5 Money-Saving Tips For Father's Day Grilling

Here are savings expert Jeanette Pavini's money-saving tips for Father's Day grilling.

Very little beef meets the requirements to be labeled Prime, which is the highest grade available. The next rung down on the beef ladder is Choice grade, and below that is Select. You can still get a tasty meal with Select grade — because it has less marbling, it is leaner, but that also means it may not be as tender and juicy. Choose a tender cut like a sirloin, which is usually very moderately priced. You will save about $1 per pound getting Select as opposed to Choice. 

Savings are usually substantial when you buy the family-size ground beef. If you're serving a larger crowd, bigger portion sizes are ideal! Even if you realize you've purchased too much meat for your family, you can divide the meat up into equal portions and freeze what you don't use to keep for a later date.

Most people automatically reach for the boneless, skinless chicken breast; however, it is typically the most expensive cut of chicken. Try the thigh! You can even buy thighs with the bone in and slow cook them to make a shredded teriyaki chicken for a burger. Bone-in thighs offer some of the best flavor.

Hamburgers and hot dogs aren't the only budget-friendly alternative to steaks — try grilling with a theme in mind! Go Greek with skewers of meat, pans of roasted potatoes, and a Greek salad. Or, try Mexican: Stuff tortillas with grilled meat and salsa and then prepare homemade beans for pennies a serving.

Sangria is a great drink to accompany a Father's Day barbecue! You can make it ahead of time, and a little goes a long way. Buy whatever fruit is on sale — pineapples, oranges and berries work well. Combine it with wine; a bargain bottle is OK for this recipe. Add carbonated water and a sweetener like orange juice. Chill overnight and you're ready to go.