With the rising cost of living, aren’t we all in need of some budget friendly recipes? With humble, fresh ingredients lots of Mexican dishes can be surprisingly easy on your wallet.  Everything from recipes with fewer ingredients, to leftovers recipes and vegetarian meals on a budget, we’re here to help! It’s time to Be Clever, Shop Smart and Waste Less.

Mexican Meals on a Budget

GRAN LUCHITO MEXICAN’S BEST

Mexican Meals
on a Budget

We’ve collected together the best budget-friendly Mexican meals to help you stick to your budget. In terms of money saving tips, the ingredients are pretty basic, and you may already have them in your cupboard and fridge. See below for our top 3 favourite meals to ease the cost of living. Every little helps!

Jump to all our Mexican Meals on a Budget.

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Batch Cook and Freeze!

Batch cooking is the way forward when you’re thinking about a money saving challenge. Buying food in bulk can really help because you’re taking advantage of deals and discounts so it’s much cheaper than buying small amounts often. Therefore, some planning ahead is needed!

Also if you don’t have time to cook every day, batch cooking is a great way to make sure you have healthy meals ready when you need them. The idea is to cook up a large batch of soup, stew, or enchiladas and then freeze up portions to defrost and eat a couple of weeks down the line. If you do this weekly, there will always be a stash of home cooked meals in the freezer for the week ahead.

Leftovers Recipes

Leftovers can be amazing, and we’re all for it! Sometimes dishes taste even better the next day anyway, so don’t waste any food and keep it in the fridge to have the next day for quick lunches.

Our favourite leftovers recipes have to be our Mexican Omelette, Fajita Bowl and Tortilla Wrap Hack Luchito Style. The beauty of these is that they are customisable as to what you might have leftover in your fridge.

The best Gran Luchito products used for leftovers are definitely Burrito Wraps or Soft Taco Wraps, Refried Beans or Cantina Beans, Chipotle Salsa and Chipotle Paste. So always having a good stash of these in the cupboard means that anything you cooked up can quickly be made into a meal the following day.

Vegetarian Recipes on a Budget

Going vegetarian for a while is certainly one way to help you stay within your budget. Meat is expensive, and protein substitutes such as beans, mushrooms, halloumi and jackfruit as well as endless veggie options can be great replacements.

Just remember to not always shop organic or at Wholefoods! Consider growing your own herbs, and a good rule of thumb to remember when going vegetarian and keep things interesting is ‘a grain, a green and a bean’!

Check out our recipes for Mushroom Fajitas, Vegetarian Quesadilla, Refried Bean Burrito, Sweet Potato Quesadilla, Black Bean Burrito, Vegan Burrito, Vegetarian Enchiladas, and Mexican Molletes with Refried Beans.

Money Saving

Mexican Meals
on a Budget

Here are all of the recipes that we’d recommend making when you are on a tight budget. Feel free to substitute the ingredients for anything similar you might have instead, for those recipes that might be more versatile, like tacos! Scrambled Eggs, Cheese Quesadilla and Refried Bean Burrito probably have the least ingredients, and will certainly help save those pennies.

Frijoles

Frijoles Recipe

Our recipe for authentic refried black beans with chipotle, perfect as a Mexican side, a delicious layer in a burrito, wrapped up in warm tortillas or as a dip.... See full recipe

Chicken Tacos finished dish

Chicken Tacos

With flavourful grilled chicken, not only is this a healthy taco, but the authentic pico de gallo and homemade guacamole toppings make it taste super fresh. ... See full recipe

Mexican recipe - Chicken Quesadilla recipe

Chicken Quesadilla

Chicken Quesadilla recipe with a homemade Chipotle Mayo using Gran Luchito Chipotle Pasteis unbelievably moreish. Shredded roast chicken, melted cheese, Soft Taco Wraps with fresh Pico de Gallo and guacamole.... See full recipe

Mexican food with Easy Chicken Enchiladas, Quick & Easy Mexican

Green Chicken Enchiladas

With our Tomatillo Enchilada Sauce we make it easy for you to make a delicious and savoury, ooey, gooey Chicken Enchilada recipe. This is a good one to make midweek!... See full recipe

Black Beans and Rice

Black Beans and Rice

Black beans and rice is a combination very popular in Latin American. It has to be one of the best side dishes that you can serve, as it goes with a big variety of main meals.... See full recipe

Lime and Coriander Rice

Lime and Coriander Rice

Lime and coriander make an appearance in most Mexican dishes, as garnish in soups, stews and every taco going! Our Lime and Coriander Rice is therefore the perfect side dish.... See full recipe

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas

Saucy, melty and totally delicious Beef Enchiladas. A practical recipe after a busy day, this uses minced beef with onions and our Chipotle Enchilada Sauce.... See full recipe

Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo

Fluffy Mexican style rice with lightly fried veg and delicious crispy chicken pieces cooked on top. This is the perfect one-pot meal that you can prepare for your family!... See full recipe

Mexican food with Vegetarian Enchiladas, Mexican recipes

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Hearty veggies, black Cantina Beans and red Chipotle Enchilada Sauce are a delicious filling in this Veggie Enchilada recipe that is suitable for vegans too.... See full recipe

Sincronizada finished dish

Sincronizada

Sincronizada, a beloved Mexican delicacy, is a culinary masterpiece that combines the simplicity of a quesadilla with the irresistible flavours of ham and cheese. Two flour tortillas envelop a generous filling of savory ham and gooey melted cheese, creating a symphony of taste and texture. ... See full recipe

fideo soup finished dish

Fideo Soup

Fideo soup is a traditional Mexican dish known for its comforting and flavourful qualities. It typically consists of toasted noodles (called fideo) cooked in a tomato-based broth along with various vegetables and seasonings. ... See full recipe

Calabacitas finished dish

Calabacitas

Calabacitas is a mouthwatering Mexican dish that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Mexico. This savoury side dish features tender sweet corn, and often other vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, sautéed with fragrant garlic and onions. ... See full recipe

Vegan Pozole finished dish

Vegan Pozole

Vegan pozole is a traditional Mexican soup crafted without animal products, replacing pork with ingredients like hominy, vegetables, and flavourful spices. It offers a rich, hearty taste, complemented by the essence of herbs and chilli peppers.... See full recipe

Chicken Tinga Tacos

Chicken Tinga Tacos

Authentic Puéblan Chicken Tinga in minutes! Use our Tinga Taco Simmer Sauce to create this classic taco dish at home for the family in no time. Tasty, hearty and delicious.... See full recipe

Double Decker Taco finished dish

Double Decker Tacos

Double Decker Tacos are unique in that they feature not one, but two tortillas stacked together to create a double layer. The bottom tortilla is a soft flour tortilla, while the top tortilla, acting as a shell, is a hard corn tortilla.... See full recipe

Mexican Lentil Soup finsihed dish

Mexican Lentil Soup

Mexican Lentil Soup is comforting soup that can be enjoyed in various ways, from a vegetarian or vegan version to one with added meats like diced ham or chorizo. Pairs perfectly with tortillas or crusty bread and offers a wholesome and nutritious dining experience.... See full recipe

turkey mince tacos finished dish

Turkey Mince Tacos

Experience a delightful twist with pan-fried chipotle turkey mince combined with sliced avocado, spring onions, and chipotle salsa. If you haven't tasted turkey mince before, it offers a refreshing alternative and boasts numerous health benefits!... See full recipe

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican Black Beans

Flavourful and brothy black beans garnished simply with finely chopped onion, tomatoes, chillies and/or coriander, a delicious and easy side dish!... See full recipe

Mexican Chipotle Rice

Mexican Rice With Chipotle

Authentic, restaurant style Mexican rice is easier than you think to make at home and goes with just about any Mexican meal, ours has a delicious dollop of Chipotle... See full recipe

Chilaquiles, Mexican Breakfast

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles mainly consist of Tortilla Chips smothered in a green or red sauce, served here with fried eggs, melted cheese on top and a drizzle of crema.... See full recipe

Vegan Burrito

Vegan Burrito

Our Vegan Burrito with roasted chipotle potatoes, black Cantina Beans and magical Chipotle Paste results in a delicious and substantial filling to stuff your burritos with.... See full recipe

Pollo Asado Finished dish Recipe

Pollo Asado

This Pollo Asado recipe for Mexican Grilled Chicken has an irresistible, flavourful, citrusy, chipotle flavour marinade. Talk about finger licking good -you have to try!... See full recipe

Black Bean Burrito

Black Bean Burrito

Quick to prepare and healthy, packed with fresh veggies, beans, rice and salsa, this black bean burrito is the perfect working from home lunch to power you through your day... See full recipe

Mexican Green Beans

Mexican Green Beans

Sauté your green beans in a bit of olive oil and some of our Crunchy Salsa Macha for a deliciously spicy side dish, with a lovely light crunch from the ground peanuts.... See full recipe

Mexican Scrambled Eggs finished dish

Mexican Scrambled Eggs

This Mexican scrambled eggs recipe is all about bringing together good quality fresh ingredients including onion, chilli and tomatoes with perfectly cooked eggs.... See full recipe

Cowboy Beans

Cowboy Beans

Mexican Cowboy Beans, or "Frijoles Charros", are an epic Mexican side dish with black beans, smoky chipotle, bacon, chorizo and onion - delicious!... See full recipe

Beef Tacos, Taco Recipes

Beef Tacos

Beef Tacos are a great introduction to making tacos at home. They're easy to make, a crowd pleaser, and a perfect way to use the packet of mince on your weekly shop! ... See full recipe

Sweet Potato Quesadilla

Sweet Potato Quesadilla

Our delicious toasty, melty Sweet Potato Quesadilla is simply cooked with Chipotle Paste, Cantina Beans and a bit of butter. Dollop in salsa and you have a treat right there! ... See full recipe

Spatchcock Chicken

Spatchcock Chicken

A super tasty spatchcock chicken recipe seasoned with olive oil, our Guajillo Fajita & Taco Mix, and a bit of salt. This spice blend has everything you need for BBQ chicken!... See full recipe

Fajita Bowl

Fajita Bowl

Fajita bowls are perfect easy meals that you can prepare ahead of time and then have everything ready to assemble at lunchtime, or as a quick and healthy dinner for busy days.... See full recipe

Mushroom Fajitas

Mushroom Fajitas

Don't knock till you've tried it! Our Mushroom Fajitas are nothing short of delicious. A fantastic vegetarian substitute packed with flavour using our Red Fajita Simmer Sauce.... See full recipe

Mexican Chicken Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup

There's nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty warm soup during a cold winter's day. Well this is exactly what we had in mind when we created this recipe.... See full recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas, Mexican recipes

Slow Cooker Fajitas

Fancy a fajita recipe that you can make in the slow cooker? This Slow Cooker Fajitas recipe couldn't be easier! Just add everything in with our Red Fajita Simmer Sauce. ... See full recipe

Beef Picadillo

Beef Picadillo

One of the easiest meals to prepare, beef mince is fried with onions and garlic, then cooked with diced vegetables, served with refried beans and Mexican rice on the side. ... See full recipe

Refried Bean Burrito, recipes with refried beans

Refried Bean Burrito

With our Smoky Chipotle Mexican Refried Beans, the humble bean burrito is taken up a notch and packed full of flavour! Add some Serranos with it for a pop of heat!... See full recipe

Mexican food with Vegetarian Quesadilla

Vegetarian Quesadilla

Our Vegetarian Quesadilla recipe is not only meat-free but with Cantina Beans, veggies and Serrano Green Chillies it is delicious and satisfying as well.... See full recipe

Cheese Quesadilla finished dish

Cheese Quesadilla

Quesadillas are super easy to make and in this recipe, the humble Cheese Quesadilla gets taken up an authentic notch with the addition of Sliced Mexican Green Cactus.... See full recipe

Mushroom Quesadilla, Quick & Easy Mexican, Mexican Street Food

Mushroom Quesadilla

A delicious, meat free and crispy yet oozing with cheese quesadilla filled with flavourful and meaty mushrooms. A very easy and quick to make snack or meal.... See full recipe

Mexican Food - Cheese Enchiladas

Cheese Enchiladas

The perfect comfort food, designed to make people happy. Tortillas are filled with cheese, layered in a dish, covered with sauce, more cheese, and baked in the oven until gooey!... See full recipe

Fish Finger Tacos

Fish Finger Tacos

Who doesn't love crispy fish fingers and warm Soft Tacos? This winning combo is guaranteed to make your life easier and your kids very happy. Also, grown ups like them too! ... See full recipe

Mexican Omelette

Mexican Omelette

A deliciously tasty Mexican twist on a classic omelette! We combine eggs with caramelized onions, coriander, grated cheese and some of our hero product Chipotle Paste!... See full recipe

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Gran Luchito Mexican

Mexican Meals on a Budget
FAQs

See below for our frequently asked questions about these Mexican meals on a budget. Ask any questions you like in the comments section of the recipes! To learn more about authentic Mexican cooking check out the Gran Luchito Youtube Channel.

Is mexican food cheap to make?

Mexican food tends to be quite budget-friendly to start with, as many staple ingredients are naturally low in cost. So you can enjoy delicious homemade Mexican food even on a tight budget.

why are mexicans stores cheaper?

Mexican grocery stores have incredibly reasonable prices for all their products. A Mexican brand of hot sauce or peanut butter costs much less than their American counterparts. In addition to cheap meat cuts, you will also find food that is already prepared and packed for you, which is extremely convenient.

How do you eat healthy on a tight budget?

Beans, grains, some fats, milk, and eggs are all very healthy foods that are inexpensive sources of key nutrients. Planning your meals ahead, shopping with a list, buying frozen veggies, cutting costs with coupons, and growing your own herbs and veg are ways to eat healthily on a budget.

How to feed a family of 4 on a budget?

Learn to cook from scratch, go for wholesome, high nutrient ingredients, shop by special deals and not by a meal plan, batch cook and freeze leftovers, minimise snacks and soft drinks, and grow your own food!