15+ Of the Best Cheap Mexican Dinner Ideas

Cheap Mexican dinner ideas are a great way to enjoy delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine without breaking the bank. Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and rich textures. One of the best ways to enjoy it is by making some budget-friendly Mexican recipes.

One popular and inexpensive dish is tacos. They can be made with a variety of meats, such as ground beef, chicken, or pork, and are usually topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and salsa. A great way to make it more budget-friendly is to just use one type of meat, for instance, ground beef.

It's no wonder that it has become a beloved cuisine worldwide. However, when it comes to putting together a Mexican dinner at home, many people hesitate due to the perceived cost of ingredients. 

While some ingredients, such as chiles and cilantro, may be more expensive than others, there are many ways to enjoy a flavorful meal without breaking the bank.

But fear not because, with a little creativity, you can make delicious and authentic Mexican dishes on a tight budget.

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to make a Mexican dinner is to stick with traditional recipes that don't require many ingredients.

You have come to the right place if you're looking for some inspiration for cheap Mexican dinner ideas. From classic favorites like tacos and enchiladas to lesser-known gems like posole and chilaquiles, there is no shortage of delicious and budget-friendly options.

Furthermore, getting creative with your toppings and fillings can help stretch your ingredients even further. For example, instead of using expensive cuts of steak for your fajitas, try marinating cheaper cuts like flank or skirt steak to achieve the same juicy and flavorful results.

Let’s explore some of the best cheap Mexican dinner ideas that you can make at home. These meals are perfect for feeding a family on a budget or simply enjoying a delicious and affordable Mexican feast with friends.

So grab your apron and get ready to wow your taste buds with these mouth-watering Mexican dishes!

What are the cheap Mexican dinner ideas?

Here is a list of cheap Mexican dinner ideas that you can try at home:

Black Bean and Rice Burritos

Black Bean and Rice Burritos are a great option for a cheap Mexican dinner idea. Beans and rice are both budget-friendly staples, making this dish economical. Additionally, it's an excellent vegetarian option packed with plant-based protein and fiber. 

The burrito is easy to customize with your favorite toppings, like salsa, avocado, or cheese. Whip up a batch of these burritos for a delicious and affordable meal that won't break the bank.

Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that won't break the bank. Chicken thighs are an affordable protein source, and the mango salsa adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the heat of the taco seasoning. 

The tacos are versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or sour cream. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that's both budget-friendly and delicious.

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican dish that is both budget-friendly and delicious. It consists of fried eggs served on a tortilla with a tomato-based sauce, beans, and cheese.

This simple yet satisfying dish can be customized to your liking with toppings like avocado, salsa, or jalapenos. This dish is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option as well. Huevos Rancheros is perfect for a quick and easy dinner while still being packed with flavor.

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Vegetarian Enchiladas are a tasty and budget-friendly Mexican dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Instead of meat, these enchiladas are filled with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, making them both nutritious and delicious. 

The enchiladas are topped with a flavorful tomato-based sauce and melted cheese, creating a satisfying and filling meal. They can also be customized with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking for a meatless meal option, Vegetarian Enchiladas are a great choice for a cheap and tasty dinner.

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and budget-friendly Mexican dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The chicken is slow-cooked with spices, vegetables, and broth, creating a delicious and hearty soup.

The soup is then served with crispy tortilla strips and toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream. This easy-to-make dish can feed a crowd and is perfect for leftovers as well. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that won't break the bank.

Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Fajitas are a delicious and budget-friendly Mexican dish perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The shrimp are seasoned with spices, grilled with bell peppers and onions, and served with warm tortillas. 

These fajitas can be customized with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The combination of juicy shrimp and flavorful vegetables creates a mouthwatering meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. Shrimp Fajitas are an excellent choice for a cheap and tasty dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.

Baked Mexican-style Mac and Cheese

Baked Mexican-style Mac and Cheese is a delicious and affordable twist on classic comfort food. This cheesy and flavorful pasta dish is made with Mexican spices and topped with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. 

The dish can be customized with your favorite toppings like jalapenos or diced tomatoes for an extra kick of flavor. Baked Mexican-style Mac and Cheese is perfect for a hearty and satisfying dinner that is both easy to make and budget-friendly.

Easy Veggie Quesadillas

Easy Veggie Quesadillas are a quick and budget-friendly Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables. The tortillas are filled with cheese, beans, and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. 

These vegetarian quesadillas are delicious and nutritious and can be customized with your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole. They are perfect for a busy weeknight meal or even as a quick snack. Easy Veggie Quesadillas are a simple and tasty way to enjoy Mexican flavors without breaking the bank.

Easy Beef Tostadas

Easy Beef Tostadas are a budget-friendly Mexican dish that is both delicious and satisfying. The tostadas are made with crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and topped with lettuce, cheese, and salsa. 

These tostadas can be customized with any toppings you like, such as beans, avocado, or sour cream. They are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Easy Beef Tostadas are a great way to enjoy Mexican flavors without spending a lot of money or time in the kitchen.

Chicken and Mushroom Enchiladas

Chicken and Mushroom Enchiladas are a hearty and affordable Mexican dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The tortillas are filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, mushrooms, cheese, and baked until golden brown. 

These enchiladas can be customized with your favorite toppings like salsa or sour cream, making them a delicious and satisfying meal. Chicken and Mushroom Enchiladas are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for a busy weeknight meal. They are a non expensive way to enjoy classic Mexican flavors at home.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and affordable Mexican dish perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Made with black beans, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. This soup is both healthy and delicious. 

This soup can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream or cilantro, making it even more flavorful. Spicy Black Bean Soup is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick and satisfying meal. The spiciness keeps this dish as authentic you can get to Mexican cuisine.

Pork Carnitas Tacos

Pork Carnitas Tacos are a delicious and affordable Mexican dish perfect for a casual dinner at home. The tacos are made with tender and juicy pork that has been slow-cooked with a blend of spices, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. 

The tacos are topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Pork Carnitas Tacos are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like guacamole or salsa. This dish is a very budget-friendly way to enjoy bold and authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers

Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers are a healthy and affordable Mexican dish that is perfect for a meatless dinner. The bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The peppers can be customized with your favorite toppings like salsa or avocado, adding even more flavor. 

Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is full of Mexican cuisine's vibrant and bold flavors.

Mexican-style Stuffed Shells

Mexican-style Stuffed Shells are a cheap and friendly twist on traditional stuffed shells. The jumbo pasta shells are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheese, all seasoned with classic Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. 

These stuffed shells can be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro for a burst of freshness. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Mexican-style Stuffed Shells are a great way to enjoy the rich and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili is a hearty, comforting, and affordable Mexican dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, this chili is rich in flavor and protein. 

The chili can be customized with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream, adding even more flavor. Beef and Bean Chili is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick and satisfying meal.

Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas

Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas are a delicious and affordable Mexican dish perfect for a quick and easy dinner at home. Made with shredded chicken, black beans, and melted cheese, these quesadillas are packed with flavor and protein. They can be customized with your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole for added flavor. 

Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas are easy to make and can be prepared in minutes, making them a great option for a busy weeknight. They are full of delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine in a new and exciting way.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is a delicious and affordable Mexican dish that is perfect for a seafood dinner at home. Made with succulent grilled shrimp, homemade creamy slaw, and wrapped in warm tortillas, these tacos are packed with flavor and nutrition. 

They can be customized with your favorite toppings like cilantro or hot sauce for added spice. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw are easy to make and can be prepared in minutes, making them a great option for a busy weeknight.

Refried Bean and Cheese Tacos

Refried Bean and Cheese Tacos are a simple and affordable Mexican dish perfect for a quick and easy dinner at home. Made with warm tortillas filled with refried beans and melted cheese, these tacos are packed with protein and flavor. They can be customized with your favorite toppings like hot sauce or diced tomatoes for added texture and nutrition. 

Refried Bean and Cheese Tacos are easy to make and can be prepared in minutes. You can't get more authentic to Mexican cuisine then these delicious and tasty tacos and still stay within your budget.

Beef and Cheese Nachos

Beef and Cheese Nachos are a tasty and affordable Mexican dish that is perfect for a game night or movie night at home. Made with crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, these nachos are packed with flavor and protein. They can be customized with your favorite toppings like jalapenos or sour cream for added flavor and texture. 

Beef and Cheese Nachos are easy to make and can be prepared in minutes, making them a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

These cheap Mexican dinner ideas are sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and delicious flavors while sticking to your budget. Enjoy!