Are you craving something flavorful and fun that won’t take hours to make? This collection of 17 Mexican-inspired recipes is your ticket to delicious, easy meals for busy weeknights. From mains to sides and even a sweet ending, these recipes are perfect for whipping up a crowd-pleasing Mexican feast your family will love.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is a one-pot wonder. Seasoned ground beef simmers with fluffy rice, then gets smothered in melty cheese. It’s a hearty dish packed with irresistible flavors and comforting textures, sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Homemade Nacho Cheese
Skip the artificial cheese sauce and whip up this homemade version in under 10 minutes! Real cheese melts into a creamy, cheesy concoction perfect for dipping chips, nachos, or adding a decadent touch to any Mexican dish.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
This recipe uses roasted tomatillos for a burst of fresh, tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your favorite Mexican dishes with an unexpected twist.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Refried Beans
Take your taco night to the next level with these creamy refried beans! Surprisingly easy to make at home, they add a smooth, savory richness that elevates your tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Dessert Nachos
These dessert nachos are a fun and unexpected treat! Layers of crispy tortilla chips get dusted with cinnamon sugar, then smothered with chocolate sauce and fresh berries. It’s a perfect way to end your meal on a playful and delicious note, and everyone can build their own unique dessert creation.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Set your crockpot to work and enjoy a fun and flavorful Mexican fiesta later! This recipe simmers tender beef in warm spices, creating a delicious filling for crispy masa cups. It’s a unique and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This vegetarian Mexican dish is packed with protein and flavor. Quinoa and black beans simmer together for a hearty base, then get kicked up with bursts of flavor from sweet corn and tangy salsa. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal you can whip up in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chunky Guacamole
Is any Mexican-inspired dish complete without guacamole? Learn to make your own flavorful guacamole with just the right amount of roasted peppers and tomatoes. This chunky texture is the perfect sidekick for dipping chips, slathering tamales, or topping tacos.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Skip the traditional long prep and enjoy the delicious flavors of tamales cooked right in a skillet. In minutes, you can have a quick and easy dish packed with all the savory goodness you love, without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Spanish Rice
Restaurant quality Spanish rice? You got it! This recipe uses everyday ingredients to create a flavorful side dish packed with the perfect blend of spices. Enjoy a complete and satisfying Mexican meal without the fancy price tag.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This classic soup is a surefire crowd-pleaser! Shredded chicken and beans simmer in a rich broth for a warm and flavorful base. Every spoonful is a delightful contrast between crispy tortilla strips and tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and easy shortcut. Wrap a delicious chicken filling in the flaky pastry and bake until golden brown. Enjoy a satisfying enchilada dish in minutes that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Honey Habanero Tacos
These tacos pack a punch! A quick ground beef filling gets kicked up with a surprising twist: sweet honey balanced with fiery habanero. It’s a flavorful meal that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy a fun and unexpected take on classic tacos.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Crockpot Carnitas
This recipe simmers pork shoulder in a blend of warm spices until it’s juicy and tender, perfect for shredding and using in tacos, burritos, nachos, or anything your cravings desire. Enjoy a flavorful and versatile Mexican dish without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Craving a quick and easy bite? These beef empanadas are the answer! Flaky puff pastry surrounds a savory ground beef filling, creating a delicious contrast in textures. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, afternoon snack, or impressive appetizer, these empanadas are surprisingly simple to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Tamale Pot Pies
Tender chicken nestled in a flavorful filling gets baked to perfection inside a delicious masa crust. It’s a fun and unique twist on traditional tamales, perfect for a satisfying potluck or weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas sound fancy, but this recipe is a breeze! Skip the time-consuming dough and use store-bought puff pastry for a flaky crust. Fill it with a savory chicken mixture, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas