money-saving recipes--mexican food

***A recipe for Spanish Rice is below.

My family loves mexican food, which is good because we eat it all the time.  We buy a package of 90 corn tortillas every couple of weeks (this costs $3.00) and we use them in a variety of ways. 

Tortillas can be warmed on the burner of your stove or in a skillet, and they can also be fried to make chips (these taste so much better than any chips in a bag!) or taco/tostadas shells. 

To fry the tortillas, heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet.   (When I fry food in oil I always have the kids stay out of the kitchen for safety.)

--For chips: Cut the tortillas into 6 pieces (I usually cut them like a pie, but you can also cut strips) and then fry them until crisp.  Add some salt.

--For taco shells: Place a whole tortilla in the heated oil and when it becomes slightly bubbly, fold it in half.  Cook these until they are almost crisp, but still pliable.

--For tostada shells: Place a whole tortilla in the heated oil and cook until crispy.

--For a lowfat version, you can bake tortillas in the oven (400 degrees) until crisp.

Once they are cooked, all you have to do is top/fill them with something tasty and a little spicy:

--Saute red, yellow and green peppers with some onions and garlic.  Add a can of black beans and wrap in a tortilla.

--Add chicken to the above mix, if desired.

--Top tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef, beans and cheese (nachos).

--When you find roasts on sale at the grocery store for $1.00 per pound, simply cook one in your crock pot, shred it, and wrap meat in a tortilla.

--To save money on meat, use 1/2 meat and 1/2 black beans or 1/2 cooked potatoes.

--Sprinkle some shredded cheese between two tortillas and heat in a skillet until melted (quesadillas).

--For tacos and tostadas: top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cabbage, radishes, sour cream, cheese, salsa, hot sauce, etc., etc., etc.  (Don't use all of these at once!)

To season meats/beans/veggies, add a bit of cumin, oregano, basil, red pepper (this is hot!), garlic (use lots!), salsa, enchilada sauce, etc., etc., etc.  (Don't use all of these at once!)

Spanish Rice

1 cup brown rice (you can use white rice as long as you adjust your cooking time)
1-2 TB. cooking oil
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a saucepan and add the rice, onions and garlic:

Saute until lightly browned:

Add the water, sauce and spices, and bring to a boil.  Cover and cook over low heat for approximately 40-45 minutes, until water is absorbed and rice is tender.

This rice tastes great topped with salsa!

Happy cooking!

Comments

[Michelle at Scribbit]

Oh I love finding good recipes like this--thanks!

[Minnesotamom]

I *heart* Mexican food. Rarely can I find something Husband likes in this ethnicity unless it is covered in sauce. But I can make this rice for myself! Yum!

[Renna]

Randi, I hadn't even noticed yet what recipes you'd shared when I posted my own, but our's compliment each other since I also shared a Mexican dish (taco soup). Here in Texas, we eat ALOT of Mexican food! ;-)

I've never managed to make a good, homemade spanish rice before, so I'm eager to try out your recipe, which looks yummy!

[Renee]

Yummy Yum! We love Mexican food here, but I have to ask. Wherever did you buy such a HUGE bag of tortillas? I've never before seen such a large amount in one bag and can't help feeling like I need to know that...LOL How economical does this get for a large family, terrific for sure. Thank YOU for sharing!

[My Inspired Heart - Sandra]

These recipes look really good! My family loves Mexican food too, but we usually end up doing taco salad...these will give us a couple of other yummy things to try. Thanks!!!

[Sherry]

Hi Randi, I have a similar recipe for rice but it only calls for 2 Tbsp. of tomato sauce and white rice. I am looking forward to trying yours with brown rice. I would love to join your swap this week. Thanks it looks like fun.

[Kysha]

MMMM! I love spanish rice!

[Tonia]

Your rice recipe looks yummy - I bet it would be great wrapped in a tortilla with a little cheese. Mmm.. must try that :0)

[Darcy]

This recipe looks great! If I have time on Wednesday I am going to add it to my menu since I am making tacos that day.

I'm curious what you use for taco seasoning. Do you buy the packets of it or make your own? If you make your own would you mind sharing that recipe sometime as well?

Thanks!

[Darcy]

I should've read a little closer I guess since you did mention how you spice your meat. Sorry! :)