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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

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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.
Flour Tortillas stacked and wrapped in a red and white buffalo check napkin.

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.
Chicken Tacos  on a grey silver rimmed plate - Mexican dinner recipes.

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 Course Flautas
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 63 votes
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2 Taquitos Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 926 votes
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3 Nachos Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Nachos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1 vote
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4 Cheese Crisp

Main Course, Snack Cheese Crisp
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 34 votes
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5 Refried Bean Dip

Appetizer Refried Bean Dip
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 378 votes
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6 Cheese Quesadilla

Main Course, Snack Cheese Quesadilla
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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7 Queso Blanco Recipe

Appetizer Queso Blanco Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 94 votes
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8 Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 54 votes
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9 7 Layer Bean Dip

Appetizer 7 Layer Bean Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 46 votes
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10 Tortilla Chip Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Tortilla Chip Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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11 Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 113 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 Dish Spanish Rice Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 5760 votes
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13 Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

cropped-cilantro-lime-rice-resize-2.jpg
Side Dish Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 63 votes
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14 Flour Tortilla Recipe

Side Dish Flour Tortilla Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 72 votes
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15 Esquites Recipe

Side Dish Esquites Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 35 votes
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16 Canned Refried Beans

Appetizer Canned Refried Beans
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 47 votes
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17 Mexican Corn on the Cob

Appetizer, Side Dish Mexican Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 14 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 62 votes
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18 Loaded Nachos Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Loaded Nachos Recipe
Total Time: 27 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 23 votes
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19 Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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20 Mexican Cornbread Recipe

Bread Mexican Cornbread Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 108 votes
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21 Taco Soup Recipe

Soup Taco Soup Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 29 votes
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22 Albondigas Recipe

Soup Albondigas Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 347 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

Main Course Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 84 votes
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24 Beef Empanadas Recipe

Main Course Beef Empanadas Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 31 votes
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25 Cheese Enchiladas

Main Course Cheese Enchiladas
Total Time: 47 minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 758 votes
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26 Bean Chimichangas Recipe

Main Course Bean Chimichangas Recipe
Total Time: 19 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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27 White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Main Course White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 14 votes
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28 Burrito Recipe

Main Course Burrito Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 52 votes
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29 Carne Asada Recipe

Main Course Carne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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30 Chicken Flautas

Appetizer, Main Course Chicken Flautas
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 78 votes
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31 Tostada

Main Course Tostada
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 22 votes
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32 Taco Casserole Recipe

Main Course Taco Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 110 votes

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 Course Carnitas Tacos
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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34 Pork Tacos Recipe

Main Course Pork Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 8 votes
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35 Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Main Course Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 6 votes
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36 Steak Taco Recipe

Main Course Steak Taco Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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37 Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Main Course Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 53 votes
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38 Mexican Casserole

Main Course Mexican Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour
5 from 38 votes
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39 Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe

Main Course Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 25 votes
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40 Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe

Main Course Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
5 from 110 votes
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41 Dorito Casserole

Main Course Dorito Casserole
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 35 votes
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42 Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Main Course Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 42 votes
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43 Creamy Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Main Course Creamy Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 151 votes
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44 Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Main Course Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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45 Beef Enchiladas

Main Course Beef Enchiladas
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

4.93 from 79 votes
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46 Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Main Course Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour

Recipe Video

5 from 85 votes
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47 Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Main Course Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 42 votes
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48 Green Chili Smothered Burritos Recipe

green chili smothered burrito with olives, cilantro and avocado on plate
Main Course Green Chili Smothered Burritos Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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49 Baked Chicken Chimichanga Recipe

Main Course Baked Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 126 votes
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50 Tamale Pie Recipe

Main Course Tamale Pie Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
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51 Salsa Chicken Recipe

Main Course Salsa Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 19 votes
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52 Green Chili Chicken Recipe

Main Course Green Chili Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 17 votes
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53 Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe

Main Course Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 38 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

Dessert Arroz con Leche Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 405 votes
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55 Sopapilla Recipe

Dessert Sopapilla Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 61 votes
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56 Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake
Dessert Tres Leches Cake
Total Time: 5 hours

Recipe Video

5 from 37 votes
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57 Churro Recipe

Dessert Churro Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 39 votes
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58 Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe

Dessert Mexican Fried Ice Cream Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 17 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 19 votes
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59 How to Make Flan

Dessert How to Make Flan
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.94 from 16 votes
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60 Churro Cheesecake Bars

Dessert Churro Cheesecake Bars
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 252 votes
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61 Mexican Wedding Cookies

Dessert Mexican Wedding Cookies
Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 28 votes
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62 Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe

Dessert Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 15 votes
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63 Carmelitas Recipe

Dessert Carmelitas Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 62 votes
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64 Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

Drinks Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 25 votes
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65 Horchata Recipe

Drinks Horchata Recipe
Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 32 votes
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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:

5 from 2 votes

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
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

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
  • 1 1/2 – 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.


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

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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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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3 Comments

  1. Lanie says:

    5 stars
    Hello Kristyn,

    I’ve made the Easy Chicken Enchilada recipe so many times. My family, friends and co-workers always request for this when we have gatherings. Very easy and very delicious.

    Thank you for sharing this recipe.

  2. Vanessa Wilbanks says:

    OMG…I really love the Mexican recipes. There are so many to choose from. I am looking forward to make the bean burritos for a group of us for Cinco de Mayo also the Loaded Nachos. We have a few picky eaters, but these will go over very well with a margarita. Thank you for all the emails I receive from you. And, follow you on Instagram.
    Rate of the two recipes…10+

  3. Bobbie Johnson says:

    Can’t wait to try these recipes, I love Mexican food