17 easy Mexican recipes for busy nights

Photo of author

| Published:

Dinner doesn’t have to be hard, even when you’re busy. With these 17 easy Mexican recipes, you can make tasty meals without much fuss. From tacos to enchiladas, these dishes are quick to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for those nights when you want something good but don’t have much time.

Image shows dessert nachos on a plate topped with fruit and whipped cream.
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ground Beef Skillet Tamales

Image shows a partially served ground beef skillet tamales in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This skillet-based recipe offers a convenient and flavorful alternative to traditional tamales. Combining tender ground beef with a rich sauce and crispy tortilla strips, this dish delivers a satisfying meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic Mexican soup. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, chicken tortilla soup is a perfect choice for a chilly day or a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of slow-cooked carnitas. This tender and flavorful pork is incredibly versatile, making it a delicious option for tacos, burritos, or simply on its own.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Mexican Sheetcake Brownies

Image shows A hand holding a chocolate covered square brownie with a cracked surface against a light background.
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Surprise your taste buds with the unexpected combination of chocolate and spice in these Mexican sheetcake brownies. This unique dessert offers a delightful twist on a classic treat.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal with these flaky beef empanadas. The tender beef filling encased in buttery puff pastry creates a delicious and portable snack or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This hearty and comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a satisfying and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This unique dish combines the heartiness of a pot pie with the flavors of traditional tamales. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with a creative twist.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Homemade Nacho Cheese

Image shows a tortilla chip pulling nacho cheese out of a white bowl filled with it.
Homemade Nacho Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your nacho game with this creamy, homemade cheese sauce. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the perfect complement to your favorite chips.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese

Dessert Nachos

Image shows dessert nachos on a plate topped with fruit and whipped cream.
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this fun and customizable dessert. Crispy tortilla chips topped with your favorite sweet treats create a delicious and shareable treat.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This recipe offers a delicious shortcut to homemade enchiladas. By using store-bought puff pastry for the tortillas, you can focus on creating a flavorful chicken filling. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a satisfying Mexican meal.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Image shows a taquito dipping into a white bowl of Roasted Tomatillo Salsa.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Create a vibrant and flavorful salsa with this roasted tomatillo recipe. The smoky undertones complement the tangy tomatoes, resulting in a fresh and delicious condiment.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Chunky Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it.
Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic dip is a perfect blend of ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Enjoy its bold flavors and satisfying texture with your favorite chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Image shows a close up head on view of Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups on a white tray, topped with guacamole and crumbled cotija cheese.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This unique and visually appealing dish combines tender beef with crispy masa cups for a satisfying meal. Perfect for entertaining or a casual weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in a unique taste sensation with these tacos. The perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy habanero creates an addictive flavor profile. These tacos are sure to impress your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Refried Beans

Image shows a bowl of Refried Beans up close.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your Mexican cuisine with creamy and flavorful homemade refried beans. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, these beans are a versatile side dish perfect for various dishes.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Chicken Tamales

Image shows two Tamales sitting on a white plate with slices of avocado and tomatoes next to it.
Chicken Tamales. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Savor the authentic taste of Mexico with these labor-intensive but incredibly rewarding homemade tamales. A culinary masterpiece that’s worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales

Spanish Rice

Overhead image of a white bowl containing Spanish rice sitting on a wooden board.
Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic side dish is a simple yet flavorful accompaniment to any Mexican meal. With a few basic ingredients, you can create this delicious rice in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.