Hot off the Grill: 5 BBQ Meat Tips to Save Food & Money
Ah, barbecue season—the sizzle, the smoke, the mouthwatering aroma of grilling food! It’s one of summer’s greatest pleasures. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to overbuy, forget what’s in the fridge, or toss leftovers that could’ve made a great next-day lunch.
We want to help you stretch every pack of chicken, sausage, or steak a little further with five easy ways to save both food and money this BBQ season—without sacrificing flavour.
- Plan your portions before you shop
Start at the grocery store. One of the simplest ways to cut down on food waste and overspending is to buy only what you need.
For adults, buy 200–250 grams (7–9 oz) of boneless meat per person, or 250–300 grams (9–10.5 oz) for bone-in cuts like ribs or drumsticks. After cooking, this will give you Health Canada’s recommended serving size of 150–200 grams. If your BBQ includes hearty sides like baked beans, potato salad, or buns, lean toward the lower end of that range.
Pro Tip: Watch for reduced to clear meat—it’s perfectly safe and a great way to save. Just be sure to use it within 1–2 days, or freeze it right away to lock in the savings.
- Freeze extras right away
If your plans change and you won’t be using raw meat right away, pop it in the freezer. Divide it into meal-sized portions and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Pro Tip: Add marinade before freezing. As it thaws in the fridge, it will marinate at the same time—so it’s grill-ready when you are. Use marinated meat within 1-2 days, as recommended by Health Canada.
- Store meat safely in the fridge
If you’re ever unsure where to store food in the fridge, check out our handy Fridge Guide. It recommends keeping meat in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the bottom shelf. Keep meat, poultry, and seafood in a sealed container to avoid leaks, and make sure your fridge is set to 4°C (40°F).
- Label and organize your freezer stash
Freezing meat is a great way to avoid waste, but only if you can remember what you’ve stored. Before you tuck anything away, label it clearly with the type of meat, any marinade, and the date. Use clear containers or stack flat bags to keep things organized and easy to find.
For best flavour and texture, use frozen meat within 2 to 4 months.
- Turn leftovers into something new
Grilled meat is perfect for second (and third!) meals. Consider simply reheating or getting a little creative:
- Toss chopped steak or chicken into salads, grain bowls, quesadillas or wraps
- Add grilled sausages to pasta, frittatas, or pizza
- Use shredded pork or beef in tacos or stir-fry
- Add sliced hot dogs or smokies to soup, mac & cheese, fried rice or on top of baked potatoes
Be sure to cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate them within two hours. Most cooked meats will stay fresh for 3–4 days.
More BBQ Inspiration
No matter what’s on the grill or who’s at the table, practicing simple ideas like these is a good way to love food and reduce waste.
For more backyard BBQ inspiration, check out some of these articles.
Homemade Dressings and Sauces for Sustainable Summer Grilling
Top Three Food Saving Summer Salads
Keep Foods Fresh and Safe During Summer Gatherings
Preserving Summer’s Bounty: Three Ways to Prevent Food Waste
Savour Fresh Fruits & Herbs with Dreamy Summertime Beverages
