15 Walmart Mexican Food Staples You Need to Add to Your Pantry

Mexican food is a vibrant and flavorful cuisine that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Stocking your pantry with authentic Mexican ingredients can help you create delicious dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and salsas right in your own kitchen. Walmart offers a wide range of affordable staples that make it easy to bring the taste of Mexico into your home. From pantry essentials to flavorful seasonings, these ingredients will inspire your next culinary adventure.

Hungry Man Selects Mexican Style Fiesta Beef Enchiladas Frozen Meal

This frozen meal is perfect for a quick and hearty Mexican-inspired dinner. The beef enchiladas are packed with a flavorful filling and topped with a rich, zesty sauce that tastes homemade. It comes with sides like seasoned rice and beans, creating a complete meal that is satisfying and delicious. You can have this ready in minutes, making it a convenient option for busy nights. Walmart offers this meal at an affordable price, ensuring you get great taste without breaking the bank.

Delimex Chicken & Cheese Taquitos Frozen Snacks

These taquitos are a crowd-pleasing snack or meal option, stuffed with tender chicken and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for game days, quick lunches, or easy dinners, they deliver authentic Mexican flavors in a convenient package. Simply bake or microwave them, and pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Walmart carries Delimex taquitos in family-sized packs, making it easy to stock up for any occasion. They are a delicious and satisfying option that everyone will love.

Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo

These smoky, spicy peppers are a versatile ingredient that can add depth to any dish. Chipotle peppers in adobo are commonly used in marinades, sauces, and stews, packing a smoky heat with a hint of sweetness. Blend them into a chipotle crema for tacos or stir them into chili for an extra kick. The cans are small but mighty, and they last a long time in the fridge after opening. Walmart carries brands like La Costeña, making it easy to grab a can for your next recipe.

Dried Chiles

Dried chiles like guajillo, ancho, and pasilla are essential for creating homemade mole sauces, soups, and marinades. These chiles bring a rich, earthy flavor to Mexican dishes and can be rehydrated in water before blending into a smooth paste. They are also great for making your own enchilada sauce from scratch. The variety packs available at Walmart ensure you get the right mix for all your cooking needs. Keep a bag in your pantry to explore traditional recipes.

Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano has a stronger, citrusy flavor compared to its Mediterranean counterpart, making it a staple in many Mexican dishes. This herb is perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and salsas, and it pairs wonderfully with cumin and chili powder. It adds a distinctive flavor to pozole, birria, or even a simple tomato sauce. A little goes a long way, and Walmart stocks affordable options that last for months. Try sprinkling it on roasted vegetables for a bold twist.

Canned Hominy

Hominy is dried corn that has been treated with an alkali solution, giving it a soft, chewy texture perfect for stews like pozole. It absorbs flavors beautifully and pairs well with bold seasonings like chili powder and garlic. Available in large cans, Walmart’s hominy options are affordable and convenient for making traditional Mexican comfort food. Just rinse it before adding it to your recipe for the best flavor. It is a great way to add heartiness to your meals.

Refried Beans

A classic side dish for Mexican meals, refried beans are creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. They are perfect as a filling for burritos, a base for tostadas, or a side for enchiladas. Walmart carries vegetarian and traditional varieties, so you can pick the option that works best for your family. Simply heat them up and season to taste with cumin or cheese. They are a quick and easy addition to any meal.

Queso Fresco

This mild, crumbly cheese is a popular topping for tacos, enchiladas, and salads. Queso fresco has a slightly salty taste that balances the spiciness of many Mexican dishes. It does not melt completely, so it adds a delightful texture to your recipes. Walmart offers fresh and affordable options that keep well in the fridge. Sprinkle it on black bean soup or elote (Mexican street corn) for an authentic touch.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Tablets

Mexican hot chocolate is rich, spiced, and perfect for chilly evenings. Made with cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon, these tablets can be melted into milk for a warm and comforting drink. They are also great for baking or adding a unique twist to mole sauces. Brands like Abuelita and Ibarra are easy to find at Walmart, and they are a treat for the whole family. Stir with a molinillo (traditional wooden whisk) for the best texture.

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is a tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. It is a versatile staple that works as a dip, a marinade, or a topping for tacos and enchiladas. The bright, zesty flavor pairs well with grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Walmart offers ready-made options that taste just like homemade, saving you time in the kitchen. Keep a jar on hand for whenever your dishes need an extra pop of flavor.

Canned Tomatillos

Tomatillos are the tangy green fruit behind many classic Mexican sauces like salsa verde and green enchilada sauce. Canned tomatillos are convenient, as they are pre-peeled and ready to use. Just blend them with garlic, onions, and jalapeños for a quick and fresh-tasting salsa. They are also excellent for adding a citrusy flavor to soups and stews. Walmart’s affordable cans make it easy to stock up.

Tajín Seasoning

Tajín is a zesty blend of chili powder, lime, and salt that adds a burst of flavor to fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Sprinkle it on mango, watermelon, or cucumber for a refreshing treat, or use it to rim the glass of your favorite cocktail. This versatile seasoning is a pantry staple for those who love bold flavors. Walmart carries Tajín in various sizes, making it easy to keep some on hand. It is also great for adding flair to popcorn or roasted nuts.

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are a foundation of Mexican cuisine, used for tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Their soft, pliable texture and earthy flavor make them a must-have for authentic dishes. Walmart stocks affordable packs of fresh corn tortillas that can be warmed up in minutes. They are also gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Pair them with your favorite fillings for a delicious meal.

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It pairs perfectly with beans, grilled meats, or enchiladas for a well-rounded meal. Walmart offers pre-packaged mixes and plain long-grain rice, giving you the option to cook it from scratch or make it quickly. The vibrant red color and savory flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Add some frozen peas or carrots for extra nutrition.

Chorizo

Mexican chorizo is a spicy, seasoned pork sausage that adds bold flavor to tacos, soups, and breakfast dishes. Its rich, smoky taste makes it a standout ingredient in many recipes. Walmart offers both fresh and pre-cooked options, making it easy to use in your meals. Try sautéing it with scrambled eggs or adding it to a pot of beans for extra depth. It is a versatile ingredient that transforms simple dishes into something special.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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