Question

BBQ Bash Budget of $200 for 20 people



Item Quantity Cost Balance Store

Answer 1

Below is a sample $200 BBQ budget for 20 people. Prices are approximate (U.S., typical grocery/discount-store prices) — adjust for your area or stores. I kept a running balance so you can see how much remains.

Starting balance: $200.00

Item | Quantity | Cost | Balance | Suggested store
---|---:|---:|---:|---
Ground beef (for ~20 1/4-lb patties / 5 lb) | 5 lb | $25.00 | $175.00 | Walmart / Aldi / Costco
Hot dogs | 1 pack (24) | $5.00 | $170.00 | Walmart / Aldi
Burger buns | 2 packs (12 ea = 24) | $6.00 | $164.00 | Walmart / Target
Hot dog buns | 2 packs (12 ea = 24) | $6.00 | $158.00 | Walmart / Target
Cheese slices | 24-slice pack | $4.00 | $154.00 | Walmart / Aldi
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo) | assorted | $9.00 | $145.00 | Walmart / Grocery
Lettuce, tomato, onion | assorted | $6.00 | $139.00 | Grocery / Farmer’s market
Chips (2 large family bags) | 2 bags | $12.00 | $127.00 | Costco / Walmart
Potato salad or coleslaw tubs | 2 tubs | $12.00 | $115.00 | Grocery / Walmart
Sodas (3 × 12‑packs) | 36 cans | $18.00 | $97.00 | Costco / Walmart
Bottled water | 24 bottles | $5.00 | $92.00 | Walmart
Charcoal | 1 bag (small) | $15.00 | $77.00 | Walmart / Home Depot
Paper plates | pack (approx 50) | $8.00 | $69.00 | Walmart
Cups | pack (approx 50) | $4.00 | $65.00 | Walmart
Disposable utensils | pack (50) | $4.00 | $61.00 | Walmart
Napkins | pack | $3.00 | $58.00 | Grocery
Ice | 2 bags | $5.00 | $53.00 | Grocery / Gas station
Dessert (cookies or brownies, 24) | 1 box | $8.00 | $45.00 | Bakery / Grocery
Trash bags | roll | $3.00 | $42.00 | Walmart
BBQ sauce | 1 bottle | $4.00 | $38.00 | Grocery
Salsa / dip | 1 jar | $4.00 | $34.00 | Grocery
-- | -- | -- | -- | --
Remaining balance | -- | -- | $34.00 | --

Notes and quick tips
- This plan gives each guest roughly one burger or one hot dog, plus sides/drinks. If many guests will eat heavier, increase protein (or ask guests to bring a dish/drink).
- To save money: buy in bulk at Costco or Aldi (larger packs of meat, chips, drinks), choose all hot dogs instead of burgers, or make sides (potato salad/coleslaw) at home.
- If you want a vegetarian option, swap 6–8 burgers for veggie burgers (add ~$8–12).
- I can adjust quantities/prices for a different menu, dietary restrictions, or if you prefer a Costco-only shopping list. Would you like that?