65+ Best Cinco de Mayo Recipes
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Get ready to spice things up with 65+ best Cinco de Mayo recipes! Whether you’re planning a festive celebration or just craving bold, vibrant Mexican flavors, this collection is packed with my all-time favorite dishes that bring the flavor and fun.
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Cinco de Mayo recipes are at the heart of one of the most fun foodie holidays of the year, especially when you love Mexican food as much as I do! It’s all about bringing people together around a table full of lively, mouthwatering dishes. While many think of it as Mexico’s Independence Day, it actually commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Over time, it’s become a celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and of course… the food!
This roundup of Cinco de Mayo recipes is loaded with all the crowd-pleasing classics and fun twists you need for your party spread. Think sizzling fajitas, tacos, cheesy enchiladas, fresh salsas, creamy guacamole, and so much more. Whether you’re cooking up a feast for friends or keeping it low-key with your favorites, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s get this party started!
Table of Contents
Cinco de Mayo Drinks
Strawberry Margarita
This Strawberry Margarita on the rocks recipe is bursting with fresh flavor and is so perfect for hot summer days! Easy to make with homemade strawberry simple syrup, tequila, Grand Marnier (or triple sec) and lime juice, this cocktail is a must-try if you love margaritas!
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Jalapeño Margarita
Perfectly refreshing with just the right amount of spice, this Jalapeño Margarita is made with just 5 simple ingredients for an incredibly tasty cocktail. An easy drink that comes together in less than 10 minutes and is great for date night in or serving guests at your next gathering. Options to make one drink or a pitcher to share!
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Vodka Watermelon Cocktails
Vodka Watermelon Cocktails are the perfect refreshing summer drink! Easy, light and made with 4 ingredients! Less than 120 calories a serving!
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Paloma Cocktail
The Paloma Cocktail is a classic tequila drink recipe that's perfect for summer sippin' on the patio. My version of this popular tequila cocktail is super easy and so refreshing! It's made with a mixture of tequila, fresh lime and grapefruit juice. Serve on the rocks for a bubbly, sweet citrus flavored delight!
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Appetizers & Snacks
7-Layer Dip
7-Layer Dip is a classic party favorite packed with bold flavors and irresistible layers. Creamy, savory, fresh, and crunchy, it’s made for scooping!
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Best Homemade Guacamole
This delicious homemade guacamole recipe is the best! It's the perfect creamy dip that’s loaded with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, onion, juicy tomatoes and it's flavored with minced jalapeño, spices and lime juice. Make a double batch because this crowd-pleasing snack is such a hit, it disappears quickly!
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Best Homemade Salsa Ever!
This homemade salsa recipe is absolutely irresistible! It’s loaded with delicious, vibrant flavor and it comes together in less than 5 minutes.
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Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is an easy, fresh and flavorful dip made with black-eyed peas, tomatoes and veggies all tossed with creamy avocado in your favorite salsa. Endlessly adaptable, it's the perfect tasty, light, make-ahead dip for any party or gathering!
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Chipotle’s Guacamole Recipe
Chipotle's Guacamole Recipe is super popular for good reason! It has the best flavor and perfect creamy texture that’s loaded with avocado, red onion and fresh cilantro and spiced with just enough minced jalapeño. With this quick and easy appetizer recipe, you can make this super delicious dip anytime a craving hits.
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Mexican Cottage Cheese Dip
Delicious Mexican Cottage Cheese Dip is made in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients for an easy snack or healthy appetizer! This high protein dip recipe is flavorful, creamy, and perfect for dipping tortilla chips, pita chips or fresh veggies.
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Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Black-Eyed Pea Dip will be the star of your next party and is the ultimate New Year's Eve appetizer. This EASY Black-Eyed Pea Dip recipe is loaded with black-eyed peas (for good luck!), Rotel, green chiles and cheesy deliciousness! Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd pleasing appetizer!
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Corn Salsa
Bright and flavorful Corn Salsa is made with sweet corn, bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs and a kick of heat from a jalapeño. This colorful recipe is delicious served as a light appetizer with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos and also pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
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Strawberry Salsa with Avocado
Strawberry salsa is fresh, tasty and addicting. It's the perfect appetizer to bring to cookouts, picnics or parties! And works great as a topping too.
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Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus
This copycat recipe of Trader Joe's Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus is a smooth and creamy blend of chickpeas, jalapeños, cilantro, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Homemade hummus is so much better than anything you’d get at the store, and it also happens to be quick & easy to make!
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Mexican Sour Cream Dip
This Mexican Sour Cream Dip is creamy, cheesy, zesty and totally addicting! It’s made with a blend of sour cream, tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning and cheddar cheese. Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos for the ultimate party snack.
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Cheesy Sausage Dip
Bubbly and hot, cheesy sausage dip is made with two types of cheese, sausage, onion, tomato and spices for an amazing appetizer. If you’re looking for party food that everyone will enjoy, I highly recommend serving this sausage dip recipe for your next event or gathering! You can even add it to a small Crockpot to keep it warm for serving.
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Easy Chipotle Ranch Dressing or Dip
A super easy chipotle ranch dressing or dip made in the blender with plenty of flavor and a delicious spicy kick. This dip (or dressing) will be a new favorite to drizzle on tacos or Southwestern inspired meals and is so perfect for dipping with tortilla chips.
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Salads, Soups & Sides
Taco Salad
Taco salad is easy to make with lean ground beef, and a rainbow of fresh ingredients like bell pepper, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, beans, sweet corn and avocado, all tossed in a zesty light Catalina dressing and topped off with tortilla chips.
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Salad in a Jar
Delicious Southwest Salad in a Jar is quick and easy to make, and perfect for meal prep! Tender chicken is layered with crunchy cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, corn, black beans and crisp lettuce with creamy dressing in a jar. So, you don’t have to worry about your veggies getting soggy or bringing a separate container for dressing!
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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Creamy and comforting, this Chicken Enchilada Soup is loaded with shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn and spices in a creamy broth. It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish for the perfect quick weeknight dinner for the whole family!
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Southwest Salad with Avocado Dressing
This southwest salad is a delicious blend of our favorite Tex-Mex ingredients tossed in a creamy avocado dressing!
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Chicken Chili Recipe
Hearty and delicious, this Chicken Chili Recipe is full of flavor and loaded with veggies and plenty of protein in a creamy broth. All it takes is one bite and you will be obsessed! Serve with tortilla strips, sour cream, shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for the coziest dinner.
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Cilantro Lime Rice
A savory and flavorful side dish, Cilantro Lime Rice is easy to make either on the stovetop or in the instant pot and pairs well with any of your favorite Mexican entrees from fish tacos to chicken fajitas.
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Mexican Cornbread
Bringing you the best Mexican Cornbread! It's slightly sweet with a moist, tender crumb and a nice little kick of heat. The recipe is easy to make with cornmeal, flour, cheddar cheese, green chiles, and buttermilk! Pair it with chili, soup or beans for the most cozy meal.
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Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Delicious Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is loaded with tender chicken, corn, beans, fajita seasoning and is simmered in a rich, velvety broth. Finish with your favorite toppings for an easy one-pot dinner that the whole family will love!
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Bacon Creamed Corn
This creamed corn is seriously the best creamy corn recipe you'll taste! Super simple to whip up too! Corn kernels are simmered in a flavorful cream sauce, then topped with crispy bacon for an easy side dish that's elevated enough for the holidays, yet quick enough for a busy weeknight.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a tasty combination of chicken, beans, tomatoes, and plenty of spices. Top it all off with tortilla strips and other favorite Mexican soup toppings, like sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.
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Corn Chowder
Rich, creamy and comforting, homemade corn chowder is a family favorite! This easy-to-make soup is packed with smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and sweet corn, all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. This recipe can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, so it's great for any season!
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Chicken Taco Soup
Taco Soup has never been easier (or more delicious!) than with this flavorful Chicken Taco Soup! This simple chicken taco soup can be made from start to finish in 20 minutes! It’s full of chicken, corn and beans and is finished off with your favorite taco fixings. A fun twist on the traditional taco night, your family's sure to LOVE!
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Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Delicious Crockpot White Chicken Chili is loaded with flavor and made with tender chicken, corn, beans and a rich, creamy broth. Finish with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings, like cheese, sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.
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Healthy Taco Soup
This healthy taco soup recipe is beyond delicious and so easy. It's a hearty blend of lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, crushed tomatoes and seasonings, all simmered to perfection. An easy dinner option that’s kid friendly and quick to make! It will be one of those go-to hearty soup recipes you make again and again!
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Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
A flavorful, low carb side, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is quick and easy to make and pairs well with your favorite Mexican entrees.
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5 Ingredient Mexican Brown Rice
Super easy and flavorful, 5-ingredient Mexican brown rice is made in one skillet with quick-cooking rice, corn, black beans, and salsa. Not only is this brown rice recipe tasty, but it can be on the dinner table in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights! Add your favorite toppings and enjoy this hearty Mexican-inspired side dish served with your favorite Mexican meal.
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Mexican Chopped Tuna Salad
This Mexican inspired tuna salad is packed with tons of fresh veggies, tuna fish, and a creamy taco-flavored dressing. It’s a delicious, light meal served in tortilla wraps, lettuce wraps or with tortilla chips!
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Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this healthy chicken tortilla soup is everything you want on a busy weeknight. Loaded with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a touch of spice, it’s easy to make, nourishing, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
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Tacos
Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Flavorful Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are ready in just 30 minutes and will wow the whole family! Well-seasoned, sautéed shrimp are nestled in warm tortillas and topped with slaw, cilantro, sliced avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime. Guaranteed to be a new favorite!
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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
Get ready to make the best homemade taco seasoning with a tasty combination of simple spices! This easy recipe is free of additives, MSG or loads of sodium. It's the most delicious seasoning for proteins, veggies and more. So good, you'll never buy store-bought again!
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Seared Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema
Seared Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema is the perfect twist on the original fish taco recipe and a family favorite! These are super quick and easy to make with deliciously seasoned fillets that are pan-seared, and then flaked over warm tortillas. Serve with cabbage slaw, a drizzle of avocado sauce and other tasty toppings for the most incredible dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Mexican Breakfast Tacos
Mexican Breakfast Tacos are made with warm tortillas layered with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, soft scrambled eggs, and all the delicious taco toppings that you love! Filling and flavorful, this meal is the best way to start the day.
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Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Absolutely the most perfect summer meal – light, refreshing and quick!
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Grilled Chicken Tacos
The BEST grilled chicken tacos are made with warm tortillas filled with Mexican spiced chicken, corn cabbage slaw, a creamy taco sauce, avocado slices and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
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Crispy Baked Beef Tacos
When Crispy Baked Beef Tacos are on the menu for taco night, the whole family gets extra excited! Filled with seasoned meat and melted cheese, then baked to crispy, crunchy perfection, this recipe is way better than the fast food version. Add your favorite toppings for an easy dinner that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
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Cod Fish Tacos
This recipe for cod fish tacos is seasoned white fish layered with corn cabbage slaw, a creamy sauce, avocado slices and a squeeze of fresh lime; all tucked inside warm corn tortillas. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
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Shrimp Tacos
This recipe for shrimp tacos is seasoned shrimp layered with cabbage slaw, a creamy avocado sauce, chopped tomato, avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime; all tucked inside warm tortillas. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
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Vegetarian Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Vegetarian tacos are a mixture of seasoned roasted veggies, black beans and cabbage slaw that gets stuffed into toasted soft tortillas. Top with an easy, homemade chipotle sauce, cheese and a squeeze of fresh lime for a light, flavorful meal!
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Carne Asada Tacos
There’s not much better than flank steak tacos, and it’s so easy to make restaurant-style Carne Asada Tacos at home. However, if you want something other than tacos, this marinated grilled meat is delicious in quesadillas and burrito bowls, over nachos and salads, or simply serve it with rice and beans.
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Healthy Taco Meat Recipe
Homemade healthy tacos are filled with my go-to clean eating Mexican taco meat recipe and any other favorite toppings you love on your tacos. These healthy tacos make for an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy, even your pickiest eaters!
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Enchiladas
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas are easy to make and always a crowd favorite! They are loaded with vibrant colors and incredible flavor to win over every meat lover. Ready to serve in just over 30 minutes!
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Enchiladas Verdes
Creamy and flavorful, Enchiladas Verdes are easy to make and always a crowd favorite! They are packed with seasoned chicken, plenty of cheese, and smothered in a mouthwatering sauce for a meal that everyone will enjoy!
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Veggie Enchiladas
Get ready for big flavor with these Veggie Enchiladas! This tasty recipe is made with sautéed onion, bell pepper, spinach, seasoned black beans, corn, and cheese rolled up in tortillas and topped with red enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese, then baked to perfection. A delicious dinner that's sure to become a family favorite!
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Beef Enchiladas
Bringing you the best Beef Enchiladas Recipe! This easy Mexican dish is made with the most deliciously seasoned ground beef rolled up in flour tortillas and topped with red enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese, then baked to perfection. A satisfying dinner that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!
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Shrimp Enchiladas
Delicious, creamy shrimp enchiladas are made with shrimp, onion, red bell pepper and plenty of cheese, all rolled up in corn tortillas and smothered with green chile sauce. This enchilada recipe is easy to make, super tasty and sure to become a family favorite!
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Spinach Black Bean Enchiladas
Spinach Black Bean Enchiladas are packed with flavor and so easy to make. A mix of spinach, black beans, corn, green onions, cilantro and cheese gets rolled up in tortillas and topped with an easy, homemade enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese, then they're baked to perfection. So good!
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Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Learn how to make Homemade Enchilada Sauce that's way more flavorful than store-bought and so easy! This enchilada sauce recipe is made with simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes and is loaded with delicious Tex-Mex flavor!
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas
These easy chicken enchiladas are made with shredded chicken, salsa, seasonings and cheese, all rolled up in corn tortillas and smothered with red enchilada sauce. As an added plus, this easy enchilada recipe uses simple ingredients and is pretty healthy! This healthy enchilada recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Easy Chicken Enchilada Recipe
My favorite Easy Chicken Enchiladas mix red and green sauce, shredded chicken, melty cheese, and zesty salsa for a quick, unforgettable Mexican dinner.
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More Main Course Recipes
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A tasty, healthy chicken enchilada casserole that takes less than 30 minutes, from start to finish!
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Beef Enchilada Casserole
This easy Enchilada Casserole is layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, and soft flour tortillas all baked together in one dish for cheesy perfection. A simple, delicious one pan meal the whole family will love.
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Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole
A family-friendly Mexican-inspired enchilada casserole recipe, that's as tasty as it is healthy. This Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole is vegetarian and gluten-free, but can also be easily adapted to include meat.
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Taco Casserole
This taco casserole recipe is such a tasty way to do taco night! It's made with layers of tortillas, turkey, beans, and veggies, and topped with cheese.
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Mexican Lasagna
Mexican Lasagna is a layered Tex-Mex Casserole that's easy to make with layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tortillas and plenty of melty cheese, all baked together until bubbly and delicious. A flavorful dinner to feed a crowd, and it takes just minutes to put together!
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Chicken Burrito Bowls
Delicious chicken burrito bowls are loaded with fajita chicken, veggies, black beans, rice, fresh lettuce, avocado and an easy cilantro lime dressing. This recipe is super versatile and perfect for meal prep dinner or lunch. These easy, flavorful burrito bowls are sure to become a family favorite!
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Ground Beef Tostadas
Ground Beef Tostadas make for an easy, tasty dinner that the whole family will enjoy, even your pickiest eaters! These are loaded with taco-seasoned beef, and all of the best tostada toppings.
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Best Chicken Fajitas Recipe
This is seriously the BEST Chicken Fajitas recipe! It's quick, easy and SOOOO flavorful. A restaurant style meal that is super easy to make at home and always gets rave reviews!
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Shrimp Fajitas
Easy Shrimp Fajitas are one of our all-time favorite dinners. This tasty fajita recipe is tender shrimp cooked with plenty of fresh crisp peppers, and sweet onions tossed in an easy homemade Mexican seasoning and piled high in tortillas. This flavorful meal makes the perfect weeknight dinner, the whole family will love!
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Mexican Casserole
Healthy Mexican casserole that's made with chicken, cheese, black beans and tortillas, all in a tasty salsa cream sauce. A flavorful dish to feed a crowd!
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More Mexican Recipes to Try
If you try any of these Cinco de Mayo recipes, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Recipe roundup originally posted April 2019, but updated April 2025 with new recipes.
Yum! This Tres Leches Cake is delicious and so easy. And thanks for all the great Mexican food ideas!
Made the chicken enchiladas with both sauces! It was so awesome!
The shrimp tacos were fantastic! I couldn’t get enough of them and I can’t wait to make them again. Thank you!
The grilled chicken tacos were amazing! Great roundup!
Excellent roundup! I used it to plan my entire menu for our Cinco de Mayo party. The guacamole and salsa were huge hits!
The beef enchiladas recipe was a big hit with my family today. They were so easy and had so much flavor!
I just tried the chicken taco soup and absolutely loved it!
Everything looks so delicious and appetizing! I made the fish tacos and they were awesome. I’ll definitely make them again!
I made the strawberry margaritas and the cowboy caviar – both were SO good! They will both be regulars for me!
This is an outstanding roundup! I’ve made the chicken enchilada casserole before and absolutely love it. Can’t wait to try something new!
DAAAANG! This is one epic roundup! I want to make every single one of those dips, line them up, and open a big bag of tortilla chips just for me! LOL I absolutely love this, gotta try some of these amazing recipes!