I usually do tacos/burritos in these situations. I make the meat fillings ahead of time and bring them with me (don't know is possible for you though, but it saves a ton of time) I make meat and chicken (if I can not take it with me I usually grill it, again don't know if this is possible either) and jut bring a big bag of grated cheese, guacamole from Costco, soft and crispy tortilla shells, make fresh pico de gallo, big tub of sour cream and "doctor" some refried beans, hot sauce, fresh veggies, etc and arrange a big buffet table for "make your own". Ice cream sundays for dessert. Same concept: bunch of flavors, different toppings, waffle cones, etc.
It is always a hit.

We do this at least once/year. I like shrimp saute'd in salsa + salad and guac and black beans. Ours is a beach house, though. If you're doing winter a big stew might be nice + bread. Cheese and bread or dipping oil and bread for apps. and then a big pot of stew. Have fun!

Anonymous wrote:How about pulled pork? I usually make it in my slow cooker. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw, various kinds of chips and cut up veggies. Easy peasy!

My suggestion, too. It will take all about 15 minutes to prep & then cook all day.

She means "fritos" as in the shaped corn snack chips.

Chili and fajitas with all the toppings are good suggestions. Maybe make some rice to accompany the fajitas (for those who don't eat tortillas and some spaghetti for the chili (if you like chili mac).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chili! And some hot dogs for anyone who doesn't feel like chili.

And pour the chili over the hotdogs for those who like chili dogs! Serve chili in individual fritz bags, top with cheddar cheese, and then you have fritz pies. Yum!

What's a fritz bag?

How about pulled pork? I usually make it in my slow cooker. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw, various kinds of chips and cut up veggies. Easy peasy!

Baked ziti.

Tacos, but instead of shells, just put out tortilla chips.
Kebobs--you can make veggie and meat, with rice and salad

This is my favorite dinner for a big group, and it is SUCH a crowd pleaser!! http://blueeyedbride.com/2012/03/27/bow-tie-fiesta/

Anonymous wrote:Chili! And some hot dogs for anyone who doesn't feel like chili.

And pour the chili over the hotdogs for those who like chili dogs! Serve chili in individual fritz bags, top with cheddar cheese, and then you have fritz pies. Yum!

Chili! And some hot dogs for anyone who doesn't feel like chili.

Indoor Clambake:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Indoor-Clambake-232597

We like to do fajitas. Marinate the meat before you leave, cook it up with a bunch of veggies (grill if you can) once you get there and serve with all the fixings. Whip up some homemade guac for bonus points.

I need to make dinner one night at a vacation house this weekend. There will be nine of us -- four adults and assorted teens and kids, no little ones.

Any ideas on what would be a good meal for a crowd? This is a kitchen I'm not familiar with so I'm looking for something simple, like lasagna bread salad, but I was hoping for a new idea. Any thoughts? Thanks!