Take the meh out of Mexican with these 23 fab recipes

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Don’t be bored by the same old tacos week after week. We’ve gathered 23 Mexican-inspired recipes that will transport you south of the border. From super sopas to savory enchiladas and zesty street tacos, these dishes celebrate the rich flavors, bold spices, and comforting traditions that define Mexican cooking.

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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.

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Crockpot Mexican Beef served in masa cups, a satisfying dish that brings the taste of Mexico to your table. Tender beef, aromatic spices, and crispy masa cups create a delightful combination of textures and tastes during your Mexican meals.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Carnitas

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

Experience the succulent and flavorful delight of Instant Pot Carnitas, featuring tender pulled pork infused with a blend of spices. This Mexican-inspired dish promises authentic flavors and irresistible tacos or burritos right in the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

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.

Delight in the authentic flavors of chicken tamales, a traditional Mexican treat that’s even better with leftover rotisserie chicken. These tender tamales are filled with savory chicken and rich masa dough, offering an irresistible Mexican meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales

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.

Sink your teeth into the savory goodness of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas, delectable summer appetizers that combine tender beef and flaky pastry for a satisfying bite. These handheld treats are perfect for any gathering or party, adding a tasty twist to your Mexican meals.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your taco cravings at home with Slow Cooker Barbacoa, a tender and flavorful beef dish inspired by Chipotle. This easy slow cooker recipe ensures juicy, savory, and mouthwatering Mexican meals for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

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

Transform your weeknight dinners with mouthwatering semi-homemade chicken enchiladas made using rotisserie chicken. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a comforting and flavorful Mexican meal that will have your whole family asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Dessert Nachos

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

Don’t forget dessert! Enjoy a dessert fit for a fancy restaurant with this Dessert Nacho recipe. Baked cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are topped with fruit and a Mexican hot fudge sauce, finished with a touch of whipped cream. It’s simple, beyond delicious, and the perfect sweet ending to your Mexican meals.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm up your Mexican meals with Chicken Tortilla Soup, a quick and easy option that’s hearty enough to enjoy as a meal. This soup boasts tender chicken, beans, and corn, creating a simple and tasty recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of cheater chicken empanadas, perfect appetizers bursting with flavorful chicken and a golden, flaky crust. These handheld delights are sure to impress your guests during your Mexican meals.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a lighter Mexican dinner, try Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. These crispy taquitos are filled with shredded chicken, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and green chile salsa, perfect for dipping in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Cheese Enchiladas

One cheese enchilada and rice and beans on a plate.
Cheese Enchiladas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Enjoy authentic Mexican flavor with these delicious Cheese Enchiladas. These enchiladas are a cheesy delight that’s sure to satisfy your Mexican meal cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Enchiladas

Air Fryer Street Tacos

White plate with one taco.
Air Fryer Street Tacos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Create delicious air fryer steak tacos for your family’s Mexican meals. These easy steak tacos offer a delightful combination of flavors and are a great addition to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Street Tacos

Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones a la diabla on a white plate with lime wedges.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy a spicy twist on Mexican meals with Camarones a la Diabla, featuring succulent shrimp smothered in a fiery sauce made from dried chiles. This dish promises a flavorful and satisfying dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate your weeknight Mexican meals with Air Fryer Enchiladas, a flavorful twist on the usual taco and burrito routine. These easy-to-make beef enchiladas are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, providing a delicious dinner option that’s bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your weeknight Mexican meals with Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas. These enchiladas are packed with tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and melty cheese, making them perfect for gatherings or quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Savor the taste of street stall Mexican corn with this Mexican Corn Salad. It combines sweet corn, creamy butter, zesty lime juice, diced Jalapeños, chili flakes, and cheese for a perfect side dish to your Mexican dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup

Corn and bean soup in a blue bowl.
Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Indulge in the heartiness of Creamy Mexican Corn and Bean Soup, a comforting dish featuring tender corn kernels, hearty beans, cheese, and spicy pepper. This soup is the perfect addition to your Mexican meals repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup

Blackened Cod Tacos

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Blackened Cod Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in smoky and savory Blackened Cod Tacos, a simple and delicious fish taco recipe featuring crisp cabbage, fresh lime juice, vibrant pico de gallo, and lightly charred tortillas. These tacos are perfect for weeknight Mexican dinners.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Elevate Taco Tuesday with Baja Fish Tacos, featuring fresh and flavorful fish seasoned with bold spices. These tacos are perfect for any day of the week and promise a delightful Mexican meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine all the flavors of a walking taco in one satisfying casserole with Walking Taco Casserole. Layers of ground beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos come together for a unique twist on a classic favorite Mexican meal.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Carne Asada

Sliced carne asada sits on a light blue plate surrounded by sliced oranges, limes, a bunch of cilantro, tortillas, and a glass of beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the best carne asada marinade for a variety of Mexican meals. This flavorful marinade adds a smoky, citrusy, and savory twist to dishes like carne asada burritos and plates that rival your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Try the classic Mexican garlic shrimp dish, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, for a delightful Mexican meal that’s rich in garlic, spices, lime juice, and cilantro. These plump shrimp are a tasty addition to your dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add bold and big flavors to your Mexican meals with Chicken Tinga. This Instant Pot recipe is perfect for burritos, tacos, nachos, or any dish that craves the rich and savory taste of Chicken Tinga.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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