Low-Cost Mexican Food Meals For Christmas
Holiday Cooking For A Crowd For Less Than $2 A Person
Nov 10, 2009
Cooking for a crowd can be fun, but it can also be expensive. It doesn't have to be. In other countries, families make complete and nutritious meals out of corn, rice and beans. There are many delicious inexpensive meal choices to feed a large group. Enjoy these easy recipes with friends and family this Christmas.
Mexican Fiesta Meals
Going south of the border can be a fun way to feed a crowd on a budget. Tortilla chips and salsa are an inexpensive staple item, as well as beans and rice. Add flavor and options whenever possible. Consider desserts that include cinnamon or carmel to enhance the cultural experience.
Taco Soup : Brown and drain 3 lbs of ground turkey flavored with taco seasoning. In a large soup pot, add the ground turkey, and the following ingredients.
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 ( 1 ounce) packet of taco seasoning
- 1 (46 ounce) can of tomato juice
- 3 (15 ounce) cans mild chili beans
- 3 (15.25 ounce) cans white hominy, drained
- 3 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can of RotelServe with tortilla chips, crackers, salsa, sour cream and shredded cheese. The total cost of this complete meal is around $20 and will serve 30 people.
King Ranch Chicken : This is a simple dish similar to a chicken and cheese mexican lasagna.
- 6 chicken leg quarters, cooked, deboned and shredded
- 3 (10 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup,
- 3 (10 ounce) cans of cheddar cheese soup,
- 3 cups of milk,
- 3 cups of water
- 1 (10 ounce) can of Rotel.
- Add pepper and garlic to taste.
- 1 (12 ounce) package of corn tortillas torn into strips.
Combine all the ingredients, except the tortilla strips, together in a large soup pot to simmer. Grease three large glass dishes. Layer torn pieces of corn tortillas with the chicken soup mixture. Repeat laters to the top of the dish. Repeat this process for all three dishes. Bake each dish at 350ºF for 35 minutes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with tortilla chips, salsa and salad. Each one of these dishes serves about ten people. With chips, salsa and salad this whole meal will cost right at $20 and serve 30 people
Dessert Ideas
It's easy to finish off a frugal meal with a fun dessert. Provide a sweet treat that allows guest to explore their inner child. Remember this is a fiesta, a party. Get creative with toppings and options. Arouse the senses with flavoring and spice.
Ice Cream: When serving a group, buy ice cream by the 5 quart family size pail. The average cost of one pail is $4-$6. Provide flavored sauces, candy, crushed up cookies, cinnamon and nutmeg. Let guest create their own delicious combination.
Spice up the Holidays with Low Cost Meals
For more creative low cost, budget friendly, family or cooking for a crowd meal ideas, visit the Hillbilly Housewife website.This is a great resource for families on a budget. Also Eating Well.com has an article on cheap Mexican recipes.
Holiday entertaining does not have to be time consuming or budget breaking. When cooking for a crowd, choose frugal recipes that simple but flavorful ingredients. In warm weather, options like soup and chili are inexpensive choices to make people feel at home. Don't forget to add little touches like cinnamon hot chocolate on a cold day. If the weather is warm, have guest build their own ice cream sundaes with cinnamon tortilla chips. Be creative, relax and enjoy the holidays with friends.
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