10+ Mexican Style Dinner Recipes for a Flavorful Feast

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and diverse dishes that can elevate any dinner gathering. Exploring Mexican-style dinner recipes can bring excitement to your meals and impress your guests with authentic tastes.

From classic staples to modern twists, there are countless options to choose from that suit various preferences.

These recipes not only offer delicious options but also provide an opportunity to share rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you can find something that fits your skill level and brings joy to your dinner table.

1) Cheesy Baked Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy baked chicken enchiladas are a tasty and comforting meal. You can prepare them quickly using ingredients you likely have at home. These enchiladas feature shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a savory sauce, all rolled in soft tortillas.

To make them delicious, use corn or flour tortillas. Top your enchiladas with even more cheese for that perfect melt. A sprinkle of sour cream adds to the flavor too.

This dish is great for family dinners or when you have guests. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Chopped green chiles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix chicken, 1 cup of cheese, and chiles in a bowl.
3. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll up.
4. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
5. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
7. Serve with sour cream on top.

2) Spicy Beef Tacos with Cilantro

To make spicy beef tacos, start with ground beef. Season it with chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper for a kick. Cook the beef in a skillet over medium heat until brown and fully cooked.

Warm small tortillas to serve as the base for your tacos. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef and top with fresh cilantro for added flavor. Slices of avocado and a squeeze of lime juice enhance the taste.

Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like salsa or shredded cheese. Your friends and family will love these spicy beef tacos!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Small tortillas
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado
• Lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until brown.
3. Stir in chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
5. Fill each tortilla with cooked beef and top with cilantro, avocado, and lime juice.

3) Vegetarian Black Bean Quesadillas

Vegetarian black bean quesadillas are a tasty and filling option for your dinner. They are easy to make and perfect for anyone looking for a meatless meal. You can customize them with your favorite veggies or spices.

To get started, heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread refried black beans on a tortilla and add some cheese, corn, and chopped peppers if you like. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown on both sides.

These quesadillas are great for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Serve with salsa or sour cream for even more flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups refried black beans
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like Mexican blend)
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread refried black beans on one tortilla.
3. Add cheese, corn, and chopped bell pepper.
4. Top with another tortilla.
5. Cook each side until golden brown.
6. Cut into wedges and serve.

4) Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

Slow-cooked pork carnitas are a delicious and easy dinner option. They are perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice.

To make these tasty carnitas, you use pork shoulder, which becomes tender after hours of cooking. Season it well with spices like cumin and garlic for a flavorful kick.

Once the cooking is done, shred the pork and crisp it up in the oven. This adds a delightful crunch to your meal. You can enjoy your carnitas with toppings like avocado, salsa, or cilantro.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic.
2. Place it in the slow cooker with chopped onion and juices from the orange and lime.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C) or until tender.
4. Shred the meat with forks and spread it on a baking sheet.
5. Broil for 5-7 minutes at 400°F (about 200°C) until crispy. Enjoy!

5) Zesty Shrimp Fajitas

Zesty shrimp fajitas are a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night. You can make them in just one skillet, which makes cleanup easy. The combination of shrimp, bell peppers, and onions brings together bright flavors.

Add your favorite fajita seasonings for an extra kick. A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the taste and gives it a refreshing twist. Serve with tortillas and your choice of toppings for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• Tortillas for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in shrimp and fajita seasoning. Cook until shrimp is pink.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir well.
5. Serve with warm tortillas.

6) Classic Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostadas are a delicious Mexican dish that you can easily prepare at home. The main ingredients include shredded chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, and crispy tostada shells.

Start by cooking chicken in a flavorful mixture of tomatoes and onions. Once the chicken is done, shred it and mix it with the sauce. Spread refried beans on your tostada shells for added taste.

Top your tostadas with the shredded chicken, some fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. A drizzle of salsa adds extra flavor.

These tostadas are perfect for a fun dinner or a gathering with friends!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 chipotles in adobo
• 1 cup refried beans
• Tostada shells
• Lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook chicken in a pot with water until tender.
2. Shred the chicken and set aside.
3. In a pan, sauté chopped onions and tomatoes.
4. Add chipotles to the onion mixture.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through.
6. Spread refried beans on tostada shells.
7. Top with chicken tinga, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.

7) Chiles Rellenos with Tomato Sauce

Chiles Rellenos are delicious stuffed peppers that offer a flavorful experience. You will use large, mild green chiles for this dish. After roasting and peeling them, you can fill them with your favorite cheese or meat.

To make it even better, you’ll top the chiles with a tasty tomato sauce. This sauce is made from fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic. It adds a wonderful flavor that complements the chiles perfectly.

Fry the stuffed chiles until they are golden and puffed. Then, pour the warm tomato sauce over them right before serving.

Ingredients

• 4 large green chiles
• 1 cup cheese or meat filling
• 4 medium tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast and peel the chiles.
2. Stuff chiles with your filling.
3. In a pot, cook tomatoes, onion, and garlic until soft.
4. Blend the sauce until smooth and add salt.
5. Fry chiles until golden and serve with the tomato sauce.

8) Authentic Pozole Rojo

Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican stew that warms you from the inside out. Made with tender pork, hominy, and vibrant red chiles, it’s a dish full of flavor.

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. When it’s time to enjoy your pozole, serve it hot with shredded cabbage, radishes, and a squeeze of lime.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. It brings everyone together, making every bite a joy.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs pork shoulder
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups hominy
• 4 dried red chiles
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the pork and brown it on all sides.
3. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Add hominy, chiles, and cover with water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2.5 hours (about 120°C).
6. Season to taste and serve hot.

9) Chipotle Lime Grilled Corn (Elote)

Chipotle Lime Grilled Corn, or Elote, is a delicious, smoky treat perfect for your dinner. It features grilled corn slathered in a creamy, spicy mixture that brings bold flavors to your plate.

To make this dish, start by grilling fresh corn on the cob until the kernels are charred and tender. A hot grill at about 400°F (200°C) works best.

Brush the corn with a mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle seasoning for that zesty kick. Finish off by sprinkling crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top. This adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Serve your Elote as a satisfying side dish or a hearty snack!

Ingredients

• 8 ears corn on the cob
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
• 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro, for garnishing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Husk the corn and place it on the grill.
3. Grill for about 3 minutes, until golden brown.
4. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle powder.
5. Brush this mixture onto the grilled corn.
6. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro before serving.

10) Mouthwatering Carne Asada

Carne asada is a delicious Mexican dish that features grilled, marinated beef. It’s perfect for any dinner night and is quick to prepare. The smoky flavor pairs well with fresh toppings like onions and cilantro.

To make carne asada, start by choosing a cut of beef, like flank or skirt steak. Marinate it in a mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices for added flavor. Then, grill it until it’s cooked to your liking.

Serve your carne asada in tortillas, or alongside rice and beans. Don’t forget the fresh salsa or guacamole!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs flank or skirt steak
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the steak in the juices, soy sauce, garlic, and cilantro for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
3. Grill the steak for 6-8 minutes on each side.
4. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.