13 ways to make taco tuesday cheaper, not takeout

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Why splurge on expensive takeout when you can capture the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine right in your kitchen? These recipes focus on being wallet-friendly, ensuring you get a tasty meal without breaking the bank. Every bite brings you closer to the heart of Mexican traditions, and you can relish the joy of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re hankering for a salsa or a filling main dish, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the pride of whipping up such delights yourself adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every meal.

Air fried tortilla chips stacked on a plate around a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why drop big bucks at a restaurant when you can make crispy and gooey cheese quesadillas at home? An air fryer delivers the crunch without the excess oil, saving both money and calories. You get the deliciousness of dining out without leaving your kitchen or breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Recreate that tangy, slightly spicy corn salsa from Chipotle in your kitchen and save some cash. By making it at home, you can adjust the flavors to your liking while also controlling the ingredients. It’s fresh, affordable, and hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pizza cravings but without the hefty price tag of delivery? With a tortilla as your base, you can whip up a quick pizza that’s both cost-effective and customizable. It’s a twist on the classic that’s both easy on the wallet and the palate.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Air fried tortilla chips stacked on a plate around a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snack smarter and cheaper with homemade tortilla chips from the air fryer. They’re crisp, golden, and free from the added preservatives of store-bought versions. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of the smart choice you made for your wallet and taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ditch the expensive take-out and simmer a pot of these copycat Chipotle black beans at home. They’re hearty, flavorful, and can be the star or side of any meal. Plus, when you DIY, you’re in control of every delicious detail while saving money.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Pico de Gallo

Mexican vegetable salsa with tortilla chips, an international recipe.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You know those pricey little containers of fresh salsa at the restaurant? Make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. With fresh tomatoes, onions, and a hint of lime, you’re set for a vibrant and affordable flavor burst that’s entirely in your hands.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why queue up at Chipotle when you can get that same hearty burrito bowl experience in your kitchen? It’s all about the mix of rice, beans, and toppings of your choice, all without the added expense. It tastes like a treat, feels like a win, and definitely looks like smart spending.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Sopapilla Cheesecake

A piece of cheesecake on a plate next to a bowl.
Sopapilla Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget about waiting for a special occasion to indulge in a restaurant dessert. Whip up this creamy, cinnamon-infused cheesecake at home and enjoy luxury without the hefty price tag. It’s a sweet way to enjoy a classic treat without the restaurant markup.
Get the Recipe: Sopapilla Cheesecake

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone loves a good spicy and cheesy bite now and then. Instead of reaching for the restaurant menu, imagine getting that same flavor punch at home without the premium price. Using an air fryer ensures less oil and more crunch, turning your kitchen into the best kind of savings account – one that delivers mouthwatering results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

That zesty rice side dish you love ordering? It’s surprisingly straightforward to whip up in your own kitchen. By combining fresh cilantro and tangy lime, you achieve a plate of aromatic rice that not only saves you money but also lets you control the quality of ingredients. A tasty, wallet-friendly alternative to eating out.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Air Fryer Mexican Corn

Mexican corn cooked and ready to eat.
Air Fryer Mexican Corn. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No need for a grill to get that signature char on your corn. With an air fryer at your side, you can recreate the smoky, buttery flavor you crave, all without leaving your kitchen. It’s about indulging in what you love while ensuring your savings remain intact.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mexican Corn

Vegan Birria Tacos

A plate of tacos with a sauce on it.
Vegan Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Embracing the rich flavors of birria tacos doesn’t mean giving up on your vegan lifestyle or your savings. With plant-based ingredients, you can recreate the savory depth you love in a taco. It’s about enjoying a compassionate choice that’s both pocket-friendly and bursting with taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Birria Tacos

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed peppers in a bowl with melted cheese on top.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuffed peppers have always been a hearty favorite. But did you know that they’re just as delicious and far more affordable when made at home? By using an air fryer, you get even cooking and a dish that rivals any restaurant’s – all without denting your budget.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

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