30+ Mexican Dinners Easy Recipes

share

Mexican dinners don’t have to take all day. These 30+ easy recipes cover tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, cozy soups and meatless favorites, all simple enough for a busy weeknight.

One bowl with caldo de pollo.

Easy Mexican Dinner Ideas

Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to taste like home. Most of these recipes start with things you probably already have: tortillas, chicken, ground beef, potatoes, salsa and cheese. A few go in the slow cooker and do their thing all afternoon. Others come together on one sheet pan or in one pot.

I grouped them by protein so you can find what fits your fridge tonight. Add a side of refried beans and your favorite salsa and dinner is done!

Portrait of Ana Frias

♥️ xo, Ana

Easy Mexican Chicken Dinners

1. Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling peppers, onions and juicy chicken. Set out tortillas and toppings and let everyone build their own.

A skillet filled with cooked chicken strips, red and yellow bell peppers, and onions, surrounded by bowls of black beans, rice, salsa, limes, and tortillas. Two hands hold the skillet, one with a wooden spoon.
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas made with juicy seasoned chicken, peppers, and onion in one skillet. An easy weeknight dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the recipe!

2. Cilantro Lime Chicken

A bright, zesty marinade and very little work. Serve it with rice or slice it up for tacos.

A skillet with cooked chicken breast with lime wedges as garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
This Cilantro Lime Chicken is so flavorful and so easy to make! The juicy chicken marinated in zesty cilantro and lime will have you coming back for seconds. It is an excellent dish if you are serving guests, as it tastes restaurant-worthy.
Get the recipe!

3. Salsa Verde Chicken

The slow cooker does all the work. Shred it and use it for tacos, burritos and bowls all week.

A slow cooker bowl with shredded chicken and salsa verde garnished with sliced jalapeños.
Salsa Verde Chicken in Slow Cooker
This easy slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe uses just five ingredients and is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or meal prep. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Get the recipe!

4. Chicken Tinga

Shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. Pile it on tostadas or tuck it into tacos.

A medium saucepan with shredded chicken in a tomato and onions sauce.
Authentic Chicken Tinga Recipe
Chicken Tinga is a traditional Mexican dish made of shredded chicken onions and tomatoes in an adobe-tomato sauce plus a couple of secret ingredients. It’s the perfect weeknight dish as it all comes together in about 30 minutes!
Get the recipe!

5. Sheet Pan Quesadillas

One big quesadilla baked on a sheet pan. Feeds the whole family at once, no standing at the stove flipping one at a time.

A stack of quesadilla wedges filled with beans, cheese, and vegetables, topped with sliced jalapeños and green onions, served on a plate with salsa and garnishes in the background.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Sheet pan chicken quesadillas loaded with black beans, melty cheese, and a creamy seasoned filling. Crispy, easy, and ready in 30 minutes.
Get the recipe!

6. Creamy Green Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy, cheesy and a little tangy from the salsa verde. Leftovers reheat beautifully.

A small piece of the enchilada on a fork.
Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
These creamy Chicken Enchiladas Verdes will become your favorite enchiladas recipe! Made with flour tortillas, a creamy filling then baked to perfection.
Get the recipe!

7. Milanesas De Pollo

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets baked in the oven, not fried. Serve them with rice and salad or stuff them into a torta.

Chicken milanese on an oval plate with a sauce on the side.
Milanesas De Pollo (baked not fried)
This family favorite Milanesas De Pollo (Chicken Milanese) are coated with panko bread and baked until golden brown for the perfect quick weeknight meal. I’ve been enjoying this recipe since I was a little kid, and it’s still one of my favorite things to cook and eat.
Get the recipe!

8. Arroz Con Pollo

Chicken and rice cooked together in one pot. Comfort food with very little cleanup.

A white pot filled with yellow rice, chicken pieces, peas, and red bell pepper. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, with cilantro garnishing the rice. A blue checkered cloth is nearby.
Arroz Con Pollo Mexican Style
This Arroz Con Pollo Mexican Style is so flavorful, full of protein and fluffy rice to perfection. It's a one pot dish and perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love you for.
Get the recipe!

Easy Mexican Beef Dinners

9. Ground Beef Tacos

The taco night classic. Well seasoned ground beef and all your favorite toppings.

Building the hard shell tacos layer by layer.
Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
The best Ground Beef Tacos start with seasoned lean ground beef, hard shells, fresh toppings, and bright lime. A quick weeknight meal everyone loves.
Get the recipe!

10. Mexican Picadillo

Ground beef with potatoes and carrots in a light tomato sauce. Serve it with rice and warm tortillas.

A large skillet with beef picadillo and a white cooking spoon
Healthy Mexican Picadillo Recipe
This Mexican Picadillo is made with lean ground beef and crispy potatoes with lots of flavor! Easy to make & it comes together in less than 30 mins.
Get the recipe!

11. Baked Tacos With Beef Picadillo

Tacos baked in the oven so they come out crispy without any frying.

3 crispy tacos topped with salsa and crema placed on a green plate.
Baked Tacos with Beef Picadillo
These Beef Picadillo Tacos are crispy and hold up perfectly to the hearty, savory filling, and baking them makes the flavors even better!
Get the recipe!

12. Bistec Encebollado

Tender steak and soft, sweet onions. Simple and so good with rice and beans.

A skillet with cooked sliced onions and sliced steak.
Bistec Encebollado (Steak with Onions)
Bistec Encebollado (Steak with Onions) is a delicious and simple recipe for thin steak and caramelized onions. It's so easy to make that is ready in 30 minutes or less!
Get the recipe!

13. Bistec Ranchero Con Papas

Steak and potatoes simmered in a tomato and chile sauce. Have tortillas ready to soak up every bit.

A skillet with cooked steak, potatoes and chiles
Bistec Ranchero Con Papas
When you need a delicious dinner in a hurry, I’ve got you covered with these tasty Bistec Ranchero! This recipe for steak & potatoes only has a handful of ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe!

14. Carne Asada Quesadillas

Leftover carne asada? This is where it goes. Melty cheese, crispy tortillas, done.

A stack of carne asada quesadillas cut in triangles top with a dollop of guacamole.
Carne Asada Quesadillas (Steak Quesadillas) Recipe
Make Carne Asada Quesadillas with tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies, they're packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. This recipe uses leftover carne asada meat for a quick meal that's ready in no time.
Get the recipe!

15. Air Fryer Chimichangas

All the crunch of a fried chimichanga, made in the air fryer.

A few chimichangas placed on a baking tray and salsa on the side.
Air Fryer Chimichanga
Say goodbye to fried Chimichangas and hello to a healthier version you'll love! Made with your leftovers for filling, beans, a little cheese and a crunchy tortilla, this Chimichanga is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the recipe!

Easy Mexican Pork Dinners

16. Papas Con Chorizo

Chorizo and potatoes in one skillet. Perfect for tacos, tortas or with a side of beans.

An iron skillet with Chorizo Con Papas on top of a white board and pickled jalapenos on the side.
Authentic Papas Con Chorizo Recipe
Make Papas Con Chorizo cooked to perfection mixed crispy potatoes (and eggs if you want) to satisfy your cravings for authentic Mexican food!
Get the recipe!

17. Pork Chile Verde

Tender pork simmered in a tomatillo and green chile sauce. Mostly hands off.

Mexican pork chunks in salsa verde served with red rice and corn tortillas.
Pork Chile Verde
Pork Chile Verde is a comforting Mexican dish made with tender pork simmered in a bright, tangy tomatillo sauce with green chiles and cilantro. Perfect with rice and warm tortillas.
Get the recipe!

18. Pulled Pork Tacos

Juicy shredded pork made for tacos. Make a big batch and use the leftovers for tortas or nachos.

Two pulled pork tacos filled with shredded meat, pickled red onions, cheese, and cilantro sit on a white plate with a red rim, garnished with lime wedges and placed next to a red and white checkered napkin.
Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe
Pulled Pork Tacos made with slow cooker pork, warm spices, and a rich blended sauce. Easy to prep and perfect for weeknight tacos.
Get the recipe!

19. Chilorio

Sinaloa style shredded pork in a rich chile sauce. Amazing in burritos and it keeps well in the fridge.

Two tacos with Sinaloa chilorio.
Chilorio (Sinaloa Style Shredded Pork)
This Chilorio recipe is made of boneless pork shoulder braised for hours then marinated with a chiles pasilla, guajillo, and ancho sauce. It's an economical dish as well as delicious!
Get the recipe!

Easy Mexican Seafood Dinners

20. Baja Fish Tacos

Crispy fish, crunchy cabbage and creamy sauce. Tastes like a beach vacation.

Three Baja fish tacos topped with onions, cabbage and chipotle crema. A slice of lime on the side.
Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
These Baja Fish Tacos, also known as Ensenada Tacos, are crispy, delicious and very easy to make. Top with a homemade crema, salsa and other toppings. They’re so good, everyone will be asking for more!
Get the recipe!

21. Blackened Salmon Tacos

Spice rubbed salmon with a fresh, crunchy topping. A great way to get more fish on the table.

One blackened salmon taco placed on a gray plate topped with corn salsa
Blackened Salmon Tacos
Blackened Salmon Tacos made with a delicious & easy to make homemade rub. Top them with corn salsa, cilantro lime ranch crema & queso fresco to give them an extra amazing flavor! 
Get the recipe!

22. Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa

Shrimp cooks in minutes and the sweet mango salsa balances the spice.

Three shrimp tacos with mango salsa made with corn tortilla and a lime slice on the side.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa
These Blackened Shrimp Tacos are packed with bold, smoky shrimp and topped with a bright, juicy mango salsa. They're quick to make, super fresh, and perfect for warm days when you want something light but satisfying.
Get the recipe!

23. Pescado A La Veracruzana

White fish in a tomato sauce with olives and capers. Light, fresh and full of flavor.

A white dish with the fish covered in sauce and white rice on the side.
Pescado A La Veracruzana
Pescado a la Veracruzana is a tasty fish dish made with a delicious tomato sauce of peppers, baby potatoes, onions, olives, capers and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes or less. iI’s a crowd pleaser. 
Get the recipe!

24. Ensalada De Camaron

A cool shrimp salad for hot nights when nobody wants to turn on the oven. Serve it on tostadas.

Creamy Shrimp Salad in a pink kitchen towel next to the bowl.
Ensalada De Camaron (Mexican Shrimp Salad)
Ensalada De Camaron is a tasty, refreshing and easy shrimp salad! Made with simple ingredient including celery, red pepper, carrots and potatoes and dressed up in a simple creamy mayo-based dressing, this is guaranteed to be a hit at every cookout and potluck this year!
Get the recipe!

Mexican Soups For Dinner

25. Sopa De Tortilla

A tomato and chile broth topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado and cheese. The toppings make it.

White bowl with tortilla soup garnished with avocado and cilantro.
Authentic Sopa De Tortilla (Sopa Azteca)
Authentic Sopa De Tortilla (Tortilla Soup) is made in a delicious broth seasoned with tomato and pasilla pepper. Topped with baked tortilla strips, avocado and crumbly cheese. 
Get the recipe!

26. Albondigas Soup

Tender meatballs and veggies in a light broth. A full meal in one bowl.

A white bowl with caldo de albondigas and a spoon.
Caldo De Albondigas (Nutritious Mexican Meatballs Soup)
This Caldo De Albondigas is made with beef meatballs and a flavorful broth with Mexican seasonings, carrots, potatoes, zucchini and rice. Top each serving bowl with a drizzle of lime juice and hot sauce and you have a restaurant quality meal that your family will love!
Get the recipe!

27. Caldo De Pollo

Chicken and big chunks of vegetables in a comforting broth. Squeeze lime on top and serve with tortillas.

Sopa de pollo in a bowl.
Caldo de Pollo Mexican Recipe
This EASY Caldo De Pollo recipe is a comforting and authentic Mexican chicken soup. It's loaded with vegetables making it the perfect healthy meal.
Get the recipe!

Meatless Mexican Dinners

28. Crispy Potato Tacos

Creamy mashed potato inside a crispy shell. Cheap, filling and everyone loves them.

Two fried tacos topped with slaw, salsa, and crumbled cheese on a speckled plate, surrounded by bowls of slaw, cheese, and extra tacos.
Crispy Potato Tacos Recipe
Crispy Potato Tacos (Tacos De Papa) filled with creamy mashed potato and melty cheese. They're made in the air fryer to keep the use of oil at minimum. Top with my curtido and salsa for the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe!

29. Black Bean Tostadas With Roasted Veggies

Crunchy tostadas layered with black beans and roasted veggies. Colorful and filling.

A black bean tostada loaded with veggies and cheese.
Black Bean Tostadas With Roasted Veggies
These Black Bean Tostadas loaded with roasted vegetables go perfectly with homemade salsas, avocado, crema and cheese. They make an easy weeknight dinner that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Get the recipe!

30. Veggie Tacos

Seasoned veggies in warm tortillas. A great way to clean out the produce drawer.

close up image of two tacos with veggies inside
Healthy Veggies Tacos
These Veggies Tacos are so fresh and delicious with just the right amount of spices. The veggies are super healthy and can be enjoyed in many ways! You can grill them, roast them or even sautéd in a skillet.
Get the recipe!

31. Entomatadas

Tortillas dipped in a homemade tomato sauce and filled with cheese. Old school comfort food.

Three entomatadas on a plate with tomatoes on the background.
Authentic Entomatadas
Make the best Entomatadas ever! These are a traditional and delicious Mexican dish made with lightly fried corn tortillas, filled with shredded chicken (or your favorite filling) and covered in a homemade tomato sauce.
Get the recipe!

Pick one for tonight and save this list for the next time someone asks what’s for dinner.

So tell me, which one are you making first?

share

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *