17 Budget-Friendly Summer Grilling Recipes

Grilling can be as affordable as it is fun.

It's no secret that feeding ourselves and the ones we love isn’t cheap. I’m always surprised by how much a bag or two of groceries can hit the wallet. I want to stretch those dollars as far as possible while still eating food that I love. In the summer I capitalize on the abundant produce that is finally in-season, as well as less expensive cuts of meat.  Of course, when it comes to summer, you know that I’m not turning on the oven. The grill is a girl’s best friend.

For large cuts of meat, such as pork shoulder or flank steak, a marinade to tenderize and add flavor is all that’s needed. Ground chicken, pork, and beef are also affordable options that shine on the grill. We’ll use these for grilled meatballs and burgers, which only need a few condiments to complete the meal.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it's a really really good idea to have a meat thermometer no matter how long you’ve been grilling. It takes the guesswork (and stress!) out of cooking meat.

Sticky-Sweet and Savory Pork Skewers

Do like they do in the Philipines and make these irresistible pork skewers for your next party. Look for marbled pork shoulder and pork belly for these meaty skewers. Elizabeth Ann Quirino says “If you can’t find banana ketchup, use tomato ketchup. Calamansi juice can be swapped for lemon juice.”

Get Recipe: These Sticky-Sweet and Savory Pork Skewers Will Disappear Fast

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Pizzas

Individual pizzas are given a fun twist by replacing the crust with a portobello mushroom. No rolling pin required. Serve with a green salad and garlic bread.

Get Recipe: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Pizzas

Grilled Skewered Meatballs

There are many ways to cook meatballs, and grilling them is an underrated method. Ground beef seasoned with a bevy of spices, skewered, and grilled, is a quick and inexpensive dinner. Make sure to use flat skewers to keep them from spinning on the grill.

Get Recipe: Grilled Skewered Meatballs

Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork Kebabs

You won't be able to stop eating these skewers. The pork shoulder is bathed in a citrusy mojo marinade (popular in Hispanic cooking) and layered on skewers with chunks of bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple. These only take 10 minutes to cook but allow 2 hours to marinate beforehand.

Get Recipe: Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork Kebabs

Smoked Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a quintessential crowd-pleaser. Cooked low and slow, the smoke from cherry wood adds extra flavor. You don’t need a dedicated smoker to smoke these wings. You can create a makeshift smoke box with a foil pouch and cook on indirect heat.

Get Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings

Grilled Carrot Dogs

You read that right, yes a grilled whole carrot takes the place of a beef hot dog in this recipe. The secret? Basting the carrots with a combination of yellow and dijon mustard. This is not only an inexpensive option for vegans and vegetarians, but it tastes much better than the plant-based hot dogs I’ve eaten.

Get Recipe: Grilled Carrot Dogs

Grilled Chili Lime Flank Steak

Flank steak is a tougher and thinner cut of beef than other marbled steaks. But don’t let that stop you from grilling it! Add a flavorful marinade like this one of garlic, lime juice, and chili powder. Let it sit for 2 hours before grilling. 1 1/2 pounds easily feeds 3 to 4 people.

Get Recipe: Grilled Chili Lime Flank Steak

Herb Chicken Burgers

Ground chicken is a lean, inexpensive meat. Mix it with an egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings and form into patties for the ultimate chicken burger. Use an instant read thermometer to keep from overcooking and drying out.

Get Recipe: Herb Chicken Burgers

Grilled Fish Tacos with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

I’m always delighted watching the cost of strawberries plummet, while their flavor skyrockets in summer. Make the most of these juicy berries by making a bright salsa to top fish tacos. Prices on cod are usually better than halibut or salmon in my experience but any of them will work here.

Get Recipe: Grilled Fish Tacos with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

Foil Packs with Sausage, Corn, Zucchini and Potatoes

Whether on the grill or over an open fire, foil packets are the all-in-one meal I’m looking for during summer. I love that these use precooked sausages and inexpensive vegetables. Make sure to use heavy duty foil and avoid a big mess.

Get Recipe: Foil Packs with Sausage, Corn, Zucchini and Potatoes

Citrus-Brined Grilled Pork Chops

A simple citrus brine is the secret to these grilled boneless pork chops. It tenderizes and adds another layer of flavor. Look for pork chops that are about 1/2 inch thick and grill until the internal temperature is 145 degrees.

Get Recipe: Citrus-Brined Grilled Pork Chops

BBQ Chicken on the Grill

Bone-in, skin-on, chicken legs and thighs don’t cost a fortune and they hold up really well on the grill. Basting BBQ sauce on the chicken while it cooks keeps it even more tender and adds a lot of flavor. Choose your favorite sauce and remember to keep the grill from getting too hot and over-charring the chicken.

Get Recipe: BBQ Chicken on the Grill

Grilled Vegetable Nachos

Let the garden help stretch your dollars, while adding flavor to a pile of cheesy nachos. The vegetables are grilled, chopped, and then added to a pan of chips and cheese. Bake the nachos in a high oven and serve with salsa.

Get Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Nachos

Grilled Mushroom Swiss Burger

Mushrooms and onions are inexpensive and make mouthwatering toppings to take an average burger to a stunner. Dried mushrooms add an extra savory element but you could substitute breadcrumbs if desired.

Get Recipe: Grilled Mushroom Swiss Burger

Beer Can Chicken

I’m not sure it gets any easier than setting a whole chicken on top of a beer can and letting it cook on the grill. The crispy skin and tender meat speaks for itself. Cut it into pieces or make shredded chicken sandwiches with BBQ sauce. You could also use a soda can instead of beer can if you prefer.

Get Recipe: Beer Can Chicken

Arrachera (Grilled Mexican Flank Steak)

Arrachera is what flank steak goes by in Mexico, and it's a cut that's made for marinating and grilling. Serve it as-is or in taco form as vampiros, so named because of the way the corn tortillas curl up on the cooling grill to resemble vampire bats.

Get Recipe: Make the Best Grilled Steak Ever for Tacos, Fajitas, and More

Frozen Pizza on the Grill

Grilling does not get more affordable or less complicated than this. The crust gets incredibly crisp, plus the pizza develops a nice smoky flavor.

Get Recipe: Quit Baking Frozen Pizza—Here’s a Better Way To Cook It