50 Casual Dinner Party Menu Ideas (2024)

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Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Everyone needs an easy dinner party recipe. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California

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2/46

Thai Drunken Noodles with Beef

We raise wagyu beef on our ranch and love to use it in this quick pasta dish. I think it’s better than many of the drunken noodles you get at many Thai restaurants, but I’ll let you and your guests be the judge of that. —Cassandra Butler, Tempe, Arizona

3/46

Baked Feta Pasta

There's a reason this baked feta pasta recipe went viral on TikTok! It's simple to throw together and incredibly creamy and delicious. —Sarah Tramonte, Culinary Producer

4/46

Foil-Baked Salmon

Baking salmon in foil is an easy technique that can also be used on the grill. This quick recipe uses lemon zest and slices plus garlic for flavor, but you could also try other citrus fruits, herbs and spices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

5/46

Moroccan Apricot Chicken

Traditionally, Moroccan chicken with apricots includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. Serve it alone or with couscous for a heartier meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

6/46

Smoked Salmon Pasta

This pasta originally came to be from the miscellaneous ingredients in my fridge, and depending on whom I'm cooking for, it changes a little each time I make it. The recipe makes enough for a party or for leftovers, which is a bonus because it is excellent the next day whether you serve it cold or reheated. —Jackie Hennon, Boise, Idaho

7/46

Chicken Parmesan Pizza

This tasty pizza is the perfect combo—quick and easy to make, and a winner with even picky eaters. It’s a handy option for a family dinner on a busy night or for a casual dinner party. —Karen Wittmeier, Parkland, Florida

8/46

Beef Stew

Treat yourself to an oh-so-satisfying Sunday dinner with our best beef stew recipe. The secret to this stew's success is the balsamic vinegar, which adds complexity and brightens up the beefy, wine-rich broth.

9/46

Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

This sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays or low-key gatherings. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It’s now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas

10/46

Turkey Cordon Bleu with Alfredo Sauce

This turkey is tender and flavorful, full of smoky ham and melted cheese, but the crispy bacon really sets the dish off. Dinner party guests (and you!) will love it. —Sandy Komisarek, Swanton, Ohio

11/46

Gorgonzola Shrimp Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is so quick and easy. It’s perfect for weeknights, but feels special enough for a dinner party menu. —Robin Haas, West Roxbury, Massachusetts

12/46

Country Chuck Roast with Mushroom Gravy

This tender, savory roast practically melts in your mouth. It looks a bit complex, but the hands-free oven time makes it my go-to company recipe on a cold day. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida

13/46

Warm Chicken Tortellini Au Gratin

This is one of my favorite recipes. It’s fast and delicious, and paired with a green salad and toasty bread, you have a meal that’s fancy enough for company. —Brenda Cole, Reisterstown, Maryland

14/46

Teriyaki Beef Roast

My father and I created this pot roast with a hint of Japanese flair. It will make your taste buds dance! Try this for your next dinner party. —Mary Flurkey, Golden, Colorado

15/46

Italian Chicken Chardonnay

One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

16/46

Roasted Tuscan Chicken Dinner

When an Italian friend shared many years ago that she often added Italian sausages to her pan of baked chicken, I had to give it a try! The sausages give the chicken an amazing flavor. Over the years, I've turned it into a one-dish meal by adding potatoes, onions and peppers, and it has become a family favorite that I often use for holidays, spur of the moment company and Sunday dinners. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois

17/46

Beef and Barley

I like to serve this to company. I'm not sure where the recipe originated for this country-style dish, but I have had it for years and rely on it when I'm hosting a meal for a group. —Linda Ronk, Melbourne, Florida

18/46

Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

This tender pork is seasoned with a wonderful herb and lemon rub I created. Even my husband, who is a chef, thinks this dish is dinner party-worthy. —Carol Birkemeier, Nashville, Indiana

19/46

Fold-Over Tortilla Bake

Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for dinner parties and potlucks, too. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska

20/46

Beef Noodle Casserole

Savory, creamy and satisfying—you'll be so happy you found this easy beef noodle casserole recipe. Packed with diced veggies, egg noodles and cheese, it's a cinch to make any time you need some hearty comfort food.

21/46

Favorite Company Casserole

My guests like this casserole even if they don’t usually like all the ingredients in it! For instance, people who don’t care for broccoli don’t mind it in this dish. And it’s so easy to make and serve when you’re having friends over for dinner. —Suzann Verdun, Lisle, Illinois

22/46

Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken

This is a family-friendly recipe that even the kids will like. It's easy to prepare and flavorful enough to share with dinner guests. — Sherry Kozlowski, Morgantown, West Virginia

23/46

Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

This elevated pasta dish will make your guests think you spent all day in the kitchen. It's the perfect holiday dish without a lot of work. —Amy White, Manchester, Connecticut

24/46

Beer-Braised Stew

Guests will take one bite of this savory stew and immediately know something is different. And they'll never guess the secret ingredient is beer! Serve this with a loaf of freshly baked bread and everyone will be happy. —Geri Faustich, Appleton, Wisconsin

25/46

Beef Osso Buco

Treat holiday guests to elegant comfort food at its best. Our osso buco beef boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

26/46

Conga Lime Pork

Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

27/46

Roadside Diner Cheeseburger Quiche

My savory main-dish quiche tastes just like its burger counterpart. Easy and appealing, this cheeseburger quiche is pretty enough to serve guests. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

28/46

Dutch Oven Pork Chops

Never serve a dry pork chop again! These pork loin chops are braised low and slow in a heavy Dutch oven with vegetables for a simple and nourishing dinner.

29/46

Angel Hair Shrimp Bake

Shrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked angel hair pasta casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

30/46

Fruited Pork Chops

Here's one of my favorite slow-cooker recipes. I often prepare these tender chops with pineapple sauce for guests and serve them with brown rice. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

31/46

Chili-ghetti

I came up with this recipe when unexpected guests stopped by and I didn't have enough chili to go around. This spur-of-the-moment main dish is now a family favorite. —Cindy Cuykendall, Skaneateles, New York

32/46

Baked Swiss Chicken

Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut

33/46

So-Tender Swiss Steak

This fork-tender Swiss steak with rich gravy was an often-requested main dish around our house when I was growing up. Mom took pride in preparing scrumptious, hearty meals like this for our family and guests. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio

34/46

Pepper-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Guests will be impressed by this elegant entree and its golden crumb coating with peppery pizazz. The meat slices up so moist and tender, you can serve it without sauce and still have a succulent taste-tempting main dish. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

35/46

St. Louis-Style Pizza

Provel cheese and a cracker-thin crust are the hallmarks of this St. Louis-style pizza recipe. Don't forget to cut your pizza as they would in Missouri—square pieces only! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

36/46

Turkey in Cream Sauce

I've been relying on this recipe for tender turkey since I first moved out on my own years ago. I serve it whenever I invite new guests to the house, and I'm constantly writing out the recipe. —Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, Pottstown, Pennsylvania

37/46

Slow-Cooker Poblano Pork Loin

We love seasonal poblano peppers, so this slow-cooker pork loin with many southwestern seasonings is a family favorite. It can be served in a variety of ways too. It’s fantastic with rice and beans, or in a taco with hot sauce. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

38/46

Chicken in Sour Cream Sauce

Tender chicken is deliciously dressed up in a flavorful cream sauce with fresh mushrooms. This is an excellent entree for your family or guests. —Jane Carlovsky, Sebring, Florida

39/46

Samosa Potpie

I reimagined samosas, the go-to appetizer at any Indian restaurant, as a delicious main-dish potpie. The heavily spiced potato and pea filling is surrounded by a flaky homemade crust. Serve with green or tamarind chutney. —Shri Repp, Seattle, Washington

40/46

One-Pot Sausage and Basil Pasta

There's nothing better than coming home and putting dinner on the table in 30 minutes. It's easy to add different kinds of sausage or seasonings to make this sausage and basil pasta your own. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois

41/46

Pasta Napolitana

This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory's pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania

42/46

Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells

You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

43/46

Chicken Fingers

Almost everyone in my family requests these golden chicken fingers as their birthday dinner entree. I begin marinating the chicken strips early in the day to cut down on last-minute fuss. —Charlotte Baillargeon, Hinsdale, Massachusetts

44/46

Skillet Beef and Macaroni

I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California

45/46

Artichoke Chicken

If you love artichoke hearts, you'll love this easy artichoke chicken recipe! Chicken, artichokes and mushrooms bake in a savory rosemary-infused sauce that keeps the chicken breasts juicy and tender.

46/46

The Best Grilled Sirloin Tip Roast

If you're looking for a flavorful cut of meat that's still pretty lean, give this sirloin tip roast a try. I like to cook it slowly over indirect heat, mopping it frequently with red wine sauce. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Originally Published: March 18, 2019