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Budget-Friendly BBQ Menu for 50 People

budget-friendly BBQ menu for 50 people - featured image

A practical and affordable BBQ menu designed to feed 50 people with classic flavors, simple ingredients, and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 10 pounds ground turkey
  • 50 hot dog sausages
  • 50 burger buns
  • 50 hot dog buns
  • 1 quart yellow mustard
  • 1 quart ketchup
  • 1 quart mayonnaise
  • 3 pounds sliced cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 jars sliced pickles (32 oz each)
  • 3 large heads green cabbage, shredded
  • 5 large carrots, shredded
  • 2 cups mayonnaise (for coleslaw dressing)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 10 pounds potatoes, peeled and boiled
  • 3 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 quarts barbecue sauce
  • Lemonade mix for 3 gallons
  • Ice (several bags)
  • Paper plates, cups, and napkins

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grills to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C), approximately 15 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground turkey. Season with 3 tablespoons salt and 2 tablespoons pepper. Mix gently without overworking.
  3. Form 50 patties, about ¼ pound (113 g) each, pressing a slight indent in the center of each patty.
  4. Grill the burgers for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Add cheese slices in the last minute if using.
  5. Grill hot dogs during the last 15 minutes of burger cooking, rotating frequently for even browning.
  6. Prepare coleslaw by shredding cabbage and carrots. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; toss with veggies and refrigerate.
  7. Make potato salad by boiling peeled potatoes until tender (15-20 minutes). Drain and cool. Mix with chopped onions, celery, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
  8. Set up serving station with buns, condiments, pickles, sides, drinks, ice, napkins, and disposable plates.
  9. Serve and enjoy, letting guests build their own burgers and hot dogs with toppings.

Notes

Buy meat in bulk to save money. Prepare coleslaw and potato salad a day ahead for better flavor and less day-of stress. Use two grills to cook burgers and hot dogs simultaneously. Keep cold foods chilled and monitor grill temperature to avoid flare-ups. Vegetarian options include grilled portobello mushrooms or black bean patties. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps can be used for gluten sensitivities. For dairy-free, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ, budget-friendly, crowd-pleaser, burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, potato salad, picnic, party food, affordable feast