Mexican cuisine is known for being wonderfully vibrant and flavorful – with all of its zestful ingredients and bold flavors. But, with so much flavor, many recipes can often be quite time-consuming, making it tough to work it into a busy day. This is why it’s essential to have some quick and easy Mexican dishes up your sleeve for those days when you’re in a hurry. So, in this article, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite quick and easy Mexican dish recipes for busy cooks.
Mexican Meatloaf
This dish is not only quick and easy to whip up but is also a great way to surprise the family with a unique dish. This Mexican Meatloaf is filled with ground beef and Cheddar cheese then glazed with a chipotle-tinged ketchup. Plus, you can make it up to a day in advance, making it an ideal choice for when you’re coming home late. Mashed potatoes or a side salad are recommended dishes to serve with it.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup salsa verde
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp. chipotle chili powder
1/4 cup shredded Jack cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, salsa verde, and cilantro with the egg. Mix everything together, then add the Cheddar cheese and mix again.
3. In a smaller bowl, combine the ketchup and chipotle chili powder. Stir until the two are thoroughly combined.
4. Fold half of the ketchup mixture into the meatloaf, then transfer the mixture to a baking sheet.
5. Spread the remainder of the ketchup mixture over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle the Jack cheese on top.
6. Bake the meatloaf in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160° when inserted in the center. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Mexican-Style Chicken Tacos
Tacos are a beloved Mexican dish and are a great choice for on-the-go. This Mexican-Style Chicken Taco recipe is both delicious and easy. You can scratch-cook the chicken chunks in less than 20 minutes, then assemble the tacos as you please. Suggested taco toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado but feel free to add any of your own favorites.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/4 cup taco seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
10 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 large avocado, sliced
1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
1. Place the chicken chunks into a large bowl, then add the taco seasoning. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.
3. Remove from heat and keep warm while preparing the taco toppings.
4. Warm the corn tortillas by placing them in a damp cloth and heating them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each.
5. To assemble the tacos, place an equal amount of the seasoned chicken onto each tortilla, then top with the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and salsa.
Easy Mexican Bean Soup
Soups are always a hit in any household. So, why not whip up this deliciously simple Mexican Bean Soup recipe? Utilizing pantry staples such as canned beans and tomatoes, this soup comes together in just 20 minutes. Add some freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream to each serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Sour cream for serving
Instructions
In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring the soup to a simmer, then season with the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 10 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish with the freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Mexican Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a delicious and simple Mexican dish perfect for a quick meal. These Mexican Chicken Quesadillas come together in just 15 minutes and are a great choice for any weeknight dinner. Cheesy, creamy, and filled with tender chicken and a bit of heat, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
4 large flour tortillas
2 tbsp. butter
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and salsa until everything is evenly combined.
Spread 1/4 of the filling over half of each tortilla, then fold in half to enclose the filling.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed tortillas in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the pan and slice into wedges. Serve hot with additional salsa and sour cream, if desired.
Now that you have some of our very favorite quick and easy Mexican dishes for busy cooks, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in less than 30 minutes. With bold flavors and rich ingredients, these recipes are sure to please everyone in the family. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply