Budget-Friendly Meals Made with Tortilla Chips (MM#31)
Sometimes the best way to save money in the kitchen is to look at the simple items we already have and think about them in new ways. Tortilla chips are a great example.
Most of us buy a bag, use it for one snack or one meal, and then the rest goes stale. But when we start using basic ingredients in more than one way, we save money, reduce waste, and stretch our groceries even further.
This week, instead of buying a box of breadcrumbs, we used crushed tortilla chips and saved a few dollars right there. A single bag can coat a meatloaf, bulk up nachos, or add the perfect crunch to a cozy bowl of chili. It is all about seeing the possibilities in the items we already have.
Grocery Items Needed for the Mini Menu
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
Sheet Pan Nachos
These easy nachos come together with seasoned ground pork, black beans, and melted cheese for a fast weeknight dinner everyone can customize. You can swap the pork for ground turkey or chicken, use pinto beans instead of black beans, or top with whatever produce you already have.
White Chicken Chili
This cozy chili uses canned chicken, white beans, and mild seasonings for a budget-friendly bowl that gets its crunch from crushed tortilla chips on top. You can make it creamier with extra cream cheese or lighter with salsa verde, and canned turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken works great too.
Enchilada Meatloaf
This Tex-Mex style meatloaf uses crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs and gets extra flavor from green chiles and enchilada sauce. You can use ground turkey as an alternative to pork, or add black beans or shredded cheese to stretch the dish even further.
Free Printable List & Recipes
Here is a 1-page cheat sheet that includes the grocery list as well as all the recipes you need to make this budget mini menu work!
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