Is It Cheaper to Make Chipotle at Home? Uncovering the Savings and Flexibility

When deciding whether to make Chipotle-style meals at home or order from the restaurant, the

Cost Breakdown of Home Cooking

Making Chipotle-style meals at home can often be cheaper than ordering from the restaurant. This is due to several factors, primarily the cost of ingredients and portion control. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Ingredients

Rice: A bag of rice can cost around $2-$3 and can make multiple servings. Beans: Canned beans are about $1-$2 each, whereas dried beans can be cheaper if cooked from scratch. Proteins: Chicken or beef can be more expensive but buying in bulk or using less expensive cuts can lower costs significantly. Vegetables: Fresh vegetables for toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc., can be purchased for a reasonable price, especially if bought in season. Tortillas: A pack of tortillas typically costs around $3-$5 for several servings. Sour Cream, Cheese, and Salsa: These add to the total cost but are usually less expensive when bought in larger quantities.

The cost of ingredients is just the beginning. When cooking at home, you have more control over portion sizes and can make larger quantities, which can reduce the cost per serving.

Portion Size

Home cooking allows you to control portion sizes and make larger quantities. This can significantly lower the cost per serving compared to ordering from the restaurant. Moreover, you can use leftover ingredients efficiently, which further reduces costs over time.

Meal Prep

Preparing meals in bulk can save both time and money. You can use the leftover ingredients for subsequent meals, which not only reduces waste but also keeps costs low.

Comparison Example

For instance, a typical Chipotle bowl or burrito might cost you around $8-$12. However, a homemade version of a burrito bowl could cost around $3-$6 per serving, depending on your ingredient choices and portion sizes. This cost difference is significant and can be a game-changer if you order frequently.

Personal Experience

When we pass a Chipotle on the way home from work, we often feel compelled to stop. However, we have developed a homemade version that caters to our preferences. We avoid using rice in our burritos and opt for beans, cooked from scratch. We also shred our own flank steak and add the perfect mix of our favorite spices and a jarred sauce. This homemade version is not only more flexible but also allows us to enjoy the quality we love.

Another aspect to consider is the authenticity and flavor of the food. Home-cooked meals can often taste better and more authentic than restaurant versions, which might not be as flavorful due to the need to cater to a wide customer base.

Conclusion

Overall, making Chipotle-style meals at home is generally cheaper, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk and plan your meals. Additionally, you have the flexibility to customize flavors and ingredients to your liking. Moreover, meal prepping at home can save time and money. We encourage you to explore the options and see which works best for you.