15 Budget-Friendly Grilling Recipes Under $5

A few summers ago, I hosted a backyard barbecue that I thought would be casual and cheap—but my grocery receipt said otherwise. That’s when I started experimenting with grilling recipes that wouldn’t wreck my budget.

I quickly learned that with smart choices—like cheaper cuts of meat, in-season produce, and pantry staples—you can grill flavorful, satisfying meals for under $5. I’ve made these recipes over and over for friends and family, and no one guesses how little they cost.

From juicy skewers to hearty veggie mains and simple sides, these budget-friendly recipes prove that great grilling doesn’t need a high price tag.

Each dish here uses affordable ingredients, easy prep, and delivers BIG on smoky, grilled flavor. Ready to save some cash and fire up the grill?

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1. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks are one of the cheapest cuts of chicken—and one of the tastiest on the grill. A quick spice rub and a brush of BBQ sauce create a crispy, sticky glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual backyard feasts.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken dry and rub with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the grill to medium and oil the grates.
3. Grill drumsticks for 25–30 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes.
4. In the last 5 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and grill until sticky and caramelized.
5. Remove and rest 5 minutes before serving.

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2. Classic Grilled Burgers

You can’t go wrong with a juicy burger, especially when it’s made with simple ingredients. Ground beef, a few seasonings, and soft buns turn into a backyard favorite under budget. Add classic toppings you already have in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:

1. Divide beef into 4 equal patties, pressing a slight dent in the center of each.
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
4. Toast buns during the last minute.
5. Assemble with toppings and serve hot.

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3. Herb-Marinated Veggie Skewers

Fresh veggies and herbs make these colorful skewers a light, healthy option. They’re packed with flavor, and you can use whatever produce is on sale. Great as a side—or a full meal if you’re going meatless.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• ½ red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables in olive oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread onto skewers, alternating colors.
3. Grill on medium heat, turning every 3–4 minutes for 10–12 minutes.
4. Cook until tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve warm with rice or salad.

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4. Foil-Packet Sausage & Potatoes

This all-in-one foil meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for easy cleanup. Using budget-friendly sausage and pantry staples like potatoes makes it ultra-affordable. Each packet is packed with smoky, garlicky flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 sausage links, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss sausage, potatoes, onion, oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide mixture onto two large foil sheets and fold into sealed packets.
3. Grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
4. Carefully open (watch for steam) and serve hot.

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5. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Meaty, juicy mushrooms are a fantastic vegetarian burger alternative. They soak up a quick marinade and develop amazing flavor on the grill. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings for a filling meatless main.

Ingredients:

• 2 large portobello mushroom caps
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 2 burger buns

Instructions:

1. Whisk vinegar, oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Brush over mushroom caps and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
3. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
4. Toast buns and assemble with toppings of choice.
5. Serve warm and juicy!

6. Chili-Lime Grilled Corn on the Cob

Corn is super cheap when in season, and grilling brings out its natural sweetness. A brush of lime butter and a sprinkle of chili powder takes it over the top. It’s smoky, zesty, and the perfect cookout side.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn (with or without husk)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix melted butter, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Grill corn over medium heat, turning every 3–4 minutes, for 12–15 minutes until slightly charred.
3. Brush with chili-lime butter and serve hot.

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7. Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and super affordable. A simple honey mustard marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill. This sweet-and-savory combo is a go-to weeknight favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken thighs in mixture for 20–30 minutes.
3. Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F).
4. Brush with extra marinade while grilling for added glaze.

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8. Grilled Sausage & Pepper Hoagies

Stretch a couple of sausages into a satisfying meal by pairing them with grilled onions and peppers. Stuffed into hoagie rolls, it’s like street food without the cost. You get smoky, savory, and just a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 sausage links (bratwurst or smoked)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• ½ onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 hoagie rolls

Instructions:

1. Toss peppers and onions with oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill sausages over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning often.
3. Grill peppers/onions in a grill basket or foil, stirring occasionally.
4. Slice sausages and stuff into hoagie rolls with the grilled veggies.

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9. Grilled Black Bean Quesadillas

This plant-based meal is packed with protein and flavor—and comes together using pantry staples. Grilling the quesadillas makes them crispy on the outside and melty inside. It’s a fast, filling meal for just a few bucks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• 2 flour tortillas
• ¼ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Mash black beans slightly and mix with cumin, salt, and cheese.
2. Spread on one half of each tortilla and fold over.
3. Brush tortillas with oil and grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

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10. Grilled Pineapple Slices with Cinnamon Sugar

Looking for a sweet treat? Grilled pineapple is incredibly simple and tastes gourmet. The cinnamon-sugar coating caramelizes on the grill for a smoky-sweet dessert that costs next to nothing.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp melted butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Brush pineapple slices with butter (if using), then sprinkle with the sugar mix.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
4. Serve warm as-is or with a scoop of vanilla yogurt.

11. Grilled Tofu Skewers with Teriyaki Glaze

Tofu is a fantastic, affordable protein source—and it soaks up flavor like a sponge. These skewers are brushed with a quick teriyaki-style glaze and grilled until crispy at the edges. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving a meatless meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, and sesame oil for a glaze.
2. Thread tofu onto skewers and brush with glaze.
3. Grill over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with more glaze as it cooks.
4. Serve hot with rice or grilled veggies.

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12. Grilled Hot Dogs with DIY Toppings Bar

Hot dogs are a classic budget grill option, and dressing them up with creative toppings makes them feel fresh. You only need a few extras to make them feel gourmet. It’s great for feeding a group affordably.

Ingredients:

• 6 hot dogs
• 6 buns
• Mustard, ketchup, pickles, onions, or any toppings on hand

Instructions:

1. Grill hot dogs over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. Toast buns on the grill for the last minute.
3. Serve with a “toppings bar” of condiments, chopped veggies, or whatever’s in the fridge.

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13. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potatoes are filling, nutritious, and cheap. Slicing them into wedges and grilling with a spice rub gives them a crispy, smoky crust. These pair well with just about any grilled main.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into wedges
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potato wedges in oil and spices.
2. Grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until tender and charred.
3. Serve with ketchup, hot sauce, or yogurt dip.

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14. Grilled Banana Boats with Chocolate Chips

This nostalgic campfire treat is just as good on the grill. Bananas stuffed with chocolate (and maybe marshmallows) turn warm and gooey. It’s a ridiculously easy dessert that costs less than a dollar per serving.

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• Foil

Instructions:

1. Slice each banana lengthwise, leaving the peel on and the bottom intact.
2. Fill the slit with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
3. Wrap in foil and grill for 5–6 minutes over medium heat.
4. Unwrap carefully and eat with a spoon!

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15. Grilled Queso-Stuffed Peppers

Mini bell peppers or halved full-size ones are filled with melted cheese and grilled until smoky. They’re great as a snack or side, and the combo of melty cheese and charred peppers is irresistible. Plus, they’re super affordable.

Ingredients:

• 6 mini bell peppers (or 2 large ones, halved)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cut off tops and seeds from peppers.
2. Toss in oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each with shredded cheese.
4. Grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender.