20 Grilled Meat Recipes That’ll Rule Your Cookout
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20 Grilled Meat Recipes That’ll Rule Your Cookout

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Nothing screams summer like the smoky aroma of meat sizzling on the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving that charred, juicy goodness, these 20 grilled meat recipes will elevate your cookout game.

From classic burgers to exotic kebabs, we’ve got something for every palate. Fire up the grill, grab your tongs, and let’s dive into these mouthwatering dishes!

1. Classic All-American Cheeseburger

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Nothing beats a juicy cheeseburger hot off the grill. This classic recipe keeps it simple but delivers big on flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (for topping)
  • Ketchup, mustard, mayo (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
  2. Divide beef into 4 equal patties, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill patties 4-5 minutes per side, adding cheese during the last minute.
  4. Toast buns on the grill for 1 minute.
  5. Assemble with toppings and condiments.

Pro Tip: Don’t press the patties while grilling—it squeezes out the juices!

2. Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Wings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6

Sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy, these wings are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Toss wings with paprika and cayenne.
  3. Grill wings 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. Mix honey, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Brush onto wings during the last 5 minutes.
  5. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Pro Tip: For crispier wings, pat them dry before seasoning.

3. Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

A perfectly grilled ribeye with a rich garlic butter finish is pure decadence.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ribeye steaks (1-inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to high (450°F).
  2. Rub steaks with oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (135°F internal).
  4. Melt butter with garlic and rosemary. Brush over steaks before serving.
  5. Rest steaks 5 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

4. Spicy Lamb Kebabs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

These Middle Eastern-inspired kebabs pack a flavorful punch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Wooden skewers, soaked

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
  2. Mix lamb, onion, garlic, and spices. Form into sausage shapes around skewers.
  3. Grill 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. Serve with tzatziki and pita bread.

Pro Tip: Grate the onion to avoid chunks in the kebabs.

5. Teriyaki Pork Chops

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Serves: 4

Sweet and savory, these pork chops are a quick weeknight hit.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, oil, and garlic for marinade.
  2. Marinate chops for 1 hour.
  3. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  4. Grill chops 5-6 minutes per side (145°F internal).
  5. Rest 3 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Reserve some marinade for basting.

6. Smoky BBQ Ribs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Serves: 6

Low and slow is the key to fall-off-the-bone ribs.

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to low (250°F) for indirect heat.
  2. Mix sugar, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub over ribs.
  3. Grill ribs over indirect heat for 2.5-3 hours.
  4. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes.
  5. Slice and serve.

Pro Tip: Wrap ribs in foil halfway through for extra tenderness.

7. Jerk Chicken Thighs

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Bring Caribbean heat to your cookout with these spicy thighs.

Ingredients:

  • 8 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Rub thighs with oil, seasoning, and lime juice.
  3. Grill 8-10 minutes per side (165°F internal).
  4. Serve with mango salsa.

Pro Tip: For authentic flavor, use a store-bought jerk blend with allspice.

8. Grilled Chorizo-Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

These spicy, cheesy peppers are a fun appetizer or main.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 lb chorizo sausage
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Halve peppers and remove seeds.
  3. Mix chorizo, cheddar, and cream cheese. Stuff into peppers.
  4. Grill 12-15 minutes until peppers are tender.
  5. Serve hot.

Pro Tip: Par-cook chorizo for easier stuffing.

9. Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Serves: 4

These vibrant skewers bring Indian flair to the grill.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp tandoori masala
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Wooden skewers, soaked

Instructions:

  1. Mix yogurt, masala, and lemon juice. Marinate chicken for 2 hours.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
  3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
  4. Grill 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Serve with naan and chutney.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of turmeric for extra color.

10. Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Taco night gets a smoky upgrade with this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to high (450°F).
  2. Rub steak with oil and chili powder.
  3. Grill 4-5 minutes per side (135°F for medium-rare).
  4. Slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Serve in tortillas with avocado and cilantro.

Pro Tip: Warm tortillas on the grill for extra flavor.

11. Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Sweet and smoky, this tenderloin is a showstopper.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pork tenderloin (1.5 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Mix syrup, mustard, and paprika. Brush half over pork.
  3. Grill 18-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until 145°F internal.
  4. Brush with remaining glaze. Rest 5 minutes.
  5. Slice and serve.

Pro Tip: Let the glaze caramelize for a sticky finish.

12. Grilled Sausage and Peppers

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

A hearty, Italian-inspired dish perfect for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Italian sausages
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 hoagie rolls

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Toss peppers and onions with oil. Grill in a basket 15 minutes.
  3. Grill sausages 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. Serve sausages in rolls with peppers and onions.

Pro Tip: Use a grill basket for easy veggie cooking.

13. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Serves: 4

Bright and fresh, this chicken is a light option.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Mix oil, lemon juice, thyme, and garlic. Marinate chicken for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
  3. Grill 5-6 minutes per side (165°F internal).
  4. Serve with grilled veggies.

Pro Tip: Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.

14. Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Serves: 4

These tender ribs are packed with umami flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef short ribs, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, oil, sugar, and garlic. Marinate ribs for 2 hours.
  2. Preheat grill to high (450°F).
  3. Grill 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Serve with kimchi and rice.

Pro Tip: Slice ribs thinly for quick cooking.

15. Grilled Turkey Burgers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Serves: 4

A leaner alternative to beef, these burgers are still juicy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, mayo

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Mix turkey, Worcestershire, and garlic powder. Form into 4 patties.
  3. Grill 5-6 minutes per side (165°F internal).
  4. Serve on buns with toppings.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the turkey to keep it tender.

16. Chipotle-Marinated Skirt Steak

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Serves: 4

Spicy and smoky, this steak is perfect for fajitas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb skirt steak
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix chipotle, lime juice, and oil. Marinate steak for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat grill to high (450°F).
  3. Grill 3-4 minutes per side (135°F for medium-rare).
  4. Slice against the grain.

Pro Tip: Skirt steak cooks fast—don’t overdo it.

17. Grilled BBQ Meatballs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

These smoky meatballs are a fun twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • Wooden skewers, soaked

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
  2. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs and thread onto skewers.
  3. Grill 12-15 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce.
  4. Serve as appetizers or with sides.

Pro Tip: Chill meatballs before grilling to hold their shape.

18. Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Serves: 4

Elegant and flavorful, these chops are a gourmet treat.

Ingredients:

  • 8 lamb chops
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Mix oil, garlic, and rosemary. Rub over chops.
  2. Preheat grill to high (450°F).
  3. Grill 3-4 minutes per side (135°F for medium-rare).
  4. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Trim excess fat to avoid flare-ups.

19. Grilled Bison Steaks

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Lean and hearty, bison is a unique addition to your cookout.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bison steaks (6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to high (450°F).
  2. Rub steaks with oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill 4-5 minutes per side (135°F for medium-rare).
  4. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Bison is leaner than beef, so don’t overcook.

20. Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Serves: 4

These spicy shrimp skewers are quick and irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • Wooden skewers, soaked

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
  2. Toss shrimp with oil and Cajun seasoning. Thread onto skewers.
  3. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.
  4. Serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skewers for even cooking.

Final Tips for a Stellar Cookout

  • Prep Ahead: Marinate meats the night before to save time.
  • Control the Heat: Use a two-zone grill setup for better control (hot for searing, cooler for slow cooking).
  • Rest Meats: Let grilled meats rest to lock in juices.
  • Safety First: Keep raw and cooked meats separate to avoid cross-contamination.

With these 20 recipes, your cookout is guaranteed to be a hit. From beef to shrimp, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, fire up that grill and let the good times roll!

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