BBQ Shopping List for 20 People

For 20 adults the mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages) list comes to 21 items and about $275, starting with 1 × 3 lb ground beef 80/20. Change any input below and the list updates.

Advanced: sides, vegetarians, appetite, weather
$275 for 20 guests
about $13.76 per guest · 21 items · buying whole packs adds 24% over the exact amounts
ItemNeedBuyEst. cost
Meat
2.5 lb1 × 3 lb (+20%)$21.00
3 lb2 × 2.5 lb (+67%)$12.50
3 racks3 × rack$30.00
102 × 5-pack$10.00
Bakery
101 × 16-pack (+60%)$5.60
102 × 8-pack (+60%)$5.60
Dairy
71 × 24-pack (+243%)$4.80
Deli
6 lb2 × 3 lb$15.00
6 lb2 × 3 lb$15.00
Pantry
52 oz4 × 13 oz$16.00
10 oz1 × 32 oz (+220%)$3.84*
5 oz1 × 20 oz (+300%)$2.40*
32 oz2 × 18 oz$11.25
Drinks & ice
202 × 12-pack (+20%)$36.00
152 × 12-pack (+60%)$24.00
151 × 24-pack (+60%)$19.20
30 lb3 × 10 lb$9.00
Supplies & fuel
10 lb1 × 16 lb (+60%)$24.00
261 × 50-pack (+92%)$10.00
801 × 200-pack (+150%)—
401 × 50-pack (+25%)—

Meat, buns, sides, drinks, ice and charcoal are priced at our planning prices (Oct 2026); * marks estimates. Warehouse clubs are usually cheaper per unit, so a club list mainly changes pack sizes.

How much ice → Split it with friends → Will it fit on my grill → When to start cooking →

Supermarket vs Costco packs for 20 people

ItemNeedSupermarket packsCostco / Sam's packs
Ground beef 80/202.5 lb1 × 3 lb1 × 5.6 lb
Chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in3 lb2 × 2.5 lb2 × 2.5 lb
Baby back ribs3 racks3 × rack3 × rack
Bratwurst or Italian links102 × 5-pack1 × 14-pack
Hamburger buns101 × 16-pack1 × 12-pack
Hot dog buns102 × 8-pack1 × 12-pack
American cheese slices71 × 24-pack1 × 24-pack
Potato salad6 lb2 × 3 lb2 × 3 lb
Coleslaw6 lb2 × 3 lb2 × 3 lb
Potato chips52 oz4 × 13 oz4 × 13 oz
Ketchup10 oz1 × 32 oz1 × 32 oz
Mustard5 oz1 × 20 oz1 × 20 oz
BBQ sauce32 oz2 × 18 oz2 × 18 oz
Beer202 × 12-pack1 × 30-pack
Soda152 × 12-pack1 × 35-pack
Bottled water151 × 24-pack1 × 40-pack
Ice30 lb3 × 10 lb3 × 10 lb
Charcoal briquettes10 lb1 × 16 lb1 × 40 lb
Paper plates261 × 50-pack1 × 186-pack
Napkins801 × 200-pack1 × 660-pack
Cups401 × 50-pack1 × 240-pack

Cost for nearby party sizes

PartyTotalPer guestItems
10 guests$175$17.4721
20 guests$275$13.7621
30 guests$355$11.8321

Same portions as our party-size guides, rounded up to store packs. How we calculate every number here, with sources: full method and methodology.

Plan the rest

Burgers & Hot Dogs list for 20Burgers and hot dogs Pulled Pork list for 20Pulled pork sandwiches Meat for 20 peoplePortions by meat Build a custom listAny guest count, kids, Costco

All shopping lists

Menu10 guests20 guests30 guests50 guests100 guests
Mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages)10: $17520: $27530: $35550: $613100: $1,164
Burgers and hot dogs10: $15220: $24330: $33350: $572100: $1,106
Pulled pork sandwiches10: $16920: $25830: $32150: $522100: $962

Useful gear

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links open Amazon search results.

ThermoPro TP-16 meat thermometerprobe thermometerBurgers to 160°F, chicken to 165°F: the one tool every list needs.
See options on Amazon
Kingsford charcoal briquettes 2 packcharcoalCovers the charcoal line on most lists for 20 to 50 guests.
See options on Amazon

FAQ

How much food do I need for a bbq for 20 people?

2.5 lb ground beef 80/20, 3 lb chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in, 3 racks baby back ribs, 10 bratwurst or italian links, plus sides, drinks and supplies. The full list above is rounded to store packs.

How much does a bbq for 20 people cost?

About $275, or $13.76 per guest, at our Oct 2026 planning prices. Buying whole packs adds 24% over the exact amounts.

How many drinks for 20 people?

50 drinks for a 3-hour party, plus 30 lb of ice.

Is Costco cheaper for a bbq for 20?

Usually per unit, yes. The bigger packs also change how much is left over: compare the two pack columns above before you shop.