17 Shortcut Mexican Dishes Using Only Pantry Staples

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Refried Black Beans

These perfectly spiced refried black beans are the ultimate side dish, full of flavor and just the right amount of seasoning. They’re creamy, hearty, and pair beautifully with tacos, rice, or even a simple tortilla. The best part? You only need five minutes to prep everything—the Instant Pot takes care of the rest, making it effortless to have homemade, restaurant-quality beans in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Refried Black Beans

Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn is an absolute flavor explosion, featuring tender, sweet corn smothered in a tangy, creamy sauce and topped with crumbly cotija cheese. Each bite has just the right amount of spice, giving it a perfect balance of heat and zest. The combination of flavors and textures makes it irresistible, with the creamy sauce and salty cheese complementing the natural sweetness of the corn. Honestly, this is hands-down some of the best corn I’ve ever tasted! It’s a dish that’s simple yet so memorable, perfect for any summer gathering or casual meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

This hearty breakfast casserole brings together spicy sausage, fluffy eggs, and a warm, golden tortilla crust for a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to please any crowd. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your morning with something satisfying and a little bit spicy. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can have a stress-free breakfast ready to go for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Every bite is comforting and packed with the kind of flavors that make everyone come back for seconds. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole is a breakfast winner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Mexican Lasagna

This Mexican lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, layering rich, saucy beef and ooey-gooey cheese between tender noodles for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors, with a touch of spice that keeps it exciting but never overwhelming. It’s a fun way to combine two beloved cuisines into one dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and impossible not to devour. Simple, delicious, and incredibly comforting—this lasagna might just become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Chicken Breast

Baked Mexican Chicken Breast is a deliciously quick and satisfying meal that brings bold, vibrant flavors to your table. Each tender, juicy chicken breast is seasoned with zesty spices, a splash of fresh lime juice, and just the right touch of heat, giving every bite a lively kick. It bakes perfectly in only 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, or a fresh salad, turning a simple dinner into a fiesta of taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s sure to impress with its bright, mouthwatering flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Breast

Dutch Oven Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

Dutch Oven Carnitas is a deliciously flavorful Mexican pulled pork that’s slow-cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven. The pork simmers with a mix of aromatic spices, onions, garlic, lime, and orange juice, creating tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying on its own with your favorite sides. The recipe is naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making it a versatile option for many diets. You can also customize it with fun twists, like adding a smoky barbecue flavor or fresh herbs for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

Carne Asada

This carne asada marinade is hands-down one of the best you’ll ever try, bursting with bold, authentic Mexican flavors. It perfectly balances smoky, citrusy, and savory notes that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re grilling up steaks for tacos, layering it into a burrito, or plating it alongside rice and beans for a hearty meal, this marinade takes your carne asada to the next level. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to impress anyone you’re serving. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made carne asada without it!
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Air Fryer Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the hearty, cheesy layers of a classic lasagna. Each layer is filled with seasoned, savory beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas, creating a casserole that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer, it comes out warm, bubbly, and perfectly layered every time. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, and it also freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Top it off with your favorite extras like sour cream, fresh salsa, or creamy guacamole to take every bite to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taco Lasagna

Easy Mexican Rice

Easy Mexican Rice is a wonderfully flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican-inspired meal. Using simple ingredients like long grain white rice, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and a mix of spices, this recipe is both approachable and versatile—you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, as it comes together in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor. Beyond being quick and tasty, this rice keeps well, making it easy to store and reheat for lunches or dinners later in the week. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice

Bean Tlacoyos

Tlacoyos are hearty, oval-shaped pockets made from masa and traditionally filled with creamy refried or mashed fava beans. They have a satisfying, slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings, from fresh salsa to crumbled cheese. Simple to make at home, they’re not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making them an ideal choice for family meals or casual gatherings. Each bite is a taste of authentic Mexican street food that’s both comforting and full of flavor. With their versatility and ease of preparation, tlacoyos are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bean Tlacoyos

Mexican Caviar Recipe

This Mexican Caviar recipe is a colorful and flavorful dip that’s packed with black beans, sweet corn, and crisp, fresh vegetables. Every bite bursts with a mix of textures and tastes, making it both satisfying and refreshing. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a simple snack, and it also works wonderfully as a side dish alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Easy to make and impossible not to love, this dip is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Caviar Recipe

Sopa de Camaron

Sopa de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Soup, is a comforting dish that manages to be both light and deeply flavorful. The broth gets its beautiful, rich red color and signature taste from a careful blend of dried chiles, which lend an earthy, smoky warmth to every spoonful. Tender shrimp are added to the mix, soaking up the savory broth while keeping the soup fresh and satisfying. Each bite offers a perfect balance of spice, richness, and brightness, making it a dish that feels both traditional and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and makes you want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camaron

Quinoa Tacos with Beans

More and more people are embracing meatless Mondays, and these tacos make going vegetarian for a day absolutely satisfying. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and hearty beans, they’re as filling as they are flavorful. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients brings out the best of Mexican cuisine, proving that you don’t need meat to enjoy a truly delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch, these tacos are both nutritious and bursting with taste. Even meat-lovers will find themselves coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Tacos with Beans

Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Tostadas with cheese shells are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. The crispy, cheesy shells provide a crunchy base that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings, making each bite a tasty adventure. Load them up with protein, fresh veggies, and classic Mexican-inspired ingredients like seasoned taco meat, crisp lettuce, creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, tangy sour cream, and more cheese for an extra indulgent touch. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a casual get-together with friends and family. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these tostadas are a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Cheesy Pulled Pork Burritos

This pulled pork burrito recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet bursting with bold, mouthwatering flavors in every bite. Tender, savory pulled pork is wrapped in a soft tortilla and layered with gooey cheese, creating a comforting, satisfying meal that feels like a little fiesta on your plate. Perfect for anyone who loves hearty Mexican-inspired dishes, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it impossible not to go back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this burrito delivers a deliciously unforgettable experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pulled Pork Burritos

Mexican Chicken And Rice

This one-pot cheesy Mexican chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort meal, bursting with bold, satisfying flavors. Tender pieces of chicken mingle with perfectly seasoned rice, hearty black beans, and sweet, juicy corn, all cooked together in a single pot for effortless cleanup. The melted cheese ties everything together, creating a creamy, savory dish that’s impossible to resist. Top it with your favorite fresh ingredients—like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime—for an extra pop of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed get-togethers with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken And Rice

Creamy Burrito Casserole

This creamy burrito casserole is the ultimate comfort food, baked to perfection with layers of seasoned meat, gooey melted cheese, tender flour tortillas, and vibrant peppers. Every bite is packed with flavor, giving a fun twist on a Mexican-inspired lasagna that feels both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners. Easy to prepare and full of warmth, it’s perfect for those cozy weeknights when you just want something delicious and fuss-free. Whether for a busy evening or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrito Casserole