SaucebookHow much does it cost to make tacos?
With example prices, a batch of tacos (8 tacos (2 each for 4 people)) costs about $10.82, or $2.71 per serving. Here's the ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown, and how to work out your own.
Costs are calculated from sample grocery prices, and yours will vary by store. Price it with yours.
Tacos cost breakdown
Example prices, yours will vary. These are round example numbers to show the method, not quotes from any store.
| Ingredient | Amount used | Example price paid | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | $5.20 per lb | $5.20 |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet | $1.00 per packet | $1.00 |
| Corn tortillas | 8 | $2.40 for 30 | $0.64 |
| Shredded cheddar | 1 cup (4 oz) | $3.20 for 8 oz | $1.60 |
| Lettuce | 1/4 head | $1.80 per head | $0.45 |
| Tomato | 1 medium | $1.60 per lb, about 3 per lb | $0.53 |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | $2.40 for 16 oz (2 cups) | $0.60 |
| Salsa | 1/2 cup | $3.20 for 16 oz (2 cups) | $0.80 |
| Batch cost | $10.82 | ||
| Cost per serving (4 servings) | $2.71 | ||
Taco night is one of the cheaper family dinners per serving, mostly because a pound of beef stretches across eight tortillas. Swap half the beef for black beans and the cost per serving drops further.
How we worked it out
For each ingredient, we divided the package price by the package size, then multiplied by the amount used. The lines add up to the batch cost, and dividing by 4 servings gives the cost per serving. The full method is in how to cost a recipe.
Price your own tacos
Your store, your brands and your portions are different. Paste your recipe into the cost per serving calculator, type what you paid, and see your real number in a minute. Planning the week? See more ideas for cheap family meals.
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Tacos cost questions
How much does it cost to make tacos?
With the example prices on this page, a batch (8 tacos (2 each for 4 people)) costs about $10.82, or about $2.71 per serving. Your cost depends on your local prices, so price your own.
What is the most expensive ingredient in tacos?
In this example it's ground beef, at $5.20 of the $10.82 batch.
How can I make tacos cheaper?
Buy the biggest line on sale or in bulk, use store brands for the staples, and portion carefully so the batch serves everyone.