Burgers & Hot Dogs Shopping List for 20 People

For 20 adults the burgers and hot dogs list comes to 18 items and about $243, starting with 2 × 3 lb ground beef 80/20. Change any input below and the list updates.

Advanced: sides, vegetarians, appetite, weather
$243 for 20 guests
about $12.16 per guest · 18 items · buying whole packs adds 17% over the exact amounts
ItemNeedBuyEst. cost
Meat
6 lb2 × 3 lb$42.00
162 × 8-pack$8.00
Bakery
241 × 16-pack + 1 × 8-pack$8.40
162 × 8-pack$5.60
Dairy
171 × 24-pack (+41%)$4.80
Deli
6 lb2 × 3 lb$15.00
6 lb2 × 3 lb$15.00
Pantry
52 oz4 × 13 oz$16.00
20 oz1 × 32 oz (+60%)$3.84*
10 oz1 × 20 oz (+100%)$2.40*
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%)—

Hot dogs in 8-packs and buns in 8-packs come out even: 2 packs of hot dogs and 2 packs of buns.

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 80/206 lb2 × 3 lb2 × 5.6 lb
Hot dogs162 × 8-pack2 × 8-pack
Hamburger buns241 × 16-pack + 1 × 8-pack2 × 12-pack
Hot dog buns162 × 8-pack2 × 12-pack
American cheese slices171 × 24-pack1 × 24-pack
Potato salad6 lb2 × 3 lb2 × 3 lb
Coleslaw6 lb2 × 3 lb2 × 3 lb
Potato chips52 oz4 × 13 oz4 × 13 oz
Ketchup20 oz1 × 32 oz1 × 32 oz
Mustard10 oz1 × 20 oz1 × 20 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$152$15.1618
20 guests$243$12.1618
30 guests$333$11.1118

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

BBQ list for 20Mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages) 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 burgers & hot dogs for 20 people?

6 lb ground beef 80/20, 16 hot dogs, 24 hamburger buns, 16 hot dog buns, plus sides, drinks and supplies. The full list above is rounded to store packs.

How much does a burgers & hot dogs for 20 people cost?

About $243, or $12.16 per guest, at our Oct 2026 planning prices. Buying whole packs adds 17% 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 burgers & hot dogs 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.