Cooking With Kendra: Budget-Friendly Bean & Potato Breakfast Tacos

Hearty. Simple. Delicious—and under 50 cents each!

Rising Prices, Real Food, Budget Breakfast Tacos

Let’s be real - grocery prices have not been kind lately. Basics like potatoes, beans, and tortillas have quietly crept up in cost. A 10 lb bag of red potatoes that used to be a few bucks is now over $6. A pack of tortillas? Up $2 in just a few months. It's frustrating, especially when you’re trying to feed your family real, homemade meals without blowing your budget.

But here’s the good news: there are still satisfying, flavorful meals you can make at home that don’t require a cart full of ingredients or a fancy grocery haul. These Bean & Potato Budget Breakfast Tacos are a perfect example—made with pantry staples, a few fresh bits from the garden, and a little bit of love. They're hearty, comforting, and come in at under 50 cents per taco.

Whether you're feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe is proof that good food doesn’t have to break the bank.

Ingredients

• 5 medium-large red potatoes, peeled(From a 10 lb Sam’s Club bag: $6.24 total, about $0.78 used)

• 1 can Rosarita Organic Refried Beans(Estimated $2.00)

• Flour tortillas (used 10 from a 40-count Sam’s pack: $6.00 total)(About $1.50 worth)

• 2–3 tablespoons bacon drippings or oil of choice (leftover from breakfast earlier in the week)

• A few garlic tops or green onions (free from the garden)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Green Pepper Cholula or any hot sauce

  • Salsa

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes - Chop the peeled potatoes into hearty bite-sized pieces. Heat the bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cover loosely with a lid (leave it ajar to let steam escape). Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and fork-tender. Toss in chopped garlic tops or green onions in the last few minutes and season with salt and pepper.

2. Warm the Beans - Add the refried beans to a small pot with a splash of water or broth. Stir in your favorite hot sauce (we love Green Pepper Cholula for this!) and heat gently until warm and smooth.

3. Toast the Tortillas - Using an open flame or a dry skillet, toast your tortillas to your desired level of char and crispiness.

4. Build Your Tacos – Spread a spoonful (up to 3 tablespoons per taco if making 10) of refried beans on each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of crispy potatoes, then finish with fresh cilantro, salsa, or your favorite hot sauce.

Estimated Cost Breakdown (for 10 tacos)

• Red Potatoes (5 medium-large): about $0.78 total

• 1 can of refried beans: estimated $2.00

• 10 flour tortillas (from a 40-count pack): about $1.50

• Bacon drippings: free (leftover from another meal)

• Garlic tops: free (from the garden)

• Optional toppings (cilantro, salsa, hot sauce): roughly $0.50 total

Total estimated cost for 10 tacos: $4.78

Estimated cost per taco: about $0.48

The best part? This recipe is totally flexible. Swap in homemade tortillas, use dried beans to save even more, or toss in extra veggies from your fridge. It’s comfort food with wiggle room—and it proves that you can eat well, even when everything else seems to be going up.

Loved this recipe? Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments! Don’t forget to tag @kendraskreationstexas on Instagram and use #KendrasKreationsTexas so I can see your tasty taco kreations!