Summer calls for grilling, but it doesn't have to be intimidating or make a dent in your wallet. If you're looking for affordable grilling recipes that don't skimp on the flavor, skip the grilled shrimp or rib-eye steak and opt for these 20 foolproof recipes anyone can make. Ground beef, skirt steak, pork chops, chicken thighs, and ground turkey are some of the most affordable cuts of meat, and you'll find mouthwatering ways to grill those (plus vegetables and dessert), ahead.
1
Grilled Hot Dogs
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Grilled hot dogs may be predictable, but they're basically a requirement at any BBQ, and their cheap price tag makes them ideal for feeding a crowd.
Get the recipe: grilled hot dogs
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2
Grilled Fish Tacos
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Choose a cheaper fish like tilapia, marinate it for 15 minutes in lime juice and oil, and you're on your way to heavenly homemade fish tacos.
Get the recipe: grilled fish tacos
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3
Grilled Chicken Thighs and Wings With Barbecue Sauce
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Bone-in chicken thighs are one of the cheapest cuts of meat out there, and this flavorful BBQ rub of orange peels, chili powder, and black pepper is the ultimate match.
Get the recipe: grilled chicken thighs and wings with barbecue sauce
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4
Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
All you need for the juiciest beer-brined grilled chicken is budget-friendly chicken breasts and your favorite light beer (no IPA necessary).
Get the recipe: beer-brined grilled chicken breasts
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5
Buffalo Turkey Burgers
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Ground turkey is even cheaper than ground chicken, and this buffalo-blue-cheese topping ensures it's full of flavor, too.
Get the recipe: buffalo turkey burgers
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6
Queso Cheeseburger
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
This is as low fuss as it gets: form patties of ground beef, and top the grilled burgers with your favorite store-bought (or homemade) queso.
Get the recipe: queso cheeseburger
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7
Grilled Watermelon Pizza
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Treat your guests to an unexpected watermelon dish by throwing sliced watermelon on the grill and making a Mediterranean "pizza."
Get the recipe: grilled watermelon pizza
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8
Grilled Corn With Parmesan and Basil
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Grilled corn on the cob is nearly perfect with butter, but parmesan cheese and basil make it even better.
Get the recipe: grilled corn with parmesan and basil
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9
Hand-Ground Sirloin Burger
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Sirloin tips are one of the more affordable steak options, and you can grind them in a food processor to make the best-ever burger patty.
Get the recipe: America's Test Kitchen burger
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10
Grilled Nectarines With Ice Cream
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Grilling nectarines brings out their sweet flavors and juiciness even more, and it takes mere minutes.
Get the recipe: grilled nectarines with ice cream
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11
Chipotle-Honey-Lime Chicken Kabobs
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff
Take plain-old chicken skewers to the next level with a quick and easy chipotle yogurt sauce for dipping.
Get the recipe: chipotle-honey-lime chicken kabobs
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12
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Not a single person will be mad if you're the one who brings bacon-wrapped hot dogs to the party.
Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped hot dogs
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13
Juicy Lucy Burger
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Transform staples like ground beef and American cheese into something epic by making an iconic Juicy Lucy, or inside-out cheeseburger.
Get the recipe: Juicy Lucy burger
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14
Postgrill Marinated Skirt Steak
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Skirt steak is one of the most affordable types of steak, and with an easy soy-sauce marinade, it's one of the most delicious, too.
Get the recipe: postgrill marinated skirt steak
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15
Lemon-Basil Grilled Chicken Breasts
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
With a little help from lemon juice, olive oil, and basil, you can transform chicken breasts into one of the tastiest grilled entrees ever.
Get the recipe: lemon-basil grilled chicken breasts
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16
Grilled Vegetable Tacos
Skip the meat altogether and throw your favorite vegetables on the grill for an easy vegetarian taco. Top it with salsa, cotija cheese, cilantro, or guacamole.
Get the recipe: grilled vegetable tacos
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17
Vegetable Kabobs
Vegetables like red onions, bell peppers, and Summer squash won't break the bank, and they make for fantastic grilled kabobs.
Get the recipe: vegetable kabobs
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18
Grilled Pork Chops With South Carolina BBQ Sauce
Bone-in pork chops are on the cheaper side, and they're irresistible when they're grilled and slathered in BBQ sauce.
Get the recipe: grilled pork chops with South Carolina BBQ sauce
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19
Grilled Potatoes
Swap traditional potato salad for warm, grilled potatoes with a smoky kick.
Get the recipe: grilled potatoes with mushrooms and onions
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20
Grilled Corn Salad
The only way to eat fresh corn during the Summer is with grill marks — it's truly the best.
Get the recipe: grilled corn salad
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