Getting started with grilling can feel like a big deal, especially if you’ve never used a grill before. Between choosing the right equipment, handling fire, and deciding what to cook, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But backyard BBQ doesn’t have to be complicated. It should be fun, relaxing, and approachable for anyone, even beginners.
This guide, as part of our BBQ tips, helps cut through the noise and gets you straight to the basics. You don’t need fancy gear, expensive meats, or expert-level skills to pull off a great BBQ. With a few essentials and a simple plan, you’ll be flipping burgers and grilling chicken confidently. Whether you’re cooking solo or hosting a small group, these tips will keep things stress-free and enjoyable.
Choose Easy-to-Cook Foods to Start
When you’re new to grilling, it’s tempting to go big right away, thick steaks, salmon filets, or complex recipes that look great on Instagram. But these foods require sharp timing and heat control, and even small mistakes can lead to dry, undercooked, or overdone results.
Instead, start with simple, forgiving options that help you get a feel for grilling without the stress. Burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken thighs, and veggie skewers are great for beginners. They cook evenly, need minimal prep, and don’t punish small errors. Chicken drumsticks are also a solid choice; they stay juicy even with a little extra time on the grill. Pair those with easy sides like corn on the cob or sliced zucchini tossed in oil and seasoning, and you’ve got yourself a stress-free meal.
After a few rounds of successful grilling, you’ll probably start wanting more variety—something a little more colorful, a little more flavorful. Maybe you’re ready to grill meat and vegetables together, or try a dish that lets you practice timing multiple ingredients without overcomplicating things. Feeling like fajitas? Find a recipe on how to make grilled steak fajitas. That’s the ideal next step. You’re still using basic grilling skills, slicing steak, prepping peppers and onions, but now you’re combining ingredients and managing timing across different textures. It’s still beginner-friendly, but it feels like a step forward. And best of all, the results are crowd-pleasing and packed with flavor.
Watch this video for some inspiration:
Keep the Seasoning Simple
When you’re new to grilling, it’s easy to get caught up in seasoning blends, marinades, and sauces. But the truth is, you don’t need anything fancy to make grilled food taste great. Some of the best grilled meals are seasoned with just a few basics.
Start with salt, pepper, and a bit of oil. That’s really all you need for most meats and veggies. A sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika can add a nice touch if you want a little extra flavor. If you’re cooking chicken, a dash of Italian seasoning or lemon pepper works well too.
The goal is not to overthink it. Let the grill do most of the work. Grilling naturally brings out the flavor in food, so you don’t have to load everything with spices. As you get more comfortable, you can try out different rubs or marinades. There’s no pressure to use them right away.
Store-bought rubs can also be helpful if you want to try something quick without mixing your own. Just check the label to make sure it’s not loaded with sugar or too much salt.
Watch this video for some ideas:
Learn the Basics of Heat Zones
One of the most important grilling skills to learn early on is how to manage heat. Even if your grill only has one burner or one area for charcoal, you can still create different heat zones.
A heat zone is basically how hot one part of your grill is compared to another. Most people use two zones, one hot side for direct heat and one cooler side for indirect heat. This setup lets you move food around depending on how fast it’s cooking.
For example, if your burgers are getting too dark on the outside but aren’t cooked inside, you can move them to the cooler side to finish slowly. If you’re grilling chicken or thicker cuts of meat, start them on the cooler side and finish on the hot side to crisp up the outside.
To make this work on a gas grill, just turn one burner to high and keep the other on low or off. For charcoal grills, arrange the coals to one side, creating a hot zone, while leaving the other side without coals for a cooler zone. Mastering this kind of heat control early on gives you more options. It also helps you cook food more evenly, even if you’re just starting out.
Watch this video to learn some more tips:
Safety and Cleanup Are Part of the Game
Grilling should be fun, but safety matters too. Before you start cooking, take a minute to set things up the right way.
If you’re using a gas grill, always check the propane tank and make sure all connections are tight. For charcoal, make sure the grill is stable and placed away from anything flammable. Never leave a hot grill unattended.
Keep a spray bottle of water nearby for flare-ups, especially if you’re cooking something fatty like sausages. If flames get too high, a quick spritz can help calm things down.
Food safety also matters. Don’t use the same plate or tongs for raw and cooked meat unless you’ve cleaned them first. And if you’ve marinated meat, don’t use that same liquid as a sauce unless it’s been boiled to kill bacteria.
Once you’re done cooking, let the grill cool a bit, then use a brush to clean off the grates. If you line the grill with foil before cooking, cleanup gets even easier.
Keep the Vibes Relaxed
One of the best things about grilling is the laid-back feeling that comes with it. Don’t let pressure ruin it. If you’re new to this, keep things simple and don’t invite too many people over right away.
Stick to one or two main items like burgers and hot dogs. Add a couple of easy sides like chips, grilled corn, or a salad. That’s enough to make a great meal without stressing yourself out.
Grilling might seem complicated at first, but once you get past those early nerves, it’s actually pretty easy to enjoy. You don’t need a lot of gear, and you don’t need to be a pro. With a simple grill, a few basic tools, and some easy recipes, you’ll be well on your way to mastering backyard BBQ.
Start with foods that are hard to mess up, keep your seasoning simple, and learn how to manage your heat zones. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect—grilling is all about learning by doing.
Haley is a passionate writer and food lover living in NYC. She can’t say no to a good meal, and will always tip for good service.
