satisfy a hungry crowd.

In this blog post, we'll be sharing our go-to meat cuts whenever we need to feed a crowd. From classic options like brisket and pulled pork to surprising and sophisticated choices like leg of lamb, we'll cover a range of meats that can be easily prepared and served in large quantities. Keep reading for our top picks for meat dishes that are sure to impress your guests.

Meat dishes for a crowd

We’ve gathered together a collection of our favorite big batch recipes, featuring 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, and pasture-raised Grass Roots animals.

• Always born, raised and harvested in the USA

• Animals graze freely on natural, non-GMO pasture

• Never treated with hormones or antibiotics

• Regenerative agriculture practices foster a diversity of plants and use no-till and rotational methods that restore the soil and water quality

• Our farms and processing facilities maintain the highest standards and provide economic opportunities in rural communities

Beef Dishes for a Crowd

Beef Short Rib Tacos

One of the most tender and flavorful beef cuts when cooked low and slow. And the no-cutlery-required nature of tacos is always a fun addition to a delightful soiree.

Greek Style Chuck Roast

A slow cooker recipe that helps make large event prep that much easier? Yes, please! We love the bright lemon in this traditional Greek recipe, and the various options for serving.

Concord Jelly Cocktail Meatballs

Perhaps a bit of an unusual combination - these meatballs are a classic southern appetizer. They're deeply flavorful with a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Made with juicy concord grape jelly, tangy Dijon mustard, and a hint of chili sauce, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering! Serve them as appetizers or a tasty snack for game day..

Chicken Dishes for a Crowd

Buttery Herb Roasted Whole Chicken

Our thanks to Lycia and Taylor from Blackboard Grocery & Eatery for providing this juicy and remarkably flavorful recipe. Double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your crowd.

Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Rosemary’s woody fragrance is often associated with the holidays, so if you’re planning a large holiday event, this might be the perfect recipe for you.

Dill Pickle Chicken Potato Salad

This bold and tangy twist on classic potato salad combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy potatoes, and crunchy dill pickles in a flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect dish for backyard BBQs, sunny picnics, or an easy lunch served with crisp greens or fresh bread on the side

Pork Dishes for a Crowd

Spare Ribs, Spices, and Smoke

Get all our tips for brines and rubs that lead to the most deliciously smoked ribs. Plus, a recipe for ribs that will be so moist and flavorful that you won’t even think of reaching for the sauce.

Slow Cooker Braised Pork Shoulder

Another slow cooker winner, Chef Phillip Schaaf shares his low-prep recipe. Shred the pork and serve on buns with slaw and BBQ sauce, or pair with brown buttered gnocchi for a more sophisticated result.

Oven Roasted Pulled Pork

Try this tender, juicy and rich in flavor Pulled Pork Recipe. This oven-roasted pulled pork recipe is a foolproof way to bring barbecue-style comfort food into your kitchen—no smoker required. Slowly roasted to perfection, the pork butt becomes irresistibly tender, making it easy to shred and ideal for BBQ Pulled Pork, sandwiches, tacos, or hearty bowls. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort.

Our Favorite Lamb Dish for a Crowd

5 Tips for a Flavorful and Tender Leg of Lamb

If you’re looking for a crowd pleaser recipe that will bring a refined elegance to the gathering, look no further than leg of lamb. This guide includes tips for seasoning, roasting, and carving.

How much meat do I need?

Factors like the number of guests you're expecting, the type of meat you're serving, and serving sizes will determine the quantity of meat you need to purchase.

In general, a safe bet is to plan for about 1/2 pound to 1 pound of meat per person.

If you’re serving meats with a higher bone-to-meat ratio, like ribs or pulled pork, you'll need to purchase more meat in order to achieve the same amount of servings.

What meat to serve for a crowd? 7 tasty ideas!

Grass-fed and grass-finished Brisket

This large cut of grass-fed beef is perfect for feeding a crowd. We suggest slow cooking for several hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Grass Fed Ground Beef -Value Pack

From burgers to tacos, chili to meatballs to stuffed peppers – ground beef can do it all. Versatile, flavorful, and now: easier on the wallet, too. 

Pastured Pork Boston Butt

This well-marbled, richly textured cut is prized for its fall-apart tenderness and depth of flavor. Perfect for low-and-slow smoking, braising, or roasting, it's the ideal choice for mouthwatering pulled pork or any recipe that calls for melt-in-your-mouth pork-fection.

Pasture-raised Whole Chicken

A whole roasted chicken will always be a classic crowd-pleaser. It's easy to prepare and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Recipe suggestions below!

Pasture-Raised Spare Ribs

Slow-cooked ribs are a favorite at any barbecue or gathering. Tender, succulent and undeniably delectable, just add your favorite sauce and you’ve got a decadent feast.

Leg of Lamb

A roasted leg of lamb is an impressive centerpiece for any large event. For a delicious and nutritious meal that matches a more elevated event experience, this is the cut you want.

Pastured Chicken Box

Take the stress out of shopping and opt for a hand-curated box of delicious, pasture-raised chicken! Whether you’ve got dark meat or light meat lovers, the pastured chicken box has 26 lbs of premium cuts to delight everyone at your gathering. Cuts to grill, bake, fry, and keep your guests asking for seconds.

There are always great meal ideas and plenty or cuts to please a crowd at Grass Roots Farmers Coop, and every purchase helps support small, family farms and sustainable meat raised right. 

Happy eating!