Budget-Friendly Tacos

Taco Tuesday is a fixture in many homes. Really, though, these scrumptious handhelds deserve more than just one day! We’re serving up some great budget-friendly ideas that will also spice up your taco routine.

Tacos 101

Basically, you need four things for a great taco: filling, something to put the filling in, cheese, and one or more toppings. With varieties within each of these, you can see how versatile this meal choice can be. Let’s break down each.

The filling can be taco-seasoned vegetables, protein, or a combination of both. That something you’ll be putting the filling in can be a hard or soft taco shell made from corn or flour. Super healthy alternative: lettuce! As for cheese, well, lots of choices here. Cheddar is probably the most popular, but depending on your filling, you might want to venture out of your comfort zone. TheKitchn.com takes the guess work out of the best filling/cheese combos. For example, they suggest Swiss with pulled chicken, roasted tomatillos, and radishes.

Last and certainly not least – toppings! This is where the fun starts, especially if you’re entertaining. Why not make a taco toppings bar with lots of choices? Cheese is a given. The other tried-and-true toppings are diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions, black olives, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa.

Money-Saving Hacks

The following tips will save you money, time, or both!

• Buy on sale. No matter what protein you prefer, look for sales then stock up. Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, pork, shrimp, black beans, even fish, are all popular bases for the filling.

• Double batch and freeze. Making twice as much, then freezing the rest, saves prep time on future meals. Be sure you properly seal the container and label it with the date.

• Make your own. Salsa and taco seasoning are two staples you can whip up yourself. Not only will you save a little over buying them already prepared, but you’ll also be able to tailor each to your liking. Easy, breezy recipes are below.

Taco & Staples Recipes

These recipes were selected because they’re easy, delicious, and easy on your wallet.

1-2-3 Ground Beef Tacos

Whether you use ground beef or another filling, you can stretch it further by adding in beans or flavored rice. Figure you’ll need about ¼ cup of filling per taco. Prep-to-serve time: 20 minutes

1. Brown the beef. For a little extra flavor, add in diced onion and/or garlic. Drain any fat.

2. Add flavoring. In addition to your taco seasoning, you’ll want to add about ¼ cup of water to rehydrate the spices. Optional: add in a small can of tomato paste.

3. Heat the shells. Hard shells are best heated in the oven. You can warm soft shells in the microwave.

DIY Salsa

Whip up a delicious salsa flavored just the way you like it.

Ingredients

• 3 tomatoes

• Medium red onion

• Garlic cloves

• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro

• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice

• ¼ tsp. ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp. salt.

• Optional: Jalapeño for heat

Preparation

1. Cut up all your veggies and add them to a bowl. Dice tomatoes and onions. Mince garlic and chop cilantro. Slice jalapeño lengthwise, then chop into smaller pieces (for more heat, don’t remove seeds.)

2. Add in the dry ingredients and the lime juice. Stir. Adjust the seasonings, if needed.

Your homemade salsa is ready! With refrigeration, it will be good for between five and seven days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container. Shelf life is between one and two months.

Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

This versatile taco seasoning can be made in bulk. Properly stored in an airtight container, it should last about a month or so. This ingredients list approximates a taco seasoning packet you could buy off the shelf. Tweak the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste. The recipe will make about two cups of seasoning.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl:

• 2 Tbsp. Mexican hot chili powder

• ¼ cup regular chili powder

• 2 ½ tsp. garlic powder

• 2 ½ tsp. onion powder

• 2 tsp. red pepper flakes  

• 2 ½ tsp. dried oregano

• 6 tsp. paprika

• ¼ cup cumin 

• ¾ tsp. kosher salt

• 3 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. ground black pepper

Our blog is full of all kinds of other recipes for all kinds of occasions. You’ll also find a ton of money-saving hacks that can make your wallet smile. Check them out at Financial Tips for Every Stage in Life | Learn - PSECU.