Firing up the grill is a beloved ritual of warm-weather days and weekend cookouts. But grilling isn’t always sunshine and savings. Even if you’re not serving filet mignon, tossing another skewer of shrimp (or a ribeye) onto the grate can hit your wallet harder than you expect.
While runaway food inflation has leveled off somewhat, some beef cuts still command premium prices, even for dedicated grill lovers. Fortunately, chefs and pitmasters agree you don’t need costly cuts to get excellent taste.
How Much Will Grilling Meat Cost You?
Like most purchases, the price of meat depends on which beef cuts you choose and where and when you shop. Whereas a typical backyard barbecue averaged just over $100 in 2020, climbing steak and ground beef prices have almost certainly pushed that figure higher.
We spoke with grill experts nationwide to learn how they still host wallet-friendly gatherings without sacrificing the smoky goodness everyone expects. Their tips? Track sales, buy larger quantities when sensible and broaden your BBQ horizons.
“Timing your get-together can help you economize,” says Steven Raichlen, James Beard award recipient and author of The Barbecue Bible. “Hold a Sunday brunch, for instance. Serve egg-based dishes and breakfast meats like sausage or bacon — maybe throw in grilled fruit. And unless your guests insist on cocktails, your alcohol tab will be smaller, too.”
5 Grill-Approved Inexpensive Proteins That Deliver on Taste
Before you rush to the store for low-cost steak cuts, consider these budget-friendly beef alternatives. As Kita Roberts of GirlCarnivore.com points out, your freezer is an indispensable ally for barbecue budgeting.
“When feeding a crowd or your family on a tight budget, go old-school and check the weekly circulars from nearby grocers,” Roberts suggests. “If waiting for a deal isn’t possible, buying in bulk usually saves money if you have freezer room.”
1. Thick-Cut Pork Chops
Skip the chuck eye for a minute. Well-marbled, bone-in pork chops are an economical pork option that grill beautifully. Worried about dryness? Use the pitmaster trick and brine before grilling.
2. Budget-Friendly Fish
Don’t neglect seafood when plotting your next backyard menu. Pass on pricey shellfish like lobster and pick fish that have similar textures and appeal.
“Swap cod, mackerel or fresh sardines in place of lobster, sole, shrimp or tuna,” Raichlen recommends. “Mussels or clams are excellent starters.”
3. Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder
Underappreciated cuts like pork butt make superb barbecue when cooked low and slow, Roberts says — yielding tender results when treated right.
“Don’t pass up a pork shoulder on sale for fantastic smoked pulled pork. It looks like a lot, but smoke it until it shreds and you can use what you need for sandwiches and freeze portions for carnitas or nachos later, stretching one cook into several meals.”
4. Chicken Thighs
“Breasts and wings remain popular and pricier,” Raichlen notes. “But chicken legs, thighs and quarters (leg and thigh together) are usually affordable — sometimes as low as 99 cents per pound.”
Buy a bit more to account for bones, since these cuts often come with them attached.
5. Turkey
Who says beef must be the star? Turkey is a cost-effective grill option. These birds aren’t just for holidays — you can save by buying off-season or flash-freezing budget-friendly cuts.
Brine the turkey as you would for a festive meal, then grill it with olive oil, salt and pepper. Or give it a Mediterranean twist for an international flair at your next get-together.
If You Crave Beef, Try These Inexpensive Steak Options
You don’t have to splurge on premium beef to enjoy a great steak at your barbecue. Consider turning one of these affordable cuts into a tender centerpiece for your summer feast.
Chuck Eye Steaks
Often called the budget rib-eye, a chuck or chuck eye steak is among the best inexpensive stand-ins for true rib-eye, Roberts says.
“Get friendly with your butcher — they can often tip you off when quality cuts hit the sale rack,” she adds.
Flat Iron or Hanger Steak
Lower-cost cuts like flat iron or hanger steak can yield generous meals. They may be a bit firmer than Denver steaks or petite tender filets, but a good marinade and a quick, high-heat sear fix that.
Skirt Steak or Flank Steak
When you picture carne asada or the strips used in stir-fries, you’re likely thinking of skirt or flank steak. These steaks have more connective tissue and are best served medium-rare.
“Our reliable pick for maximum flavor that feeds a crowd is flank steak,” Roberts says. “It’s lean and, when marinated, grills quickly without specialized smokers or fancy grills. Ideal for fajitas, salads or sandwiches.”
Beef Shank
Bone-in beef shanks cost less than many steaks but need added care and longer cook times. Similar to brisket, shanks shine when smoked or given a reverse sear, showcasing a chef’s skill and yielding rich results when treated properly; they respond wonderfully to smoking.
Ground Beef
Debate over the ideal budget burger blend rages among grillers, but one rule stands: don’t skimp on fat. Aim for a meat-to-fat ratio of roughly 70-75% to lock in the juicy bite that will have guests raving.
Chuck Roast
If you want a cost-effective stand-in for boneless short ribs, a chuck roast is an excellent substitute. It benefits from braising and slow cooking to about 200°F for 4–6 hours.
Affordable Cuts Become Great BBQ with Proper Technique
As any seasoned pitmaster will tell you, memorable barbecue is about technique as much as it is about price. Many beginners make the error of grilling the way they were raised to — direct and fast.
“A lot of people learned to cook foods directly over high heat,” Raichlen explains. “Discovering indirect grilling — cooking low and slow — really opens up a new world. That’s the North American essence of ‘barbecue.’”
Roberts also reminds newbies that you don’t require expensive gadgets to coax outstanding flavor from your grill.
“There are many impressive grilling tools available, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” she says. “But you don’t need high-end equipment for an incredible barbecue. Our go-to is simple live-fire grilling, right over the campfire.”
For more tips on affordable proteins perfect for gatherings, check out inexpensive cuts of meat for holidays to help plan your next cost-conscious cookout.
Remy Carter is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering money-saving strategies and budgeting. As a journalist, Remy has reported on a wide range of subjects including personal finance, health, education and lifestyle for the past decade.
