Grill like a pro this fall with tips from Albertsons

As the weather cools and football season kicks off, it’s a great time to fire up the grill and enjoy your favorite outdoor meals.

Whether you’ve barbecued before or are starting out, here are a few ideas for how you can grill like a pro this fall.

Make a mean main dish

At the heart of being a grill pro is the ability to make a main dish that satisfies all appetites. Because burgers are a well-loved barbecue option, you can learn how to grill patties of every variety, from beef to black bean to Impossible Foods.

The key is to practice, and then ask for feedback. Find a good recipe and follow it to a T before making adjustments to personalize it. Look up cooking times and heat recommendations to ensure you’re following all safety guidelines as well as sealing in the best flavor.

And don’t forget the toppings: lettuce, onions, tomato, mustard, and cheese, plus any extras you or your family will enjoy.

For another grilling option, check out this recipe for a simple Montreal peppered steak. After making the marinade, let your steak sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, grill it on each side for 6 to 8 minutes, and you’re ready to eat.

Help your vegetables shine

Vegetables sometimes get a reputation for being blah but, as with every other food, it’s all about seasoning and cooking methods. That’s why mastering how to grill veggies will solidify your place as a pro. Grilled Brussels sprouts, peppers, onions, zucchini, and a host of other veggies will add depth to your meal that will keep people coming back for more.

And veggies don’t have to just be a side — they can be the stars of the meal. For example, grilled sriracha cauliflower steaks are satisfying and easier to make than you may think. Simply order the five ingredients, cut the cauliflower into steaks, brush and top with the seasonings, and grill. Your meal will not only be delicious but also beautiful.

You can also grill vegetables as a topper to a main dish. For example, offering both raw onions and grilled onions as toppings for any type of burger is a fun way to mix flavors.

Add fruit to the mix

Fruit may not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing a grilling menu, but it can brighten up a spread, delight tastebuds, and impress your family.

For a particularly striking dish, try grilled watermelon.

“This super simple recipe will only take a few minutes and will taste just like sweet, sweet summertime,” Albertsons says. “Just brush the sliced watermelon with coconut oil, grill, sprinkle with salt and done!

For more impressive additions to your meal, try grilling cantaloupe, pineapple, and limes. Once you get the hang of it, explore the produce section and grill up anything that looks tasty.

Simplify shopping

If wandering the grocery store is enough to stop you from creating a delicious meal, take advantage of Albertsons’ DriveUp & Go pickup and delivery services. Order online, and then swing by to pick up or have the food delivered to you.

While you’re at it, celebrate football season kicking off by entering to win $10,000 cash, a home theater package, a flyaway trip to the Big Game, groceries for a year, an Arizona Cardinals away game trip, or a pair of Cardinals season tickets. The sweepstake runs Aug. 25 to Nov. 23 at participating Albertsons locations, where you simply need to spend $15 on participating products to receive a prize code you’ll enter online. You can also enter “LINEBACKER” for a free entry! Learn more at ScoreGreatDeals.com.