BBQ Shopping List for 50 People

For 50 adults the mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages) list comes to 21 items and about $613, starting with 2 × 3 lb + 1 × 1 lb ground beef 80/20. Change any input below and the list updates.

Advanced: sides, vegetarians, appetite, weather
$613 for 50 guests
about $12.25 per guest · 21 items · buying whole packs adds 11% over the exact amounts
ItemNeedBuyEst. cost
Meat
6.25 lb2 × 3 lb + 1 × 1 lb$49.00
7.5 lb3 × 2.5 lb$18.75
7 racks7 × rack$70.00
255 × 5-pack$25.00
Bakery
252 × 16-pack (+28%)$11.20
254 × 8-pack (+28%)$11.20
Dairy
181 × 24-pack (+33%)$4.80
Deli
15 lb5 × 3 lb$37.50
15 lb5 × 3 lb$37.50
Pantry
130 oz10 × 13 oz$40.00
25 oz1 × 32 oz (+28%)$3.84*
13 oz1 × 20 oz (+60%)$2.40*
80 oz5 × 18 oz$28.13
Drinks & ice
505 × 12-pack (+20%)$90.00
384 × 12-pack (+26%)$48.00
372 × 24-pack (+30%)$38.40
75 lb8 × 10 lb$24.00
Supplies & fuel
25 lb2 × 16 lb (+28%)$48.00
652 × 50-pack (+54%)$25.00
2001 × 200-pack—
1002 × 50-pack—

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 50 people

ItemNeedSupermarket packsCostco / Sam's packs
Ground beef 80/206.25 lb2 × 3 lb + 1 × 1 lb2 × 5.6 lb
Chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in7.5 lb3 × 2.5 lb3 × 2.5 lb
Baby back ribs7 racks7 × rack7 × rack
Bratwurst or Italian links255 × 5-pack2 × 14-pack
Hamburger buns252 × 16-pack3 × 12-pack
Hot dog buns254 × 8-pack3 × 12-pack
American cheese slices181 × 24-pack1 × 24-pack
Potato salad15 lb5 × 3 lb5 × 3 lb
Coleslaw15 lb5 × 3 lb5 × 3 lb
Potato chips130 oz10 × 13 oz10 × 13 oz
Ketchup25 oz1 × 32 oz1 × 32 oz
Mustard13 oz1 × 20 oz1 × 20 oz
BBQ sauce80 oz5 × 18 oz5 × 18 oz
Beer505 × 12-pack2 × 30-pack
Soda384 × 12-pack2 × 35-pack
Bottled water372 × 24-pack1 × 40-pack
Ice75 lb8 × 10 lb8 × 10 lb
Charcoal briquettes25 lb2 × 16 lb1 × 40 lb
Paper plates652 × 50-pack1 × 186-pack
Napkins2001 × 200-pack1 × 660-pack
Cups1002 × 50-pack1 × 240-pack

Cost for nearby party sizes

PartyTotalPer guestItems
30 guests$355$11.8321
50 guests$613$12.2521
100 guests$1,164$11.6421

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 50Burgers and hot dogs Pulled Pork list for 50Pulled pork sandwiches Meat for 50 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 50 people?

6.25 lb ground beef 80/20, 7.5 lb chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in, 7 racks baby back ribs, 25 bratwurst or italian links, plus sides, drinks and supplies. The full list above is rounded to store packs.

How much does a bbq for 50 people cost?

About $613, or $12.25 per guest, at our Oct 2026 planning prices. Buying whole packs adds 11% over the exact amounts.

How many drinks for 50 people?

125 drinks for a 3-hour party, plus 75 lb of ice.

Is Costco cheaper for a bbq for 50?

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