15 Budget-Friendly Grilling Recipes Under $10

Last summer, after hosting one too many expensive cookouts, I decided to challenge myself: create delicious grilled meals that cost less than $10 each. To my surprise, not only was it totally doable—it was incredibly satisfying.

I started relying on smart ingredient swaps, affordable proteins, and in-season produce, and before long, I had a go-to list of flavorful, budget-friendly grilling recipes that my family and friends loved just as much as the pricey stuff.

These 15 recipes are proof that you don’t need fancy cuts of meat or gourmet ingredients to enjoy a killer grilled meal.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just making weeknight dinner outside, these ideas are packed with flavor, use simple ingredients, and stick to a $10-or-less price tag. Let’s get that grill sizzling!

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1. Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are juicy, affordable, and loaded with flavor—especially when marinated in garlic and herbs. This recipe is quick to prep and tastes restaurant-worthy. Serve it with rice or grilled veggies for a filling meal under $10.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken thighs with marinade and let sit for 20–30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes, then flip and grill another 6–8 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
5. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

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2. Beef and Bell Pepper Skewers

This recipe stretches a small amount of beef into a fun, colorful meal with skewered peppers and onions. A simple marinade adds bold flavor without extra cost. It’s great for cookouts or weeknight grilling.

Ingredients:

• ¾ lb beef (sirloin or chuck), cubed
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, oil, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Toss beef cubes in marinade and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Thread beef, peppers, and onions onto skewers.
4. Grill over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve with rice or grilled pita.

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3. Grilled BBQ Meatloaf Burgers

This twist on a classic meatloaf turns into delicious patties on the grill. Barbecue sauce gives it smoky sweetness, and you can customize with cheese or toppings if your budget allows. These are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 4 burger buns

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of grilling.
5. Toast buns and serve with desired toppings.

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4. Lemon Dill Grilled Salmon

You can still enjoy salmon on a budget—just choose frozen fillets or buy in bulk. This recipe uses a lemon-dill marinade that’s fresh and light. It’s perfect for warm evenings and pairs beautifully with a side salad or grilled veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tsp dried dill
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush salmon with marinade and let sit 15 minutes.
3. Grill skin-side down over medium heat for 4–5 minutes.
4. Flip and grill another 2–3 minutes until flaky.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

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5. Grilled Veggie & Cheese Quesadillas

This meatless option is cheesy, crispy, and super budget-friendly. Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the tortillas, while the filling is packed with veggies and melted cheese. Great for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 large flour tortillas
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
• ½ zucchini, grated or finely chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies in a skillet or grill pan with a bit of oil until just tender.
2. Place cheese and veggies on half of each tortilla and fold closed.
3. Grill over medium heat 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
4. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

6. Sausage & Veggie Foil Packets

These foil packets are an easy all-in-one meal with smoky sausage and tender grilled vegetables. They’re customizable, cleanup is simple, and everything cooks together in one pouch. It’s a perfect, no-fuss option for weeknight grilling.

Ingredients:

• 3 sausage links (smoked or bratwurst), sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• ½ onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Toss potatoes, pepper, onion, and sausage with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide evenly onto two foil sheets and seal into packets.
3. Grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
4. Open carefully and serve hot.

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7. Balsamic Mushroom & Zucchini Skewers

This grilled veggie combo is tender, flavorful, and super budget-friendly. A balsamic marinade adds depth to the mushrooms and zucchini. It’s a tasty plant-based side or main that pairs well with almost anything.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz mushrooms
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Whisk vinegar, oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Toss mushrooms and zucchini in marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Thread onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning often.
4. Serve warm as a side or light main.

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8. BBQ Chicken Flatbread

This quick and cheesy flatbread uses just a few ingredients and delivers big flavor. It’s like BBQ chicken pizza, grilled and crispy. Perfect as a fun dinner or easy party dish on a budget.

Ingredients:

• 2 store-bought flatbreads or naan
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with half the BBQ sauce.
2. Spread remaining sauce on flatbreads, then add chicken, cheese, and onion.
3. Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, lid closed, until cheese melts and bottoms are crispy.
4. Slice and serve warm.

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9. Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Drumsticks

Sticky, spicy, and a little sweet—these drumsticks are glazed with an Asian-inspired sauce that caramelizes beautifully. They’re simple, crave-worthy, and perfect for feeding a group on a tight budget.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat drumsticks dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix chili sauce, soy sauce, and oil in a bowl.
3. Grill drumsticks over medium heat for 25–30 minutes, turning every few minutes.
4. During the last 5 minutes, brush with sauce and cook until caramelized.

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10. Grilled Turkey Burgers with Garlic Mayo

Lean and affordable, ground turkey makes a juicy burger when seasoned right. Garlic mayo adds richness, and these come together fast. They’re lighter than beef burgers but still totally satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt and pepper
• 4 burger buns
• ¼ cup mayo
• 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

Instructions:

1. Mix turkey with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
2. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. Mix mayo and garlic in a small bowl.
4. Toast buns, spread with garlic mayo, and serve burgers with toppings of choice.

11. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

These shrimp tacos feel gourmet but cost much less than takeout. A quick spice rub and a crunchy slaw make them fresh, flavorful, and fast. You can easily stretch one pound of shrimp into 4 loaded tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 4 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
3. Mix cabbage with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
4. Warm tortillas, add shrimp and slaw, and serve with extra lime wedges.

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12. Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches

These sandwiches are cheesy, filling, and full of smoky flavor. Grilling the eggplant makes it tender, and a little marinara and mozzarella finish it off perfectly. A hearty vegetarian main under $10!

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 4 sandwich rolls or buns

Instructions:

1. Brush eggplant slices with oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Top each slice with marinara and cheese, close the grill lid to melt.
4. Serve on toasted rolls.

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13. Grilled Kielbasa with Peppers and Onions

Smoky kielbasa is already full of flavor, and grilling it with sweet peppers and onions brings out even more. This simple combo is easy to throw together and tastes amazing served on buns or over rice.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss peppers and onion in oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill kielbasa slices for 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
3. Grill veggies in a grill basket or foil for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve together on a plate or in a bun.

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14. Grilled Pizza with Tomato & Mozzarella

Pizza on the grill is a fun and affordable way to satisfy cravings without delivery. Use store-bought dough or flatbread, and top with a few simple ingredients for a crispy, cheesy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of pizza dough or 2 flatbreads
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Roll out dough (if using) and brush both sides with oil.
2. Grill dough for 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat.
3. Add sauce, cheese, and tomato slices.
4. Close lid and grill 5 more minutes until cheese melts.

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15. Grilled Banana Boats with Chocolate Chips

A perfect, low-cost dessert! Bananas, chocolate chips, and marshmallows melt into a gooey treat inside their own foil packet. It’s fun, kid-friendly, and ideal for using up pantry leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup mini marshmallows
• Foil

Instructions:

1. Slice bananas down the middle (leave peel on), and stuff with chocolate and marshmallows.
2. Wrap each banana in foil.
3. Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until gooey.
4. Unwrap and eat warm with a spoon!