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These Easy Mexican Pantry Recipes are perfect for emergency purposes or when you need dinner in a flash.
They are all budget-friendly recipes that use up staples from your cupboard, canned goods, or frozen food.
Most of these easy Mexican pantry recipes are made completely using pantry goods.
If not, look for the “modifications” to make them 100% from the pantry. If you have any questions, write it in the comment section below!
Of all these easy Mexican pantry recipes, this Ensalada de Coditos goes straight to the top of the list. Pasta dressed in a creamy sauce… what’s wrong with that?!
Modifications: Swap out sour cream for more mayo and a splash of canned evaporated milk.
Tostada de Atun is a delicious way to use canned tuna. Serve on a tostada, with saltine crackers, or chips.
Modifications: Substitute the lime juice for white distilled vinegar, fresh jalapeno for pickled jalapeno, omit the cucumber.
Salpicon de Res is an EASY and DELICIOUS way to use up leftover beef. It is loaded with big, bold flavors. Perfect for tostadas, chips, or saltine crackers.
Modifications: Omit lime juice and add 1 more tbpn vinegar. Omit fresh jalapeno and use pickled jalapeno. Add tomatoes, if available.
Tamales Dulces is a yummy Mexican dessert that normally only pops out during the Holidays. These sweet tamales are so delicious and so easy to eat.
No modifications
Fideo Seco (also referred to as “Sopa Seca”) is made of fried noodles in a spicy tomato sauce. This yummy dish is ready in just minutes.
Modifications: Substitute the tomato, onion, and garlic for 1 can of tomato sauce.
Chicharron en Salsa Roja is another of the favorites in this list of easy Mexican pantry recipes. Made of up pork rinds and a spicy Mexican salsa.
Modifications: Omit first 5 ingredients and use a jar of red Mexican salsa.
Masa with Oil is a better-for-you version of masa that doesn’t require lard or shortening. It comes together in a snap.
No modifications
Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Sou) is a light and satisfying soup. Add a can of mixed veggies to make this meal more complete.
Modifications: Substitute the first 4 ingredients for 1 can of tomato sauce.
Sopa de Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) is a comforting and cozy dish.
Modifications: Swap out the fresh carrots for frozen carrots, and add them at the end. Substitute onion for 1 teaspoon onion powder, and fresh garlic clove for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Refried Beans makes a yummy side dish or a meal on its own with tortillas or chips.
Modifications: Omit the onion and garlic. Instead add 1 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Salpicon de Pollo is a tasty Mexican recipe that is made up of leftover chicken dressed in a tangy sauce.
Modifications: Omit lime juice, and use 4 tablespoons vinegar instead. Substitute fresh jalapeno for pickled jalapenos. Omit the tomato, lettuce, and avocado.
Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans) just on their own they are delicious. Add a can of mixed veggies to make a more complete meal.
No modifications
Pan de Elote is such a tasty treat. Even for breakfast or as a dessert, this is sure to hit the spot.
How to substitute egg:
1 tbsp ground flax seed + 1 tbsp warm water. Mix together. Sit in the fridge for 15 minutes = 1 egg.
Arroz Blanco makes a great side dish. Easy-to-make and easy to eat. 🙂
Modification: Substitute the onion for 1 teaspoon onion powder, and garlic clove for 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Agua de Jamaica is a delicious, slightly tangy, and refreshing Mexican drink.
No modifications
Conchas are perfect for breakfast or as a treat. A bite of one of these Mexican pan dulces is heaven on earth.
No modifications
Sopa de Habas is a comforting and creamy soup. Full of flavor and easy to make.
Modifications: Swap the 2 tomatoes diced onion, garlic clove, and jalapeño for 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 pickled jalapeno.
Carlota de Limon is one of the most beloved Mexican dessert loaded with childhood memories. Creamy and citrusy and absolutely delicious!
Modifications: This recipe calls for juice of key limes. Swap for lemon or lime juice, if available.
Sopa de Letras comes together in a flash. Add a can of veggies to the soup to make it a more complete meal.
Modifications: Swap first 3 ingredients for 1 can of tomato.
Sopa de Conchas can make a grown man cry. This soup screams Mexican comfort food. Add a drained can of veggies and enjoy!
Modifications: Swap first 3 ingredients for 1 can of tomato.
You’re going to love this Ensalada de Pollo. It is made up of leftover chicken dressed in a creamy sauce.
Modifications: Instead of sour cream, you can use more mayo
Mexican Gorditas are something to love over and over again. Stuff them with your favorite filling and enjoy!
No modifications
Arroz con Leche. Yes Please! This creamy Mexican dessert is a dessert lovers dream.
Modifications: Instead of 2 cups of milk, use 2 more cans of evaporated milk.
Pumpkin Empanadas are little bites of deliciousness. For breakfast, as a snack, there’s simply no wrong way to eat this Mexican dessert.
Modifications: Instead of egg, brush with water. It will not be as golden brown, but still yummy.
Northern Style Bean Tamales are not just for the Holidays. Completely delicious and completely vegan too!
No modifications
Chicharron en Salsa Verde is an easy and delicious Mexican recipe that bursting with FLAVOR!
Modifications: Omit jalapeno
Cafe de la Olla is a great way to start the morning. Sweet and absolutely delicious.
No modifications
Sopa de Estrellitas is a yummy soup. Add a can of mixed veggies to make this recipe a more complete and filling meal.
Modifications: Omit tomatoes, garlic, onion and use 1 can of tomato sauce instead.
Agua de Tamarindo (or Tamarind Water) is a refreshing and slightly tangy agua fresca. A yummy and cooling glass of this is just what summer needs.
No modifications
Mexican Avena is a yummy breakfast recipe that will make you wish for a second bowl.
Modifications: Instead of milk, use evaporated milk.
Tlacoyos is made of oval-shaped masa harina stuffed with refried beans. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
No modifications
Pumpkin Arroz con Leche is a creamy and decadent dessert. It involves very little effort for maximum return.
Modifications: Omit milk for 2 extra cans of evaporated milk.
Wow, this is certainly a fantastic round-up! I especially like the Salpicón, used to eat it all the time growing up. I’m definitely trying the sopa seca, so intriguing!
I just made that today. None left! So yummy. 🙂
Easy, delicious and healthier options for a quick meal. Every recipe looks delicious. I cant wait to stock my kitchen .
Thanks. All so yummy. Hope you give some of them a try.
This recipe looks really good and tasty aside from that it’s healthy and look so easy to make. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! Hope you try one or more out.
Now this roundup is incredibly useful. Very timely and uses so many of my favorite dishes. I wonder if should cook them all – one by one?! 🙂
One by one… that’s a great idea!
So many amazing choices. I am a huge fan of Mexican food, and it’s hard to know what to make first. Those pumpkin empanadas are calling my name, though.
Those are the best. Love empanadas!