Easy BBQ ideas make grilling meat under the sun something magical and relaxing. From delicious precooked Barbeque to simple sides, you’ll avoid the stress of cooking a feast.
That’s why at Goode Co. Shop, we focus on easy BBQ ideas that make it simple and stress-free.
Follow our tips in this guide and you won’t be making any last-minute trips to the store or wondering how everyone else does it better. Instead, you’ll actually enjoy the process and spend quality time with your friends and family.
Choosing the Right Meats for Small Cookouts
Make It Simple, With Texas BBQ
First, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got enough meat and the right meat. It’s always better to have more than not enough. There’s nothing wrong with reheating leftovers tomorrow, right?
Then, you can make your life easier with smoked mesquite brisket. Taking this option means you can relax knowing you’ve got enough meat that will cook like a dream on the grill.
Brisket and Ribs
If you’re unsure of what to go for, then take our advice - brisket and ribs. These meats are easy to grill and are staples of a Texan barbeque.
Our Slow Smoked BBQ Ribs , for example, has been hand-seasoned with Goode Co. Shop’s Signature Rubs and is already tender. It’s very ready to throw on the grill and enjoy in no time.
But the King of Texan barbeque is ‘The Davy Crockett’. This features the best of USDA beef and pork and goes directly from our pits to your door to feed 18 to 20 people. There’s nothing like it.
You don’t need to worry about any prep. It’s easy!
Or, Go All In
If you want to go all out, we’ve also got a mix of sausage, brisket, ribs, sauce, Cheese Bread, and Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie in our ‘The Pride of Sam Houston’ pack that will give you plenty of leftovers.
We’ve also got packs of Mesquite Turkey Breast (for 5-7 servings) and a Sausage Sampler pack, featuring Czech and Jalapeño Pork Sausage, homemade Jalapeño Cheese Bread, and our Original BBQ sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing and Easy BBQ Side Dish Ideas
Every barbeque needs sides. Thankfully, most classic BBQ barbeque sides for small gatherings require minimal prep. Here’s our top 5:
Potato Salad
Potato Salad is very easy to make and very hard to screw up. You just need potatoes, mustard, mayo, a hard-boiled egg, salt, and pepper. You could mix it up further with paprika, celery, and chopped pickles - but just make sure your family is into that kind of thing first.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw might not always go down well with kids, but adults always love it and it’s again very easy to make. Most people whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; before adding their cabbage, carrot, green onions, and even radishes.
Baked Beans
Beans, either refried or baked, are always a hit at a Texan BBQ at home. If you’ve got a slow cooker, you can easily prepare a delicious recipe the night before.
Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t like Mac and Cheese? Making it is simple enough, with elbow pasta combined with whole milk, corn starch, shredded cheese, and butter. Preparation can be done the night before too.
Roasted Greens
Through some greens, with some Mexican Rotel tomatoes, olive oil, and seasoning in a grill basket or the oven, leave them until they are crisp-tender with some golden. Some people love them all vinegary too!
Sauces and Rubs from Goode Co. Shop
You can give everyone the chance to customize their dishes slightly, with a selection of sauces and rubs spread around the table. Goode Co. Shop’s online store is stocked with a selection of our Goode’s Original BBQ sauce, Heavy Garlic BBQ sauce, Jalapeño Garlic BBQ sauce, and spice box.
Easy and Quick BBQ Meal Ideas for Small Groups
Here are some other popular easy BBQ ideas:
DIY BBQ Sliders
BBQ sliders are a great way to get people involved in the food prep themselves - so less effort for you! You just need to prepare some plates with meat (like shredded turkey breast or brisket), some bowls with sauces, pickles, or peppers, and a plate of cheddar cheese.
One Pan Grilled Fajita
We’re about more than just BBQ sauce in the South though. So, if you want something a bit more fiery, then why not go for a one-pan grilled fajita? You can grill chicken breast with our Goode Co. Shop’s Poultry Spice Rub in a pan with sliced bell peppers, and onions.
Smoked Sausage and Cheese Platter
Smoked sausages and cheese platters are effortless appetizers and ones that your guests can share while chatting away or playing games.
You’ll need a grilled sausage, but don’t forget the Southern fixings like dill pickle spears, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and green peppers. And your favorite cheese!
Pro Tips to Make Your Small BBQ Easier
Time-Saving Grilling Tips for Beginners
- You’ll save so much time with pre-cooked meat that’s already been rubbed and made tender!
- If you’ve got space on the grill, cook your main dishes and side dishes together. Try roasting the beans in a grill basket next to your brisket.
- Ask others to help out! People tend to enjoy getting involved at barbeques.
- Use bread to identify the hot spots on your grill. Simply place some slices down and you’ll see which areas burn fastest.
How to Manage Portions
- Goode Co. Shop Texas BBQ items have a predetermined number of portions.
- Put dishes in bowls that guests can serve themselves.
- Use sauce to label the buns (with initials) as you go.
- Get a pecan pie or box of praline delights to make dessert serving easy and authentically Texan.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
The final step to minimizing stress at a barbeque is to set up chill vibes, starting with:
- Mood lighting, like LED fairy lights.
- Display some fresh flowers.
- Ensure there are enough comfy seats, so someone is forced to sit on a log.
- Get the table prepared in advance, with plenty of bowls, plates, utensils, and a themed tablecloth.
- Bring some board games (but not Monopoly, because that is never cozy!)
Order Pre-Cooked Meat Bundles from Goode Co. Shop for an Easy BBQ
If you’re looking for an easy and stress-free small barbeque, then you can rely on Goode Co. Shop’s selection of ready-to-ship meat bundles.
Perfect for small groups, our briskets, ribs, sausages, and turkey breasts have been rubbed and smoked, so all you need to do is to throw them on the grill.
All our ingredients are sourced locally in Texas and are freshly vacuum-sealed to preserve their distinct mesquite flavor.
Ordering is simple via our online store and shipping is the next business day, Monday to Wednesday.