Get ready to spice up your next celebration with these 18 delicious Mexican-inspired meals! From classic tacos and enchiladas to flavorful soups and festive appetizers, these dishes are perfect for adding a burst of authentic flavor to your festivities. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these recipes will bring the rich and vibrant tastes of Mexico straight to your table.

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Get ready to fall in love with these beef enchiladas! Tender, seasoned ground beef is wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich, tangy red enchilada sauce, and baked with bubbling melted cheese on top. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These chicken enchiladas are loaded with shredded, juicy chicken, rolled up in tortillas, and coated with a savory sauce before being baked until golden and cheesy. They’re the ideal choice when you’re looking to whip up something comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew making quesadillas could be this quick and easy? These air fryer cheese quesadillas are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Perfectly melted cheese gets packed into tortillas, delivering an effortless meal or snack in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Air Fryer Street Tacos

White plate with one taco.
Air Fryer Street Tacos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Take your taco night to the next level with these air fryer street tacos! Tender, seasoned meat is tucked into soft tortillas and topped with fresh, zesty garnishes. They’re bursting with flavor and a breeze to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Street Tacos

Beef Birria

Overhead shot of a bowl of shredded beef birria with cilantro and chopped onions.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This slow-cooked beef birria is the ultimate comforting dish. The tender, juicy beef is cooked in a rich, aromatic broth with a kick of spices. Pair it with warm tortillas, or use it as a filling for tacos dipped in the flavorful consommé!
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Beef Quesadillas

Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Say hello to the perfect combo of cheesy goodness and savory beef! These quesadillas are loaded with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese folded into golden, crispy tortillas. They’re simple but oh-so-satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you enjoy a little heat, you’ll absolutely love Camarones a la Diabla! Juicy shrimp are bathed in a fiery, flavorful chili sauce that’s guaranteed to spice things up. Serve it with rice to scoop up every bit of that smoky sauce.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For garlic lovers, this dish is a dream come true. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo features succulent shrimp sautéed with buttery garlic and herbs for a dish that’s delightfully simple yet bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Carne Asada

Sliced carne asada sits on a light blue plate surrounded by sliced oranges, limes, a bunch of cilantro, tortillas, and a glass of beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Fire up the grill for carne asada! Marinated in citrus and spices, this juicy, flame-kissed steak is perfect for slicing up and serving in tacos, bowls, or even on its own with some rice and beans.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Carne Asada in the Oven

Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.
Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

No grill? No problem! You can enjoy the same deliciousness of carne asada cooked right in the oven. The meat comes out tender and full of those bold flavors you expect from this classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Carne Asada Quesadilla

A closeup shot of a carne asada quesadilla topped with cilantro and sour cream.
Carne Asada Quesadilla. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Combine the smoky flavor of roasted carne asada with gooey cheese for a quesadilla that’s out of this world! It’s an irresistible option for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Quesadilla

Cheese Enchiladas

One cheese enchilada and rice and beans on a plate.
Cheese Enchiladas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Cheese lovers, rejoice! These cheese enchiladas feature tortillas filled with melty, gooey cheese and topped with a zesty red sauce, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a kick of spice, these poblano peppers are bursting with flavor. Roasted until perfectly tender, they’re an incredible way to mix up your weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Chilaquiles

Overhead shot of chilaquiles on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.
Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chilaquiles are a Mexican breakfast favorite that works just as well for dinner! Crispy tortilla chips are smothered in red or green salsa, then topped with eggs, cheese, and lots of delicious garnishes. Comfort food at its finest!
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo asado is marinated in citrus and spices to create a tender, smoky chicken that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or enjoying solo. It’s flavorful, juicy, and always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Pollo Verde Recipe

A bowl of Pollo Verde topped with fresh cilantro.
Pollo Verde Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This pollo verde recipe combines tender chicken with a bold, tangy tomatillo-based green sauce. Packed with fresh flavors, it’s great served with rice or stuffed into tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Verde Recipe

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Bowl of taco soup with shredded chicken, avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and lime on a marble surface.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

When you need a hands-off meal that’s hearty and comforting, slow cooker taco soup is the way to go. It’s loaded with beans, meat, tomatoes, and a burst of spices to warm you up with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Spicy Tofu Tacos

Side view of tacos on a plate, one with bite taken out.
Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Meatless doesn’t mean flavorless, and these spicy tofu tacos prove it! The tofu is coated in a bold, smoky marinade and served with your favorite toppings for a taco experience that’s fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

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