Craving Mexican but don’t want to splurge on takeout? This slideshow features 33 dishes you can make at home without breaking a sweat—or the bank. From easy classics to Instant Pot shortcuts and air fryer wonders, we’ve got your next meal covered.
Air Fryer Carnitas
Utilizing an air fryer speeds up the process and reduces the need for excessive oil. You can recreate this Mexican favorite at home and save on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas
Blackened Fish Tacos
This recipe uses a simple spice rub and quick cooking technique. You can enjoy restaurant-quality fish tacos at home and keep your wallet happy.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos
Sopa de Camaron
With minimal ingredients and one-pot cooking, this shrimp soup is easy to make. Skip the restaurant and make this comforting dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camaron
Chicken Enchiladas
By using store-bought rotisserie chicken and homemade sauce, you can quickly put together these enchiladas. It’s a way to enjoy a staple Mexican dish without the restaurant markup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Quesabirria Tacos
This taco variant combines birria and cheese and is less complicated than it looks. It’s a cost-effective way to bring gourmet flavors to your home kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos
Guacamole
Made with just a handful of ingredients, this guacamole recipe is straightforward and economical. Forget the extra restaurant charge and make it yourself.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
The Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time for this classic soup. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to dining out.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
The homemade cilantro lime crema elevates the fish tacos. Enjoy a restaurant-style dish without the restaurant-style price tag.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
Enchilada Sauce
Homemade enchilada sauce is less expensive and more flavorful. Make a batch at home and skip the store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce
Corn Tortillas
Making tortillas at home is easier than you might think. Plus, they’re a fraction of the cost of store-bought ones.
Get the Recipe: Corn Tortillas
Elote
This Mexican corn on the cob is simple to prepare. You can save money and bring street food flavors to your home.
Get the Recipe: Elote
Camarones a la Diabla
This spicy shrimp dish can be replicated at home without much fuss. Enjoy bold flavors without a hefty restaurant bill.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla
Instant Pot Black Beans
The Instant Pot makes cooking black beans from scratch a breeze. It’s an economical and tasty alternative to canned beans.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans
Arepas con Queso
These cheesy arepas are straightforward to make. They offer a homemade and cost-effective solution to your Latin food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso
Pickled Jalapenos
Making these at home takes minimal effort and ingredients. They’re a cheaper alternative to store-bought jars.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos
Beef Birria
Although traditional birria takes time, this version is simplified without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy a restaurant-level dish at home on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Instant Pot Refried Beans
Using the Instant Pot for refried beans is both time-saving and economical. Ditch the cans and make it fresh.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans
Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
This combination of shrimp and chorizo is easy to prepare. It provides an affordable alternative to your typical Mexican restaurant fare.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
Air Fryer Enchiladas
The air fryer speeds up the cooking process for these enchiladas. This quick method means you can enjoy this classic dish without ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Using an air fryer makes these taquitos both quicker and healthier. They’re a less costly way to satisfy your Mexican fast-food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Chilaquiles
This is a simple dish that utilizes stale tortillas and homemade sauce. Save money by repurposing leftovers into a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles
Flour Tortillas
Homemade flour tortillas are cost-effective and easy to make. You can say goodbye to the store-bought ones.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortillas
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
This garlic shrimp dish is both affordable and quick to make. Skip the seafood restaurant and enjoy it at home.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Salsa Verde
This green salsa recipe involves a simple blend of ingredients. Make it at home and save on store-bought salsas.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde
Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Another air fryer win, these fish tacos are light and quick to make. It’s a healthier and budget-friendly option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Salpicon de Res
This beef salad is not only nutritious but also easy on the pocket. You can recreate this flavorful Mexican dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res
Mexican Corn Salad
This simple corn salad is a budget-friendly side dish. It’s a great way to enjoy Mexican flavors without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
A simple dish that captures the essence of Mexican street food. Enjoy the flavors without spending on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Michelada
Creating this beer cocktail at home is quick and cost-effective. It’s a cheaper alternative to ordering one at a bar.
Get the Recipe: Michelada
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
The Instant Pot ensures that the rice is cooked to perfection in less time. It’s a simple and budget-friendly way to complement your Mexican meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Spiced Grilled Corn
Grilling corn at home is both easy and economical. It’s a flavorful side that won’t cost you much.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Mexican Quick Pickles
These pickles require just a few basic ingredients. They add zest to your meal without the price tag of gourmet condiments.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Quick Pickles
Frozen Margaritas
Homemade frozen margaritas offer a cost-effective way to enjoy this classic drink. Make it at home and save on those restaurant upcharges.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Margaritas