14 Easy Mexican Dishes for Bold Flavors in 30 Minutes or Less

2019-07-12
14 Easy Mexican Dishes for Bold Flavors in 30 Minutes or Less

Refresh dinner tonight with these delicious and easy Mexican dishes. Each recipe takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making any one of them perfect for a weeknight meal. We've got Mexican night covered with easy nachos, pizza, quick fajitas, and sandwiches.

01 of 14

Classic Nachos

No one can say no to nachos! That's especially true for these classic nachos smothered in beef, beans, salsa, and cheese. This easy Mexican food can easily tide everyone over until dinner as an appetizer, satisfy party guests, or even take center stage as the main entrée for the night.

02 of 14

Queso Fundido Pizzas

What's Mexican night without avocado? We don't even want to think about it! This south-of-the-border pizza is piled high with sausage, cheese, salsa, beans, cilantro, and, of course, avocado for the ultimate Mexican pizza. These pizzas make easy Mexican dishes (almost like taco night!) because they're quick to toss together, and everyone can customize their toppings.

03 of 14

Picadillo-Style Chicken Taco Salad

Our favorite Mexican salad recipe? Taco salad, hands down. We piled these greens high with picadillo, a classic sweet-and-savory Latin American meat hash, then topped it off with crunchy crushed tostada shells and cheese.

04 of 14

Fish Tostadas with Chili Lime Cream

We look forward to taco night all week, but this easy Mexican dish might inspire you to swap tacos for tostadas. You can top your tostadas just like tacos. For this recipe, we piled on spiced tilapia, shredded cabbage, tomato, and avocado—but since you don't fold it in half to eat, a tostada can handle even more toppings than a regular taco. Top with only your favorite ingredients for family-friendly Mexican made easy.

05 of 14

Mexican Chopped Chicken Salad with Jalapeño Dressing

Grab all your favorite veggies because the more you add to this easy Mexican dish, the better it gets. Don't be afraid to toss fruit in, too—alongside a rainbow of veggies, we added sliced mango to this simple chopped salad. Adding queso fresco and pumpkin seeds at the end is optional, but if you ask us, both are a must for more Mexican flavors.

06 of 14

Grilled Chicken-Finger Fajitas with Peppers & Onions

Here's a tip for any quick and easy Mexican dish, especially homemade fajitas—rather than slicing a chicken breast, start with chicken strips to simplify your prep. Chicken fingers seasoned in a marinade of fajita seasoning, lime juice, and hot sauce take on a bold, delicious flavor. Served in a tortilla with veggies charred on the grill, these chicken fajitas are perfect for a party.

07 of 14

Mexican Skillet Dinner

Say hola to a weeknight-perfect one-pan meal of browned chorizo, seasoned rice, corn, and pinto beans under melty Mexican-blend cheeses. With the melted cheese on top, this dish reminds us of an easy Mexican casserole recipe, but it's cooked in your skillet and not baked. And it only takes 25 minutes to toss together.

08 of 14

Spiced Pork Chops with Zucchini & Onion

Yes, you can include pork chops in your repertoire of easy Mexican dishes. To give this simple dinner south-of-the-border flavors, stir together a spice blend with ground New Mexico chile pepper, cocoa powder, and cayenne pepper. Then you can brighten your succulent spiced pork with queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and onion.

09 of 14

Mega Beef Tacos with Soft & Crunchy Shells

Having trouble deciding if you want crunchy or soft-shell tacos? Have it both ways with these double-shell tacos loaded with family-friendly fillings. Doubling up on shells is also a great way to keep all your toppings inside the taco so you don't drop a single bite of this easy Mexican dish.

10 of 14

Tilapia Veracruz

Bring the flavors of coastal Mexico to your kitchen with this easy, authentic Mexican recipe. Featuring quick-cooking tilapia fillets, mushrooms, and olives in a spicy tomato sauce, this fish skillet comes together in just 25 minutes.

11 of 14

Tamale Pies

Want an easy Mexican casserole recipe ready to eat in 30 minutes? The best way is to make it mini! You can prep and bake a delicious Mexican dinner in less time by making four small casseroles instead of one large one. And trust us; you'll want to eat this beef casserole topped with fluffy cornbread as soon as possible.

12 of 14

Fish Tacos with Lime Sauce

Make restaurant-quality fish tacos at home! Featuring flaky breaded fish, crunchy cabbage and carrots, and a creamy three-ingredient citrus sauce kicked up with chili powder, this beloved Mexican recipe is ready in 30 minutes. Even if you mix up a homemade margarita on the side to enjoy with this easy Mexican dish, you can still have everything ready quicker than going out to eat.

13 of 14

Tortas de Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Subs)

An Italian favorite meets easy Mexican food in this hearty sandwich recipe. Each sub is packed with flavor and spice from Mexican ingredients such as chipotle, cilantro, and cumin. The chile heat is balanced by cooling avocado and fresh slaw.

14 of 14

Black Bean Cakes with Salsa

Take a peek in your fridge and pantry, and you'll probably see everything you need to make this Mexican vegetarian recipe already on hand. Curious about what holds these spicy patties together? Three words: Corn. Muffin. Mix. It's handy for an easy Mexican cornbread recipe and even handier for keeping your black bean patties intact.

Related Article

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

This easy chocolate pudding pie recipe starts with a purchased crust and is filled with luscious chocolate filling. Garnish the pie with piles of whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle cake is a shortcut dessert that's made with purchased phyllo dough and custard. Here's how to make this easy dessert at home.
Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

We'll walk you through how to make banoffee pie. You'll fall in love with the layers of rich caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream. Don't forget the shaved chocolate on top!
Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

This delicious oatmeal cookie recipe is a great use for sourdough discard. Use your choice of dried fruit to add flavor and texture to the sourdough discard recipe.
15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

No matter which of these recipes you reach for, these easy party dips dazzle on every occasion. Perfect for big potlucks or small gatherings.
Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

A soothing glass of lemon balm tea is our favorite way to enjoy the plentiful herb.
The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

A mixture of an Aperol Spritz and negroni, the Bicicletta is satisfyingly bitter and refreshing. Plus, the low-proof cocktail brings the Mediterranean to you.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Need a quick drink for a party, but don't want to spend all night playing bartender? These delicious make-ahead margaritas are the answer! Freeze them in jars overnight and they're all set for the next day.
34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

Hosting a party for Halloween? Or maybe you're bringing a dish to a bash. We've got you covered with Halloween potluck ideas for happy gobblin'!
19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

There's something for everyone on this list of Fourth of July picnic ideas, from star-spangled-salads to patriotic desserts.
Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

The sustainable superfood algae called spirulina will give you a nutritional boost. Learn about the benefits of spirulina, plus why it's a sustainable option and how to eat more spirulina.
8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

Add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to feel healthier and reduce the risk and impact of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health issues.
The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

Study up on the risks of eating raw cookie dough. You’re probably familiar with the danger of raw eggs, but did you know that raw flour can pose a health risk, too? Dietitians and a food safety specialist share more about raw cookie dough risks and how to stay safe as you enjoy cookie recipes and other baked goods.
Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should you wash bananas after bringing them home? It might seem unnecessary since you peel the fruit before eating, but there are two very valid reasons why you should wash bananas before storing them. Learn more about the benefits of washing bananas and snag pro tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

Here's how to dry tomatoes in the oven or dehydrator, including our Test Kitchen's secret for storing the dried tomatoes for up to 9 months.
Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Think outside the box with our best canned food recipes. Featuring beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, coconut milk, crab, and so much more, these globe-trotting canned food recipes prove that budget-friendly pantry staples can transform into a restaurant-quality meal.
8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

Get that made-from-scratch taste with these easy hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting than homemade.
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Planning a picnic? Make sure you include these tasty turkey wraps in your basket! They have a few classic ingredients, like avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and one or two to spice things up, like roasted corn and jalapeno cream cheese.
Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

It's not summer without a homemade burger on the grill and all the extras that go with it. Follow our Test Kitchen tips for the perfect burger.