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    Home » Learn » Easy Mexican Pantry Recipes

    Easy Mexican Pantry Recipes

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted March 17, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    A collage showing pictures of easy Mexican pantry recipes.

    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.

    A collage showing pictures of easy Mexican pantry recipes.

    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!

    Ensalada de Coditos Mexicana in a clay dish with forks and other decorative plates in the background.

    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 Atún on a wooden surface surrounded by avocado, cilantro, and a decorative blue plate.

    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 served on a tostada and topped with avocado slices.

    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 (Sweet Tamales) unwrapped but still in the corn husk surrounded by a pile of tamales and a decorative Mexican cup.

    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, or Mexican Pasta, topped with diced avocado and shredded cheese

    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.

    A fork holding up some chicharron en salsa roja.

    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.

    Spoon spreading masa with oil on a corn husk.

    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

    A blue bowl with Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) surrounded by decorative Mexican toys.

    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.

    A white bowl of Sopa de Lentejas next to pickled jalapenos and bread.

    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 topped with slice of jalapeno and crumbled queso fresco.

    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.

    The ingredients for Salpicon de Pollo mixed in a large, glass Pyrex plate.

    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.

    Ladle full of cooked pinto beans.

    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 stacked up and on a white plate.

    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 (or Mexican White Rice) on a decorative blue plate surrounded and garnished with cilantro leaves.

    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 served in a cup and in a pitcher surrounded by dried hibiscus leaves.

    Agua de Jamaica is a delicious, slightly tangy, and refreshing Mexican drink.

    No modifications

    Mexican Sweet Bread Conchas in a decorative and colorful tablecloth.

    Conchas are perfect for breakfast or as a treat. A bite of one of these Mexican pan dulces is heaven on earth.

    No modifications

    Bowl of Sopa de Habas, or Mexican Lima Bean Soup, surrounded by bolillo and slices of jalapenos.

    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 with slice of lime and fork

    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.

    Spoon holding ABC over a bowl full of Sopa de Letras, or Mexican Alphabet Soup.

    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, or Mexican Shell Pasta Soup, in a white bowl and topped with a few slices of green onions.

    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.

    Hand holding saltine cracker topped with Mexican Chicken Salad, or Ensalada de Pollo

    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

    Gorditas stuffed with carne asada lettuce and cheese

    Mexican Gorditas are something to love over and over again. Stuff them with your favorite filling and enjoy!

    No modifications

    Arroz con Leche served in bowls and topped with powdered cinnamon.

    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.

    Empanadas de Calabaza in basket on top of a white towel.

    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 (Tamales de Frijol Norteños) in a white serving container.

    Northern Style Bean Tamales are not just for the Holidays. Completely delicious and completely vegan too!

    No modifications

    A fork holding Chicharrón en Salsa Verde over a skillet.

    Chicharron en Salsa Verde is an easy and delicious Mexican recipe that bursting with FLAVOR!

    Modifications: Omit jalapeno

    Café de la Olla in a decorative Mexican cup with a cinnamon stick.

    Cafe de la Olla is a great way to start the morning. Sweet and absolutely delicious.

    No modifications

    A ladle holding Sopa de Estrellitas, or Mexican Star Soup, over a stockpot.

    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.

    A pitcher of Agua de Tamarindo next to a glass served with the drink.

    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

    A white bowl of avena next to dried oatmeal and a cinnamon stick.

    Mexican Avena is a yummy breakfast recipe that will make you wish for a second bowl.

    Modifications: Instead of milk, use evaporated milk.

    Tlacoyos topped with cactus salad on a decorative Mexican plate and cilantro.

    Tlacoyos is made of oval-shaped masa harina stuffed with refried beans. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

    No modifications

    Pumpkin Arroz con Leche served in a glass cup topped with raisins and a cinnamon stick to the side.

    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.

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    Filed Under: Learn

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Paula Montenegro

      March 19, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 20, 2020 at 2:49 pm

        I just made that today. None left! So yummy. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Veena Azmanov

      March 19, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      Easy, delicious and healthier options for a quick meal. Every recipe looks delicious. I cant wait to stock my kitchen .

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 20, 2020 at 2:51 pm

        Thanks. All so yummy. Hope you give some of them a try.

        Reply
    3. Amy Liu Dong

      March 21, 2020 at 9:04 pm

      This recipe looks really good and tasty aside from that it’s healthy and look so easy to make. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 22, 2020 at 9:59 am

        Thank you! Hope you try one or more out.

        Reply
    4. Danielle

      March 22, 2020 at 6:39 am

      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?! 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 22, 2020 at 9:59 am

        One by one… that’s a great idea!

        Reply
    5. Colleen

      March 22, 2020 at 9:06 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 22, 2020 at 10:00 am

        Those are the best. Love empanadas!

        Reply
    6. Amanda

      March 22, 2020 at 11:59 am

      Thanks for all the ideas! Everything sounds delicious. Since we’ll all be eating at home for a while, it looks like I’ll be making my way through the list.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 29, 2020 at 10:17 am

        So glad you enjoyed this recipes Amanda!

        Reply
    7. Jacqui DeBono

      March 22, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      It is so good to have a list to refer to, with recipes that are really accessible and with ingredients I have in the cupboard! The empanadas look amazing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 27, 2020 at 4:22 pm

        The empanadas are amazing indeed. Hope you try them!

        Reply
    8. heidy

      March 23, 2020 at 10:51 am

      I am loving all the fab options here on one page. I also love that these can be easily made with items I already have on hand. Not sure what I want to try first.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 27, 2020 at 4:14 pm

        My advice: Try them all you will love them!

        Reply

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