4 Best Store-Bought Meats for Tailgate Grilling, According to Butchers
There’s nothing quite like tailgating—it turns a game or an event into something bigger, and even if you’re not the biggest sports fan, it’s a fun, communal time to be social and enjoy good food. For most, tailgating is all about keeping things easy without skimping on the food. The best meats for the grill can feed a crowd, hold up well over high heat, and require minimal fuss once the game-day festivities get underway. To find the best store-bought options, Eat This, Not That! asked Ray Rastelli Jr., butcher and the president and co-founder of Rastelli Foods Group, for his favorite picks.
Wagyu Burgers
When burgers are on the menu, a higher-quality patty can turn a familiar tailgate staple into something that feels a little more special. Wagyu burgers are an easy upgrade that still keep the casual, hands-on appeal of a classic grilled burger. “Nothing says tailgating quite like burgers, and if you really want to level up your tailgate, I’d recommend a premium Wagyu burger,” says Rastelli Jr. “Wagyu delivers exceptional marbling, which means a richer, juicier burger with incredible flavor every time it comes off the grill.” He explains, “The best part is you get that steakhouse-quality eating experience with the convenience of a burger that’s quick to cook and easy to serve. Set out plenty of toppings and let everyone build their own—that’s what tailgating is all about.”
Fresh Sausage
For a tailgate spread that doesn’t require much assembly, sausage is hard to beat. It can go straight from the package to the grill and pairs naturally with simple toppings and toasted rolls, making it an easy option for serving several hungry guests. “Fresh sausage is one of my favorite tailgate meats because it’s packed with flavor and made for feeding a crowd,” Rastelli Jr. shares. “Whether you choose sweet Italian, hot Italian, or smoked sausage, it’s easy to grill and very forgiving to cook.” He adds, “Serve it on rolls with grilled onions and peppers, and you’ve got a hearty meal that requires very little prep but delivers big flavor.”
Marinated Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs bring plenty of flavor to the grill while offering a little more cooking flexibility than leaner cuts. Choosing a store-bought marinated version can make them especially convenient when you’re trying to minimize prep before kickoff. According to Rastelli Jr., “Chicken thighs are one of the smartest choices for tailgating because they’re naturally juicy, packed with flavor, and much more forgiving on the grill than lean chicken breasts. If you want to make game day even easier, there are prepacked marinated chicken products that take the prep work out of the equation.” He explains, “They’re already perfectly seasoned, cook quickly on the grill, and let you spend more time with your guests instead of worrying about the food. It’s a simple way to serve a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal without sacrificing quality.”
Steak Tips
You don’t need to fire up the grill with expensive steaks to give tailgate guests a satisfying beef option. Steak tips offer a bite-sized format that’s well suited to grilling and serving a group, whether they’re tucked into rolls or enjoyed straight from the grill. Rastelli Jr. says, “Steak tips are a tailgate favorite because they cook quickly, are easy to portion, and deliver big steakhouse flavor without the price of premium steaks.” He shares, “Marinate them the night before, throw them on the grill, and you’ve got an easy crowd-pleasing option.”