16 Quick Mexican Recipes That Won’t Eat Up Your Whole Evening

The sizzle of spices and the warmth of chilies fill the air when you’re cooking Mexican dishes. While it can be tempting to dive into an all-day project like tamales or mole, sometimes you just can’t afford the time and energy. We suggest turning to these quick recipes to make a delicious Mexican feast even during busy weeknights as most of them are ready in more or less 30 minutes.

1. Mushroom Tacos

A row of mushroom tacos on a dark gray surface.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

You might think of tacos as basic, but these Mushroom Tacos are anything but even as a vegan dish. They’re loaded with your favorite Mexican staples like refried beans and salsa, and of course, mushrooms that are sautéed until tender and caramelized.

2. Mexican Rice

An overhead view of two white bowls filled with Mexican rice.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This wonderfully simple Mexican rice recipe is the perfect side dish for Taco Tuesdays. It goes great with refried beans and any other main dish you care to serve it with.

3. Nacho Fries

Nacho fries on a wood cutting board.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Nacho Fries are a quick, easy, and delicious dinner the whole family will love. Just add your favorite nacho toppings, and you’re good to go.

4. Mexican Shepherd’s Pie

Clean Eating Mexican Shepherds Pie Recipe
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This unconventional dish is every bit as tasty as more conventional Mexican meals. Casseroles like this Mexican Shepherd’s Pie are quick and easy to throw together and satisfy every time.

5. Mexican Pasta Salad

A closeup of a white bowl filled with Mexican Pasta Salad.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This vibrant salad combines cooked pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables like juicy tomatoes, tangy black olives, zesty red onions, and creamy avocado. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a refreshing salad, this Mexican Pasta will be a hit.

6. Shrimp Campechana

Clean Eating Shrimp Campechana Recipe
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Shrimp Campechana is a simple dish to toss together last minute. It can be enjoyed as a main course, in tacos, burritos, and more.

7. Nachos Recipe With Bacon And Jalapeno

A closeup of Bacon Jalapeno Nachos garnished with fresh cilantro.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This crowd-pleasing Nachos Recipe With Bacon & Jalapeno recipe takes classic nachos to a whole new level. Picture this: a bed of crispy tortilla chips generously topped with sizzling bacon, spicy jalapenos, melted cheese, and an array of mouthwatering toppings. So grab your favorite toppings, prepare for a flavor explosion, and let the nacho party begin!

8. Chickpea Tacos (100% Plant Based!)

A closeup of a Chickpea Taco that lays open on a wood surface.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

These tacos are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican favorite, offering a satisfying and flavorful option for veggie lovers and plant-based folks. These Chickpea Tacos are a must-try.

9. Cabbage Leaf Tacos

And up close view of a cabbage leave taco.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

These amazing tacos have all the crunch you expect from a taco without all the extra carbs. Cabbage Leaf Tacos are incredibly fresh tasting, and you can top them with whatever you like.

10. Mexican Chicken Salad

A white bowl sits filled with Mexican Chicken Salad on a wood table. A smaller white bowl of avocado dressing sits next to it.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

The combination of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and vibrant dressing creates a flavorful balance that creates a delicious lunch or dinner. This Mexican Chicken Salad is a winner.

11. 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.

This hearty soup takes the classic flavors of refried beans and transforms them into a delicious and satisfying bowl of goodness. Refried beans mixed with salsa that is as spicy as you want it, topped with a dollop of tangy sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This Refried Bean Soup is the perfect choice for dinner tonight.

12. Lentil Tortilla Stew

A closeup of a white crock filled with Lentil Tortilla Stew and garnished with chopped tomatoes, tortilla pieces and fresh cilantro.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This comforting stew is packed with wholesome ingredients that are just as good on a hot summer evening as they are on a cold winter night. To add an extra layer of deliciousness, we top it off with crispy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of freshly chopped tomatoes and cilantro. This Lentil Tortilla Stew is definitely a winner.

13. Mexican Pumpkin Rotini

A closeup of a white crock filled with Mexican Pumpkin Rotini.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

This unique twist on traditional pasta dishes combines al dente rotini pasta with a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with Mexican-inspired spices. No matter what the occasion, this Mexican Pumpkin Rotini is a delicious must-try.

14. Fajita Wraps

Two halves of a Fajita Wrap are stacked on top of each other on a wooden surface.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm tortilla filled with tender and juicy fajita meat, complemented by the caramelized sweetness of peppers and onions. Add a dollop of tangy salsa, a sprinkle of grated cheese, and a dollop of creamy guacamole for the perfect finishing touch. These Fajita Wraps are a delicious idea for dinner tonight.

15. Mexican Stuffed Quesadillas

Stacked stuffed Mexican quesadilla pieces on a cutting board with a few black olives laying around the stack.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Imagine warm tortillas oozing with melted cheese and filled with a medley of savory ingredients. Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Mexican Stuffed Quesadillas are a surefire hit.

16. Fish Tacos

A closeup of a Fish Taco on a white background.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

These tacos have tender and flaky fish fillets cooked to perfection and topped with the most delicious cabbage slaw. These Healthy Fish Tacos are fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor.

Thinking Of Chicken For Dinner But Sick Of The Same Ol’ Chicken For Dinner? Here Are 101 New Ways To Make It!

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

Having chicken for dinner… again? Here are 101 new ways to level up your dinner game tonight.

Healthy Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas That Actually Taste Good

A skillet filled with ground turkey, chopped tomatoes, chopped avocado and garnished with fresh parsley.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Lean ground turkey is a great replacement for ground beef if you are working on your health. Here, we give you 17 Meals with ground turkey that are surprisingly good for you.

While You’re Cooking, Prep Breakfast For Tomorrow Too. It Only Takes 5 Minutes!

An overhead view of a small canning jar filled with overnight oats with raisins.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Prepping overnight oats the night before is a fantastic way to ensure that your morning runs smoothly. These delicious oatmeal recipes are prepped in just 5 minutes. In fact, you can even make homemade oatmeal packets with these recipes, so all you have to do is grab a packet and get it in the fridge.

This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.

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