11 Spicy Recipes That Use A Jar Of Salsa

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on this site, I may earn a commission.
Read my Privacy Policy.

Salsa is an underrated ingredient in cooking. Everyone thinks it’s a condiment for corn chips or a garnish to pour over tacos and other such dishes. But salsa can be an epic recipe ingredient that makes your dish shine with spicy goodness. You can make the spice level as hot or as mild as you like with any of these spicy recipes, so those who are sensitive can still enjoy these using mild salsa.

1. Instant Pot Mexican Chicken

An overhead view of a white bowl filled with instant pot Mexican chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, avocado and cilantro.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This Instant Pot Mexican chicken is a quick and easy dinner with many uses. Serve it over rice or quinoa, or add it to tacos or burritos. It’s easy to make and turns out delicious every time you make it. Even the kids will approve of this one.

2. Refried Bean Soup

A small bowl of Refried Bean Soup on a wood table. A wood spoon lays next to the bowl.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Refried bean soup is one of those quick and easy soups that comes together in minutes, fills you up, and is loaded with flavor. You can make it in a pot or a slow cooker, which will make the whole family warm and happy.

3. Southwest Chicken Crockpot

A white crock filled with Slow Cooker Southwestern Chicken, sits on a wood surface next to a white towel.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Southwest chicken is a mouthwatering, wholesome meal of seasoned shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. This chicken dinner recipe cooks to perfection in your slow cooker and easily packs for lunch the next day in a Thermos.

4. Slow Cooker Taco Chicken

A closeup of shredded taco chicken in a corn tortilla with spinach leaves.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This slow cooker taco chicken is the perfect way to make a large pot of chicken for family night tacos using only two ingredients. This is a multi-purpose recipe that can be used in other dishes as well.

5. Sweet And Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken

A closeup of a white bowl filled with spicy sweet slow cooker chicken.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This sweet and spicy slow cooker chicken is a quick-prep, easy way to get dinner on the table straight from your slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prep this in about five minutes and it’s great served over rice.

6. Taco Burgers

A taco burger sitting on a cutting board next to a small bowl of salsa.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

These taco burgers are wonderful straight off the barbecue. (But you can cook them in the oven or on the stovetop, too.) This is a great way to make burgers that have that “something extra” in the flavor department.

7. Salsa Rice

A cast iron skillet full of salsa rice.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This salsa rice is a great side dish for many main courses. It’s simple to make, and it goes well with refried beans and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

8. Slow Cooker Tortilla Chicken Stew

A closeup of a black crock filled with chicken tortilla stew.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This slow cooker tortilla chicken stew cooks all day while you work. It’s delicious, and you can eat it as is or fill up tacos or burritos with it. Mix it with rice or pasta to get some variety. It packs and travels well in a Thermos, too.

9. Mexican Black Bean Chili

An overhead view of a white bowl filled with Mexican black bean chili.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This Mexican black bean chili recipe is a popular summer chili that will fill you up and keep you that way. You can enjoy it as is, or serve it mixed with rice or quinoa, or any grain you prefer to mix into it.

10. Mango Chicken Wraps

A mango chicken wrap, cut in half and placed on a white plate.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

These mango chicken wraps are a family favorite. You can make them with turkey, too, if you prefer. Either way, these juicy chicken wraps filled with fresh mango are absolutely delicious, filling, and a great idea for dinner tonight.

11. 2 Bean Turkey Chili

A side view of a light, mint green crock filled with 2 Bean Turkey Chili. The crock sits on a cutting board against a white background.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This is a delicious and healthy 2 bean turkey chili made with two types of beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s quick to make and pairs well with a green salad and some crusty garlic bread.

12. Cheesy Salsa Chicken

A white casserole dish full of salsa chicken.
Photo Credit: Running To The Kitchen.

If you want something cheesy, this cheesy salsa chicken is a recipe you should try. You can serve it with some rice, or enjoy it with a side of vegetables for a delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.

13. Shredded Beef For Tacos

Three tacos lined up on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Healy Eats Real.

If beef tacos are on the menu, try this shredded beef for tacos. It’s a simple, delicious recipe that makes amazing tacos you won’t be able to stop eating. Serve with a side of rice and beans to round out the meal.

More From The Gracious Pantry

A dutch oven with a cooked whole chicken topped with rosemary twigs.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.

Author: Tiffany McCauley

Title: Food and Travel Journalist

Expertise: Food, cooking, travel

Bio:

Tiffany McCauley is a nationally syndicated writer and an award-winning cookbook author and food blogger. She has been featured on MSN, Huffington Post, Country Living Magazine, HealthLine, Redbook, and many more. Her food specialty is healthy comfort food recipes.

Leave a Reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.