by Cocina
Feeding a family of four every night is no easy task. Between our busy schedules and occasional lack of inspiration, we often find ourselves starved for new ideas—and cheap ones at that. Another challenge is pleasing everyone. It’s almost enough to make you want to stop by McDonald’s on your way home and call it a day.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 delicious meals for under $10 that the whole family is sure to love. Here are some fast and easy Latin favorites that won’t break the bank.
1/ BEEF TACOS
Who doesn’t love tacos, am I right? People of all ages fall victim to their deliciousness. Whether you pick up a $1 street taco from the neighborhood taco truck or visit your favorite cantina for ‘Taco Tuesdays,’ tacos never disappoint. But homemade beef tacos are the epitome of “more bang for your buck.”
Beef and tortillas are already a match made in heaven, but the beauty of tacos is that you can pick the toppings you like most and that best suit your family’s preferences. You can accommodate the pickiest member of the family without depriving the rest. From chopped lettuce for crunch-seekers, to shredded cheese for the cheese-aholics, to homemade salsa for the spice-lovers—the possibilities are endless.
2/ CHICKEN MOLE WITH RICE
A Mexican classic that never goes out of style. Chicken Mole makes dinner feel like an event, not just another meal. It’s wholesome, it’s filling, and (equally important) it’s CHEAP.
If chicken with chocolate is wrong, “I don’t wanna be right.” Recipes vary from sweet and mild to savory and spicy. Pair your mole-soaked chicken breast with Spanish rice and you’ll have the whole family begging for seconds.
3/ TALLARINES VERDES WITH FLANK STEAK
This Peruvian favorite has remained a staple in the nation’s top cuisine charts for a reason. It’s inventive, surprisingly simple, and of course, absolutely scrumptious.
The fusion of flavors is sure to satisfy even the harshest food critic. The heavenly taste of a marinated flank steak, grilled to perfection, combined with the rich and classic flavors in homemade Peruvian pesto pasta is enough to make you say, “¡Qué chévere!”
4/ ENCHILADAS
I don’t know about you, but I believe enchiladas are definitely worthy of the official “Top 10 Best Comfort Foods,” … if such a list existed. They’re mouth-watering, packed with flavor, easy to make, and every bite is guaranteed to mentally transport you to that authentic hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant we all love. You know, the one with the little abuelita in the back making tortillas by hand.
With an ingredients list that includes only 4 major ingredients (tortillas, cheese, meat, and enchilada sauce), the simplicity in cooking up some yummy and authentic enchiladas can’t be beat. Whether you decide on chicken, beef, or just cheese—the variations are all easy and cheap. Now your only dilemmas are choosing between red or green sauce and deciding how many enchiladas are too many enchiladas (pro tip: there is no such thing as too many enchiladas).
5/ CHICKEN AND RICE BOWLS
A good chicken bowl can make the laziest cook in the kitchen look like a trendy chef. Similar to the above meals, chicken bowls are SUPER easy and cheap to make. But what sets this goody apart from the rest is that you’ve got a simple and affordable meal option that doesn’t add any “love” to your love handles, if you know what I mean. Added bonus: you feel good about putting a healthy meal on the table for your family.
When all you need is some sliced grilled chicken, some veggies and black beans to make a meal—you know dinner preparations will be painless. Toss it in a bowl with corn, homemade pico de gallo, and whatever else tickles your fancy and voilà, you have yourself a healthy and satisfying meal for the family for under 10 bucks!
