Mexican cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, bold spices, and comforting dishes that bring people together around the dinner table.
From sizzling street tacos and hearty stews to cheesy casseroles and fresh salads, Mexican dinners offer a diverse range of recipes that satisfy all tastes and occasions.
Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or fresh, this collection of 28+ Mexican dinner recipes provides plenty of inspiration to spice up your weeknight meals or impress guests with authentic, delicious flavors straight from Mexico.
28+ Delicious Mexican Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight
Diving into these 28+ Mexican dinner recipes opens up a world of colorful, flavorful, and satisfying meals that are easy to prepare and full of tradition.
Whether you prefer the smoky heat of chipotle, the freshness of lime and cilantro, or the comforting richness of slow-cooked meats, Mexican cuisine offers something for everyone.
These recipes make it simple to bring the joy and excitement of Mexican cooking into your home, perfect for any night of the week.
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dinner featuring shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich and flavorful enchilada sauce, and baked until bubbly and delicious.
This dish combines tender meat, melted cheese, and a savory sauce that captures the heart of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Enchilada sauce (red or green)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Onion, chopped
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onions in olive oil until soft.
Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, fill with shredded chicken and some onions, then roll tightly.
Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish, cover with remaining sauce and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This dish is comforting and rich, with a perfect balance of spices and cheesy goodness.
Chicken enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing Mexican dinner that’s both hearty and full of authentic flavor.
Beef Tacos
Beef Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with traditional spices and served in warm tortillas topped with fresh garnishes like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add taco seasoning and a bit of water, simmer until thickened.
Warm tortillas and fill with seasoned beef.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and sour cream as desired.
Beef tacos offer a satisfying mix of seasoned meat and fresh toppings, making them an easy and delicious Mexican dinner option that’s customizable and loved by all ages.
Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp Fajitas are a vibrant and flavorful Mexican dish featuring marinated shrimp sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, served with warm tortillas and fresh toppings.
This dinner is quick to prepare and bursting with zesty, smoky flavors.
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
- Olive oil
- Flour tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro and sour cream for serving
Instructions:
Toss shrimp with fajita seasoning.
Sauté shrimp in olive oil until just cooked.
In the same pan, cook bell peppers and onions until tender-crisp.
Serve shrimp and veggies in warm tortillas, garnished with lime, cilantro, and sour cream.
This dish balances the sweetness of shrimp with smoky, spicy vegetables for a fresh and flavorful Mexican dinner that’s both light and satisfying.
Carne Asada
Carne Asada is a popular Mexican dinner featuring marinated and grilled flank steak sliced thin and served with fresh tortillas and toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and lime.
The marinade’s citrus and spice blend infuses the meat with bold, smoky flavors.
Ingredients:
- Flank steak or skirt steak
- Lime juice
- Garlic, minced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Marinate steak in lime juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for several hours.
Grill steak over high heat until desired doneness, then let rest and slice thin against the grain. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Carne Asada offers a tender, flavorful steak experience that’s perfect for a festive Mexican dinner.
It’s great for gatherings or a special weeknight meal full of zest and smoky char.
Chiles Rellenos
Chiles Rellenos are roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese (or meat), dipped in a fluffy egg batter, and fried until golden.
Served with a rich tomato sauce, this traditional Mexican dish offers a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- Poblano peppers
- Cheese (like queso fresco or Monterey Jack) or cooked ground meat
- Eggs
- Flour
- Tomato sauce
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Roast and peel poblano peppers. Stuff with cheese or meat. Separate eggs and beat whites until stiff peaks form, then fold in yolks.
Lightly flour stuffed peppers, dip into egg batter, and fry until golden. Serve topped with warm tomato sauce.
Chiles Rellenos provide a satisfying combination of smoky peppers, creamy filling, and crispy coating, making it a classic Mexican dinner full of comfort and flavor.
Mexican Rice and Beans
Mexican Rice and Beans is a hearty and comforting dinner side or main dish featuring fluffy, seasoned rice and tender, flavorful beans simmered with aromatic spices and herbs.
It’s a staple in Mexican cooking and pairs well with many dishes.
Ingredients:
- Long grain white rice
- Black beans or pinto beans, cooked
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
- Cumin and chili powder
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add rice and toast lightly. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, and spices, then cook until rice is tender.
Mix in beans and heat through. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
This dish is wholesome and flavorful, offering a perfect base or side for Mexican dinners.
It’s comforting, nutritious, and full of classic, satisfying flavors.
Fish Tacos
Fish Tacos are a fresh and flavorful Mexican dinner featuring crispy or grilled fish fillets tucked into warm tortillas, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime.
They offer a light yet satisfying meal packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- White fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Cabbage, shredded
- Mayonnaise or sour cream
- Lime juice
- Chili powder and cumin
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Season fish with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through and flaky.
Mix shredded cabbage with mayonnaise or sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro to make slaw.
Assemble tacos with fish, slaw, and an extra squeeze of lime.
Fish tacos combine tender, flavorful fish with zesty slaw, creating a delicious balance of textures and tastes—a perfect light Mexican dinner that’s easy to make.
Pozole Rojo
Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican stew made with tender pork, hominy, and a rich red chili broth, garnished with fresh radishes, shredded cabbage, lime, and oregano.
This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for special dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- Hominy, drained
- Dried guajillo or ancho chilies
- Garlic and onion
- Chicken broth
- Cabbage, shredded
- Radishes, sliced
- Lime wedges
- Oregano
Instructions:
Simmer pork with garlic and onion until tender.
Rehydrate and blend chilies into a smooth sauce, then add to the broth with hominy and pork.
Cook until flavors meld.
Serve with cabbage, radishes, lime, and oregano for topping.
Pozole Rojo is a flavorful and satisfying Mexican dinner stew that warms the soul with its rich broth and tender meat, ideal for sharing and savoring.
Quesadilla Suprema
Quesadilla Suprema is a loaded quesadilla filled with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and topped with fresh salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
It’s a delicious, customizable Mexican dinner that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers and onions, sliced
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions:
Cook ground beef with taco seasoning.
Sauté peppers and onions until soft. On a tortilla, layer cheese, beef, and vegetables, then top with more cheese and another tortilla.
Cook in a skillet until golden and cheese melts. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Quesadilla Suprema offers a flavorful and hearty Mexican dinner option that’s perfect for satisfying cravings and feeding a hungry crowd with its melty, savory goodness.
Chicken Mole
Chicken Mole is a rich and complex Mexican dish where tender chicken is smothered in a deeply flavored sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, spices, and nuts.
This traditional dinner offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
- Dried chilies (ancho, pasilla, or mulato)
- Chocolate (Mexican or dark)
- Onion and garlic
- Nuts (almonds or peanuts)
- Spices (cinnamon, cumin, cloves)
- Chicken broth
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Toast and soak dried chilies, then blend with nuts, chocolate, onion, garlic, and spices to create the mole sauce.
Brown chicken pieces, then simmer them in the mole sauce until fully cooked and tender.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Chicken Mole is a luxurious and comforting Mexican dinner that showcases the depth of flavors in traditional Mexican cooking, perfect for special occasions or a flavorful weeknight meal.
Carne Guisada
Carne Guisada is a hearty Mexican beef stew slow-cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a blend of spices.
This comforting dish is rich in flavor and perfect served with rice or warm tortillas for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat
- Onion and garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Beef broth
- Cumin, chili powder, and oregano
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Brown beef in olive oil, then sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Add tomatoes, broth, and spices, then simmer on low heat until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
Serve hot with rice or tortillas.
Carne Guisada is a flavorful and warming Mexican dinner that combines tender beef with rich, aromatic sauce — ideal for cozy meals that satisfy the soul.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular Mexican side or snack featuring grilled corn on the cob coated in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and chili powder.
It’s a flavorful and fun addition to any Mexican dinner.
Ingredients:
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Mayonnaise
- Cotija cheese or Parmesan, crumbled
- Lime wedges
- Chili powder
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Grill corn until charred and tender.
Spread a layer of mayonnaise over the corn, then sprinkle generously with cheese and chili powder.
Squeeze lime juice on top and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Elote delivers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a beloved Mexican treat that pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or any festive dinner.
Chicken Tinga
Chicken Tinga is a flavorful Mexican dish featuring shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy tomato and chipotle sauce.
It’s commonly used as a filling for tacos, tostadas, or served over rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Tomatoes
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Blend tomatoes and chipotle peppers into a smooth sauce and add to the pan.
Simmer the sauce, then add shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Chicken Tinga offers a smoky and mildly spicy flavor profile that makes it a versatile and delicious Mexican dinner option, perfect for tacos or as a hearty main dish.
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Stuffed Peppers are bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or turkey, rice, beans, and spices, then baked and topped with melted cheese.
This dish combines vibrant flavors and textures for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- Ground beef or turkey
- Cooked rice
- Black beans
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic, add ground meat and cook until browned.
Stir in rice, beans, and taco seasoning. Stuff mixture into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
These stuffed peppers are a comforting and flavorful Mexican dinner that balances protein, vegetables, and spices in one delicious package.
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast-for-dinner dish featuring fried eggs served on crispy tortillas, topped with a spicy tomato and chili sauce, beans, and fresh garnishes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- Corn tortillas
- Eggs
- Black beans
- Salsa ranchera or homemade tomato-chili sauce
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Heat tortillas until crispy.
Fry eggs sunny side up. Warm black beans and tomato sauce separately.
Assemble by placing eggs on tortillas, spooning beans and sauce over the top, then garnish with avocado, cilantro, and cheese.
Huevos Rancheros offers a delicious and filling Mexican dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with traditional flavors perfect for any time of day.
Carnitas
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish featuring slow-cooked pork that’s tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The pork is seasoned with spices, cooked until falling apart, then crisped up for a perfect balance of textures.
It’s often served in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and beans.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or butt
- Garlic cloves
- Onion
- Orange juice
- Cumin and oregano
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Slow cook the pork with garlic, onion, orange juice, and spices until tender.
Remove the pork and shred it, then crisp it up in a hot pan or under the broiler.
Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Carnitas deliver rich, savory flavors with a delightful crispy finish, making it a beloved Mexican dinner choice that’s both comforting and versatile.
Sopa de Fideo
Sopa de Fideo is a classic Mexican noodle soup made with thin noodles cooked in a tomato-based broth flavored with garlic, onion, and mild spices.
It’s a comforting, light dinner that’s quick to prepare and loved by all ages.
Ingredients:
- Fideo noodles or vermicelli
- Tomatoes
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Cumin and oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toast noodles in olive oil until golden.
Blend tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a smooth puree and add to the pot.
Pour in chicken broth and spices, bring to a boil, then add noodles and simmer until tender.
Sopa de Fideo is a warm and nourishing Mexican dinner option that’s simple yet flavorful, perfect for cozy evenings or a quick meal.
Tostadas
Tostadas are crispy fried or baked tortillas topped with a variety of ingredients such as refried beans, shredded meat, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado.
They offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors for a fun and satisfying Mexican dinner.
Ingredients:
- Corn tortillas
- Refried beans
- Shredded cooked chicken or beef
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
Fry or bake tortillas until crispy.
Spread refried beans on each tortilla, then layer with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and avocado.
Top with sour cream if desired.
Tostadas are a versatile and delicious Mexican dinner choice that’s easy to customize and full of vibrant, fresh flavors.
Pozole Verde
Pozole Verde is a traditional Mexican soup made with tender pork, hominy, and a vibrant green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro.
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting dinner and is often garnished with shredded cabbage, radishes, lime, and avocado.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- Hominy, drained
- Tomatillos
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, and avocado for garnish
Instructions:
Cook pork with onion and garlic until tender.
Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro to make the green sauce. Add hominy and green sauce to the pork and broth, then simmer until flavors meld.
Serve with cabbage, radishes, lime, and avocado on the side.
Pozole Verde offers a fresh and zesty twist on a classic Mexican stew, making it a vibrant and satisfying dinner option full of tradition and flavor.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles is a beloved Mexican breakfast-for-dinner dish made from crispy tortilla chips simmered in a flavorful salsa, then topped with cheese, crema, onions, and often a fried egg or shredded chicken.
It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Corn tortilla chips
- Red or green salsa
- Queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Crema or sour cream
- Onion, sliced
- Eggs or shredded chicken (optional)
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Simmer tortilla chips in salsa until slightly softened but still crunchy.
Top with cheese, crema, onions, and optional eggs or chicken.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Chilaquiles are a flavorful, versatile Mexican dinner that combines crispy, saucy, and creamy elements for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Mexican Meatballs (Albondigas)
Mexican Meatballs, or Albondigas, are tender beef and rice meatballs cooked in a savory tomato broth with vegetables and herbs.
This comforting dish is perfect for a warm, nourishing dinner with authentic Mexican flavors.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Onion and garlic
- Egg
- Tomato sauce
- Carrots and potatoes, diced
- Cilantro and oregano
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix ground beef with cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings.
Form into meatballs. Simmer meatballs in tomato sauce and chicken broth with vegetables until cooked through and tender.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Albondigas offer a homestyle Mexican dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family meals or comforting weeknight dinners.
Tinga de Res
Tinga de Res is a smoky and spicy Mexican beef stew made with shredded beef cooked in a rich chipotle-tomato sauce.
This versatile dish is perfect for tacos, tostadas, or served over rice for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
- Shredded beef
- Tomatoes
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Onion and garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
Blend tomatoes and chipotle peppers into a sauce and add to the pan. Simmer shredded beef in the sauce until flavors meld.
Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Tinga de Res brings smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors to your dinner table, offering a satisfying and authentic Mexican meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
Mexican Pozole Blanco
Mexican Pozole Blanco is a traditional hominy soup made with pork and seasoned with garlic, onion, and oregano, served with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, radishes, and lime.
It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for dinner gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- Hominy, drained
- Onion and garlic
- Oregano
- Chicken broth
- Cabbage, radishes, lime wedges, and avocado for garnish
Instructions:
Cook pork with onion and garlic until tender.
Add hominy, chicken broth, and oregano, then simmer until flavors combine.
Serve with fresh shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and avocado.
Pozole Blanco offers a mild yet flavorful Mexican dinner option that’s perfect for warming up and enjoying traditional flavors with fresh, crunchy toppings.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and zesty seafood dish featuring cooked shrimp mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado, all tossed in a tangy tomato and lime juice sauce.
It’s a light and satisfying dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Tomatoes, diced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, diced
- Tomato juice or Clamato
- Lime juice
- Hot sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Combine shrimp, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and avocado in a bowl.
Mix tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to make the cocktail sauce.
Toss everything together and chill before serving.
This shrimp cocktail offers a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy Mexican dinner option that’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
Mexican Street Tacos
Mexican Street Tacos are small, flavorful tacos made with soft corn tortillas filled with marinated and grilled meat like carne asada, topped with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
They are simple yet packed with authentic Mexican flavors and perfect for a casual dinner.
Ingredients:
- Corn tortillas
- Marinated grilled steak or pork
- Chopped onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa of choice
Instructions:
Grill marinated meat until cooked and slightly charred. Warm the tortillas, then fill them with slices of meat.
Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Serve with salsa on the side.
These tacos bring the classic street food experience to your table, offering bold, fresh flavors in every bite — a must-try for any Mexican dinner lover.
Enchilada Casserole
Enchilada Casserole layers tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce baked to bubbly perfection.
It’s a comforting, hearty Mexican dinner that’s easier to prepare than traditional rolled enchiladas.
Ingredients:
- Corn tortillas
- Ground beef
- Black beans
- Enchilada sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Onion and garlic
- Olive oil
- Cumin and chili powder
Instructions:
Sauté onions and garlic, cook ground beef with spices.
In a baking dish, layer tortillas, beef mixture, beans, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers and finish with cheese on top.
Bake until hot and bubbly.
This casserole is a deliciously simple way to enjoy the flavors of enchiladas with less effort, perfect for feeding a crowd or family dinner.
Camarones a la Diabla
Camarones a la Diabla is a spicy Mexican shrimp dish where shrimp are cooked in a fiery chili sauce made from dried chipotle or guajillo peppers, garlic, and tomatoes.
It’s a bold and intense dinner option that’s great with rice or tortillas.
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Dried chipotle or guajillo chilies
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Rehydrate chilies and blend with tomatoes, garlic, and onion to make a spicy sauce.
Sauté shrimp in olive oil, then simmer in the chili sauce until cooked through.
Finish with a squeeze of lime.
Camarones a la Diabla is perfect for those who love bold, spicy Mexican flavors, delivering a fiery, savory dinner that excites the palate.
Conclusion
Exploring this extensive collection of Mexican dinner recipes ensures your dinner table will never lack variety or flavor. With options ranging from quick and easy dishes to more elaborate, festive meals, you can enjoy the authentic tastes of Mexico whenever you like. Embracing these recipes not only enriches your culinary repertoire but also lets you experience the warmth and vibrancy of Mexican food culture in every bite.
