How to Barbecue on a Budget

Grilled Salads

Grill up a Caesar salad or grill fruit to add to your mixed greens. Grilling greens gives them a smoky flavor, which pairs well with tangy vinegars. From salads to dessert you can’t go wrong grilling up your favorite summer fruits.

Stretch the Burger

One way to stretch your food budget is to stretch your burgers. Stretching a burger means to add other ingredients to make the ground beef go father. Here are a few ideas:

• Add chopped mushrooms (if you want to be fancy, sauté with butter before adding to the ground beef)

• Add a can of mashed beans to your burger mix

• Add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs to your ground beef

• Add 1/4 cup quick cook oats

• All these additions will add texture, flavor and bulk up your burgers to make that meat go farther.

Use Less Fuel

There are ways to save on both charcoal and gas grills. If you use charcoal, don’t use the whole bag. You can build a fire with half the bag and have coals for another night.

Gas grillers can save on propane by avoiding excessive preheating. Shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal on propane in your neighborhood. You might be able to find a better deal by refilling the propane tank, instead of trading in for a new one.

Think Outside The Steak And Buy Less Expensive Meat

One easy money saver is to purchase bone-in meat versus boneless cuts. Bone-in cuts of meat tend to be less expensive then their boneless counterparts. Using bone-in cuts also gives you added flavor.

Don’t Ignore Cheaper Chicken Cuts

Buy a bag of cooked chicken wings and put them on the grill. Toss with a Parmesan Garlic Sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Grill up potato wedges at the same time, add a salad, and dinner is served!

Use Pantry Ingredients for Glazes and Marinades

Make up a mouth-watering glaze for your pork chops with pantry ingredients like maple syrup, stock, and balsamic vinegar. Cook this sauce on the grill while the chops cook. A sprig of rosemary adds a nice finish.

Grill Up Meatless Monday

During the summer grill up healthy Meatless Monday options. Using skewers or a grill basket, grill your favorite veggies. Brush with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, fresh herbs and balsamic. Serve over couscous, rice or quinoa for a hearty weeknight night meal.

Make Your Own Rubs

Clean out your pantry and make a spice rub. You will save money by creating your own spice rubs and get the flavors just how you like. Spice rubs are a great way to add flavor to grilled chicken or pork. On a low sodium diet, DIY spice rubs are the perfect way to control the amount of salt in your food.

Don’t Skip the Bread Basket

Grill bread for an appetizer. Rub with garlic and spread with butter for an affordable and filling appetizer.

Expand The Menu

Don’t get stuck in a meat rut on the grill. Something simple and inexpensive like watermelon becomes extraordinary when grilled and topped with a little feta and a drizzle of balsamic. Serve as a salad, or start your barbecue by serving bite-size portions on a skewer.