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This collection of Mexican dinner ideas will help you make the best Mexican dinner! From main dishes to sides to appetizers, drinks, and desserts – every recipe is here to help you have the perfect fiesta!
More Collections: Mexican Side Dishes, Mexican Desserts, Mexican Soups
We Love Mexican Celebrations!
We love Mexican food! Yes, many celebrate Cinco de Mayo with their favorite Mexican dishes, but we have it almost weekly at our house.
Why we love these Mexican dinner ideas:
- For a fiesta or any night. Whether it’s for a holiday, a fiesta, or a weeknight dinner, you’ll have plenty of tasty dishes to choose from!
- The flavors of Mexico. All of these dinner spreads include familiar flavors from spicy to sweet, you’re tastebuds will water!
- Common ingredients. These recipes require the same or similar ingredients prepared in various ways so it’s easy to have them on hand.
common Ingredients in Mexican Cuisine
- Corn. From corn tortillas to Elote (Mexican Street Corn) and beyond.
- Cheese. Added on top or combined into the recipe.
- Seasonings. Common herbs and spices include cumin, chili powder, cilantro, garlic, onion, oregano, chipotle, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and more.
- Peppers. Chili peppers and jalapenos are both quite common.
- Avocados are served sliced or used to make Guacamole.
- Tortillas. Corn tortillas and Flour Tortillas are often used in the recipe or served on the side.
- Beans. Black beans and Refried Beans are commonly found in dishes or on the side.
- Toppings. Common toppings include sour cream, Pico de Gallo, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, olives, queso fresco, and a squirt of lime juice.
Our Top 10 Recipes
On my site, the top 10 most loved Mexican recipes (main and side) include:
- Cheese Enchiladas
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
- Mexican Cornbread
- Arroz con Leche
- Chicken Taquitos
- Taco Casserole
- Bean Dip
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Baked Chicken Chimichangas
Go-to Appetizers
For a dinner spread plan for 1-2 different appetizers. Salsas, Dips, and sauces can be made ahead of time to make things even easier!
1 Flautas
Appetizer, Main CourseFlautas
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 57 votes
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2 Taquitos Recipe
Appetizer, Main CourseTaquitos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 910 votes
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3 Nachos Recipe
Appetizer, Main CourseNachos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
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4 Cheese Crisp
Main Course, SnackCheese Crisp
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 30 votes
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5 Bean Dip Recipe
AppetizerBean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 375 votes
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6 Cheese Quesadilla
Main Course, SnackCheese Quesadilla
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 9 votes
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7 Queso Blanco Recipe
AppetizerQueso Blanco Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.97 from 88 votes
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8 Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
AppetizerJalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 54 votes
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9 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Appetizer7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.98 from 45 votes
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10 Tortilla Chip Recipe
Appetizer, Side DishTortilla Chip Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 8 votes
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11 Salsa Recipe
AppetizerSalsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 109 votes
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Go-To Sides
Pick 1-2 sides to complement your main dish. A bowl full of Rice is a great one that can be made ahead and kept WARM in the slow cooker or chafing dish. Soups and stews can be served as a main dish or on the side. All of these options pair with almost anything!
12 Spanish Rice Recipe
Side DishSpanish Rice Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.99 from 5424 votes
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13 Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Side DishCilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.97 from 61 votes
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14 Flour Tortilla Recipe
Side DishFlour Tortilla Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.97 from 65 votes
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15 Esquites
Side DishEsquites
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 32 votes
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16 Canned Refried Beans
AppetizerCanned Refried Beans
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 45 votes
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17 Mexican Corn Recipe
Appetizer, Side DishMexican Corn Recipe
Total Time: 14 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 55 votes
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18 Loaded Nachos Recipe
Appetizer, Main CourseLoaded Nachos Recipe
Total Time: 27 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 23 votes
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19 Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Appetizer, Side DishMexican Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 4 votes
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20 Mexican Cornbread Recipe
BreadMexican Cornbread Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.94 from 106 votes
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21 Taco Soup Recipe
SoupTaco Soup Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 28 votes
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22 Albondigas Recipe
SoupAlbondigas Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 333 votes
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Go-To Mexican Dinners
Now for the star of the show! We recommend choosing 1-2 depending on the size of the party. It’s a good idea to have at least one that can be made ahead of time. Anything fried is usually made right before serving.
23 Chicken Tacos Recipe
Main CourseChicken Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 82 votes
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24 Beef Empanadas Recipe
Main CourseBeef Empanadas Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 28 votes
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25 Cheese Enchilada
Main CourseCheese Enchilada
Total Time: 47 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.96 from 729 votes
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26 Bean Chimichangas Recipe
Main CourseBean Chimichangas Recipe
Total Time: 19 minutes minutes
5 from 5 votes
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27 White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Main CourseWhite Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 7 votes
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28 Burrito Recipe
Main CourseBurrito Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 48 votes
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29 Carne Asada Recipe
Main CourseCarne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 10 votes
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30 Chicken Flautas Recipe
Appetizer, Main CourseChicken Flautas Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 76 votes
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31 Tostadas Recipe
Main CourseTostadas Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 22 votes
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32 Taco Casserole Recipe
Main CourseTaco Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 106 votes
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More Mexican Dinner Recipes
We’ve rounded up even more of our favorite Mexican cuisine, perfect for dinner any night of the week!
33 Carnitas Tacos
Main CourseCarnitas Tacos
Total Time: 9 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 9 votes
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34 Pork Tacos
Main CoursePork Tacos
Total Time: 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
5 from 8 votes
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35 Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Main CourseCarne Asada Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes
5 from 6 votes
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36 Steak Taco Recipe
Main CourseSteak Taco Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 10 votes
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37 Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Main CourseMexican Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.95 from 52 votes
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38 Mexican Casserole
Main CourseMexican Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour hour
5 from 30 votes
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39 Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
Main CourseSweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 23 votes
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40 Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe
Main CourseCafe Rio Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
5 from 102 votes
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41 Dorito Casserole Recipe
Main CourseDorito Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.98 from 35 votes
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42 Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Main CourseCrock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours hours 45 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.98 from 40 votes
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43 Creamy Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Main CourseCreamy Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.99 from 144 votes
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44 Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
Main CourseHoney Lime Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
5 from 2 votes
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45 Beef Enchiladas
Main CourseBeef Enchiladas
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.93 from 77 votes
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46 Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Main CourseChicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Recipe Video
5 from 80 votes
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47 Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Main CourseBeef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 39 votes
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48 Green Chili Smothered Burritos Recipe
Main CourseGreen Chili Smothered Burritos Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
5 from 6 votes
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49 Baked Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Main CourseBaked Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 123 votes
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50 Tamale Pie Recipe
Main CourseTamale Pie Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 12 votes
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51 Salsa Chicken Recipe
Main CourseSalsa Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
5 from 18 votes
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52 Green Chili Chicken Recipe
Main CourseGreen Chili Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
5 from 17 votes
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53 Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe
Main CourseChile Relleno Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 37 votes
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Desserts & Drinks
Save room for dessert! I usually try to make this ahead of time so it’s ready to go when that sweet tooth hits. For a great tip, you can easily extend any dessert by adding Ice Cream.
54 Arroz con Leche Recipe
DessertArroz con Leche Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 370 votes
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55 Sopapilla Recipe
DessertSopapilla Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 58 votes
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56 Tres Leches Cake
DessertTres Leches Cake
Total Time: 4 hours hours 50 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 37 votes
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57 Churro Recipe
DessertChurro Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 36 votes
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58 Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe
DessertMexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours hours 17 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 16 votes
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59 How to Make Flan Recipe
DessertHow to Make Flan Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
4.94 from 16 votes
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60 Churro Cheesecake Bars
DessertChurro Cheesecake Bars
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 236 votes
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61 Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
DessertMexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour hour 26 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 28 votes
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62 Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
DessertSopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 13 votes
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63 Carmelitas Recipe
DessertCarmelitas Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 57 votes
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64 Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
DrinksMexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 25 votes
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65 Horchata Recipe
DrinksHorchata Recipe
Total Time: 12 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Recipe Video
5 from 13 votes
A Family Go-To!
For those crazy weeknights we LOVE having a tray of these Enchiladas in the freezer so we can just pop it in the oven and have a delicious meal in no time.
Not only are chicken enchiladas so easy but they are so good! They are perfect for making in mass quantities and are super freezer friendly.
Here is the recipe:
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60+ Mexican Dinner Ideas
By: Lil’ Luna
This collection of Mexican dinner ideas will help you make the best Mexican dinner! From main dishes to sides to appetizers, drinks, and desserts – every recipe is here to help you have the perfect fiesta!
Servings: 4
Prep: 20 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Total: 40 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese shredded
- 1 (19-ounce) can Las Palmas green chile enchilada sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- 1 (4 ½-ounce) can can chopped green chiles
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix chicken, green chiles, 1 cup of cheese, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
Add enchilada sauce to a small skillet and bring it to a boil then remove from the heat.
Grab one of the corn tortillas and dip it into the enchilada sauce for about 10-15 seconds. Repeat the process for the rest of the corn tortillas.
Spoon ⅓ cup of chicken mixture and 2 tablespoons sour cream in the middle of each tortilla (I usually put the sour cream in a sandwich bag and cut the bottom tip which makes it easier to squirt right down the center).
Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in an 8×8 (or 9×9) inch baking dish.
Repeat this rolling process with the rest of the corn tortillas. Pour the leftover enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Notes
FOR A 9×13 PAN…INGREDIENTS:
- 3 – 4 CUPS CHICKEN
- 3 CUPS MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
- 1 – 28 OZ. CAN LAS PALMAS GREEN CHILE ENCHILADA SAUCE
- 12-15 CORN TORTILLAS
- 1 – 2 CANS 4.5 OZ. CHOPPED GREEN CHILES
- 11/2 – 2 CUPS SOUR CREAM
- SALT & PEPPER
Make ahead of time. Make the enchiladas as instructed, cover them with foil or saran wrap, and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours in advance. To make them even better, take the excess sauce and place it in an air-tight container. Pour on the sauce and add the cheese before storing.
FREEZE.We LOVE to freeze these Chicken Enchiladas and save them for later. In fact, we often double the batch and then eat one and freeze the rest for another night.
Nutrition
Calories: 588kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 38g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Cholesterol: 122mg, Sodium: 1700mg, Potassium: 342mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 1810IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 534mg, Iron: 2.7mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!
Perfect for Your Next Fiesta!
We hope these recipes help you create the perfect Mexican meal. Just pick one from each category and we guarantee you’ll get rave reviews! They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for your next FIESTA!
So many great Mexican dinner Ideas!!
More Collections: Mexican Casserole Recipes, Mexican Beef Recipes, Mexican Appetizers
Categorized as: Appetizers, Cuisines, Desserts, , Drinks, Extras, Food Roundup, Main Dishes, Mexican Recipes, Recipes, Sides
About Kristyn
My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!
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