Forget the usual taco fare! This Cinco de Mayo, do the unpredictable and try some delicious Mexican recipes you won’t soon forget. We’ve gathered 15 unique and easy-to-make recipes that go beyond the ordinary. Fall in love with these Mexican-inspired dishes that have earned rave reviews. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you’re guaranteed a Cinco de Mayo celebration that everyone will be talking about.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Bake restaurant-worthy empanadas at home in no time! Flaky puff pastry encases savory ground beef seasoned to perfection, creating delicious handheld pockets perfect for a quick lunch, afternoon snack, or easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Refried Beans
Want to add a heartiness to your tacos, burritos, or enchiladas? Look no further than these creamy refried beans! Easy to make at home, they give your favorite Mexican dishes a delicious added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Chunky Guacamole
Made with perfectly ripe avocados, a squeeze of zesty lime, and roasted tomatoes and peppers, this crowd-pleaser is easy to whip up in minutes. The chunky texture allows the fresh avocado flavor to shine, making it a guaranteed hit with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Making these semi-homemade chicken empanadas is so much simpler than homemade dough, yet everyone loves them just as much. Flaky store-bought puff pastry surrounds a savory chicken filling for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken shreds easily, creating a quick and flavorful filling for these cheesy delights. Soft tortillas combine with the savory mixture and enchilada sauce, then get baked to melty perfection. This simple dinner is sure to become a family favorite, leaving everyone happy and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Tender beef simmers with warm spices in the slow cooker for hours, practically doing the work for you. When it’s ready, simply spoon the flavorful mixture into crispy masa cups for a delicious and hassle-free Mexican fiesta. Enjoy a satisfying and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Dessert Nachos
Dessert nachos are a fun twist on a classic appetizer, and everyone raves about this super simple dessert. Layers of cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, and fresh berries create a delightful dessert experience that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Spanish Rice
Take your Mexican meal to the next level with this easy Spanish rice recipe! Tastier than what you get at most restaurants, it complements any protein perfectly. Level up yout next taco night or burrito bowl with this flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Crockpot Carnitas
This recipe is filled with authentic Mexican flavors and yet so easy to make. Toss pork with spices and let your slow cooker work its magic. Shred the juicy, flavorful pork for delicious tacos, burritos, or nachos – the possibilities are endless!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Enjoy the taste of tamales without the long preparation time. This recipe offers all the delicious savory flavors of tamales, minus the fuss. Skillet-cooked for convenience, every bite bursts with juicy ground beef and a blend of warm spices.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Your next Mexican feast with this homemade salsa will make your family and friends beg for seconds! Made with roasted tomatillos, it delivers a fresh, tangy flavor that perfectly complements chips, tacos, and burritos. This easy salsa recipe adds a bright and delicious touch to any Mexican dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This wonder recipe combines protein-packed quinoa and black beans with sweet corn and tangy salsa for a flavor everyone loves. Whip it up in minutes for a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner that’ll leave you feeling happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Tamale Pot Pies
Experience the taste of tamales and pot pie in one delicious bite! Tamale pot pies are a unique twist on Mexican flavors. Individual pot pies filled with savory shredded chicken, corn, and spices are all wrapped in a delicious masa crust for a delightful two-in-one dish.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Homemade Nacho Cheese
Real cheese delivers a smooth, rich flavor that complements chips, nachos, or anything else you can dream up. Your guests will be raving about this cheesy dip – it’s the perfect way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese
Chicken Tamales
Craving authentic Mexican flavors? Look no further than these homemade chicken tamales! Tender, seasoned chicken is wrapped in fragrant corn husks and steamed to perfection. Unlike store-bought versions, these tamales burst with fresh flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales