5 Easy Mexican Dinner Recipes for 1-2 People

Are you craving the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine but want to spend fewer hours in the kitchen? Look no further! These five easy Mexican dinner recipes are perfect for home cooks. Who wants to enjoy delicious, family-friendly meals without the hassle? Whether you’re cooking for one or two, these recipes are designed to be quick, simple, and oh-so-satisfying.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican dishes, we’ve assembled a collection of recipes that capture the vibrant essence of Mexican flavors. From quick chicken tacos to cheesy quesadillas and one-pot rice and beans, these meals are easy to prepare and packed with the comforting, homemade goodness you crave.

So, let’s dive in and explore these easy Mexican dinner recipes that will become new favorites in your household!

Recipe 1: Quick Chicken Tacos

Who doesn’t love a classic taco night? These quick chicken tacos are perfect for a fast and flavorful Mexican dinner. The key is to use tender, juicy chicken breast seasoned with a bold taco seasoning blend. Pair it with warm tortillas, crisp lettuce, and your favorite taco toppings for a meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients: 

• Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Two tablespoons taco seasoning
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• Eight small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with the taco seasoning, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked and no longer pink in the center. 
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and rest for a few minutes. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. 
4. Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions. 
5. To assemble the tacos, place the shredded chicken in the center of the tortillas.
6. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and salsa. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Variations: 

• Ground Turkey or Beef Tacos: Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option. Cook the ground meat in the skillet until browned and crumbled, then season with the taco seasoning.
• Veggie Tacos: Swap the chicken for roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms. Season the vegetables with the taco seasoning for a delicious meatless option.
• Fish Tacos: Use flaky white fish, such as tilapia or cod, instead of chicken. Season the fish with the taco seasoning and cook it in the skillet until it flakes easily with a fork.
• Shrimp Tacos: Replace the chicken with sautéed or grilled shrimp. Season the shrimp with the taco seasoning and cook until they are pink and opaque.
• Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add a kick of heat by mixing a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the taco seasoning before coating the chicken.
• Baja-Style Tacos: Top the tacos with a creamy, tangy Baja-style sauce made with mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
• Pineapple Salsa Tacos: Serve the tacos with fresh pineapple salsa made by combining diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Avocado Crema Tacos: Drizzle the tacos with a creamy crema, blending avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Corn and Black Bean Tacos: Add a layer of seasoned black beans and corn kernels for a heartier, more filling option.
• Taco Salad Bowls: Instead of serving the taco ingredients in tortillas, arrange them in a bowl over a bed of shredded lettuce for a taco salad.

Tips: 

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy texture. 
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure even cooking. 
3. Adjust the taco seasoning amount to your desired spice and flavor level. 
4. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a good sear. 
5. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding or chopping to lock in the juices. 
6. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel in the microwave to keep them soft and pliable. 
7. Top the tacos with fresh ingredients, like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and chopped cilantro. 
8. To allow guests to customize their tacos, offer a selection of sauces and condiments like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and tsimayo hot sauce. 
9. Use whole wheat or corn tortillas and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist. 
10. Prepare the chicken and toppings for a quick and easy assembly when it’s time to serve.

Recipe 2: Cheesy Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and easy Mexican dinner recipes dish that can be customized to your liking. This recipe focuses on a classic cheese quesadilla, but you can easily add your favorite fillings to make it even more satisfying.

Ingredients: 

• Four large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• One tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over half of each tortilla. 
2. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the cheese-covered half to create a half-moon shape.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat; melt the butter or heat the olive oil. 
4. Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. 
5. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and cut them in half. If desired, serve the quesadillas warm, with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.

Variations: 

• Chicken Quesadillas: Add shredded cooked chicken to the cheese filling. 
• Veggie Quesadillas: Fill with a variety of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. 
• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Use shredded BBQ chicken and Monterey Jack cheese. 
• Steak Quesadillas: Fill with sliced grilled or sautéed steak and cheese. 
• Breakfast Quesadillas: Scramble eggs, add cheese, and other breakfast fillings like bacon or ham. 
• Southwestern Quesadillas: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese. 
• Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas: Fill with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese. 
• Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese or cheddar. 
• Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas: Sauté mushrooms and spinach to add to the cheese filling. 
• Bacon and Cheddar Quesadillas: Top the cheese with crispy bacon.

Tips: 

1. Use high-quality, fresh tortillas for the best texture and flavor. 
2. Shred the cheese yourself for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese. 
3. Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend. 
4. Lightly brush or spray the skillet with oil or butter to prevent the quesadillas from sticking. 
5. Cook the quesadillas over medium heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the tortillas. 
6. Let the quesadillas rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the cheese to set. 
7. Slice the quesadillas into triangles or wedges for easy serving. 
8. Serve the quesadillas immediately while hot and crisp. 
9. Offer a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or hot sauce. 
10. Add proteins, vegetables, or other ingredients to customize the fillings to your taste.

Recipe 3: One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans

This one-pot Mexican rice and beans dish is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Combining rice, black beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a comforting and wholesome dinner for busy weeknights.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• One teaspoon of chili powder
• One teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the uncooked rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted. 
2. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 
3. Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. 
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. If desired, cook the rice and beans with a fork and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Variations: 

1. Tex-Mex Style: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese and one chopped jalapeño pepper to the dish.
2. Southwest Chicken: Sauté 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with olive oil before adding the rice. Shred the cooked chicken and stir it into the rice and beans.
3. Vegetarian Burrito Bowls: Top the rice and beans with avocado, salsa, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream.
4. Spicy Shrimp: Sauté 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil before adding the rice. Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
5. Loaded Nachos: Serve the rice and beans over tortilla chips, then top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Scoop the rice and bean mixture into hollowed-out bell pepper halves and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
7. Taco Salad: Serve the rice and beans over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce, then top with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and a dollop of salsa.
8. Quesadillas: Spread the rice and bean mixture onto a tortilla, top with shredded cheese, and fold in half. Cook in a skillet or on a grill until the cheese is melted.
9. Enchilada Casserole: Layer the rice and bean mixture in a baking dish, top with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
10. Breakfast Burrito: Mix eggs into the rice and bean mixture, then wrap them all up in a warm tortilla.

Tips: 

1. Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Basmati or jasmine rice also works well.
2. Rinse the black beans to remove excess starch and sodium from the canning liquid.
3. For extra flavor, sauté the rice in the olive oil for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.
4. Adjust the spices to your taste preference. Add more chili powder for a spicier dish.
5. If the rice seems dry towards the end of cooking, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
6. Fluff the rice and beans with a fork before serving to incorporate all the flavors.
7. Top with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
8. Serve the rice and beans as a main dish or use it as a base for burrito bowls, tacos, or tostadas.
9. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for a quick meal later on.
10. Make it a one-pot meal by sautéing chicken or shrimp with the rice at the beginning.

Recipe 4: Shrimp Fajitas

Fajitas are a classic easy Mexican dinner recipes perfect for a quick and easy dinner. This shrimp fajita recipe is a delicious and versatile option that can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• One tablespoon of fajita seasoning
• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• One red bell pepper, sliced
• One green bell pepper, sliced
• One onion, sliced
• Eight small flour or corn tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, etc.

Instructions:

1. Toss the shrimp with the fajita seasoning in a large bowl until evenly coated. 
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. 
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. 
4. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and toss to combine. Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions. 
5. To serve, place the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the center of the tortillas. Top with your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.

Variations: 

1. Grilled Shrimp Fajitas: Marinate the shrimp in lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grill them before assembling the fajitas.
2. Blackened Shrimp Fajitas: Season the shrimp with a Cajun or Creole spice blend and sear them in a hot skillet for a bold, smoky flavor.
3. Baja-Style Shrimp Fajitas: Top the fajitas with fresh cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and a creamy chipotle sauce.
4. Shrimp Scampi Fajitas: Sauté the shrimp in a garlic-butter sauce and serve with warm tortillas, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley.
5. Shrimp Fajitas with Pineapple Salsa: Grill the shrimp and serve with a colorful pineapple, red onion, and cilantro salsa.
6. Shrimp Fajitas with Avocado Crema: Serve the fajitas with a creamy avocado-based sauce for a rich and indulgent twist.
7. Shrimp Fajitas with Mango Salsa: Top the fajitas with sweet and tangy mango salsa for a tropical flavor profile.
8. Shrimp Fajitas with Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, to serve alongside the shrimp.
9. Shrimp Fajitas with Queso Fresco: Crumble fresh queso fresco over the top of the fajitas for a creamy, tangy addition.
10. Shrimp Fajitas with Chipotle Lime Crema: Combine sour cream, lime juice, and chipotle chiles to create a flavorful topping for the fajitas.

Tips: 

1. Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
2. Marinate the shrimp in lime juice, garlic, and spices for added flavor.
3. Sear the shrimp over high heat to get a nice char and caramelized edges.
4. Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin, even strips for consistent cooking.
5. Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and slightly charred for maximum flavor.
6. Warm the tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
7. Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese, to allow guests to customize their fajitas.
8. Add a creamy element, like avocado or chipotle lime crema, to balance the heat and acidity.
9. Experiment with flavor profiles, such as Baja-style with a cabbage slaw or a tropical twist with mango salsa.
10. Serve the fajitas with lime wedges and additional fajita seasoning on the side, allowing guests to adjust the flavors to their liking.

 

Recipe 5: Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a delicious and nutritious Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. This recipe features bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and black beans.

Ingredients: 

• Four large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• One tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. 
3. Place the peppers in a baking dish. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. 
4. Drain any excess fat. Add the cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet. 
5. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, packing it tightly. 
6. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. 
7. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly. 
8. Serve the Mexican stuffed peppers hot, garnished with additional toppings if desired.

Variations: 

1. Southwestern Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Add diced onions, corn, and diced jalapeños to the filling. Top with a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Cotija cheese. This is also dedicated to a special national day.
2. Vegetarian Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers: Use cooked quinoa instead of rice in the filling. Add sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, and black beans. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
3. Spicy Chorizo Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground beef with spicy Mexican chorizo sausage. Add diced onions, garlic, and a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the filling. Top with pepper Jack cheese.
4. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Use ground lamb or ground chicken in the filling. Add diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil.
5. Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers: Add diced jalapeños, corn kernels, and a tablespoon of taco sauce to the filling. Top with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
6. Italian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the taco seasoning with Italian seasoning and use ground Italian sausage in the filling. Add diced onions, garlic, and a splash of red wine. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Greek Stuffed Peppers: Use ground lamb or ground chicken in the filling. Add diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano and lemon zest.
8. Loaded Baked Potato Stuffed Peppers: Replace the rice with mashed potatoes in the filling. Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
9. Seafood Stuffed Peppers: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of cooked shrimp, crab meat, and diced scallops. Add chopped onions, garlic, and a splash of white wine to the filling.
10. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers: Sauté fresh spinach and mix it into the filling with crumbled feta cheese. Top with a sprinkle of pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs.

Tips: 

• Choose firm bell peppers with a vibrant color for the best results.
• Precook the rice or quinoa to save time when assembling the stuffed peppers.
• Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Suggested Pairings To Complete The Dinner Experience

• Quick Chicken Tacos: Serve with Mexican street corn (elite), fresh pico de gallo, and a refreshing lime-infused agua fresca.
• Cheesy Quesadillas: Accompany the quesadillas with a simple green salad, homemade guacamole, and a cold Mexican beer or a tangy margarita.
• One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans: Pair the rice and beans with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Offer warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side.
• Shrimp Fajitas: Serve the fajitas with Mexican-style black beans, roasted sweet potato wedges, and a pitcher of fresh-squeezed limeade.
• Mexican Stuffed Peppers: Complement the stuffed peppers with a side of Mexican-style corn salad, a crisp green salad, and a fruity sangria.

These pairings will help create a well-rounded and authentic Mexican dining experience in the comfort of your home.

Fun Facts: 

• Quick Chicken Tacos: The taco is believed to have originated with the silver miners in Mexico in the 18th century. The word “taco” means “light lunch” in Spanish.
• Cheesy Quesadillas: Quesadillas were first mentioned in a Mexican cookbook from the 19th century, but the dish likely has roots dating back to the 16th century.
• One-Pot Mexican Rice and Beans: Rice was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish in the 16th century, and it quickly became a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes.
• Shrimp Fajitas: Fajitas was originally a dish made with skirt steak, but shrimp became a popular alternative in the 1970s when it became more widely available.
• Mexican Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers are native to Mexico and were a staple food for the Aztec and Mayan civilizations.

Conclusion

These five easy Mexican dinner recipes are the perfect solution for satisfying your cravings for bold, flavorful Mexican cuisine without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for one or two, these dishes are designed to be quick, simple, and incredibly delicious.

Each recipe offers a unique twist on traditional Mexican flavors, from the classic chicken tacos to the cheesy quesadillas and the hearty one-pot rice and beans. And with the option to customize the fillings and toppings, you can easily make these meals your own.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these easy Mexican dinner recipes and enjoy the comforting, homemade goodness of Mexican-inspired meals in the comfort of your kitchen. Remember to share your culinary creations and experiences in the comments below!