Sometimes it’s nice to switch things up from the usual dinner lineup. For those nights when you want to kick up the flavor, these recipes are just the thing! Some are more kid-friendly, while others are a little more adventurous. No matter who’s craving Mexican, these dishes will hit the spot.

1. Easy Mexican Rice by Shifra Klein

2. Skirt Steak Mexican Power Bowl by Vera Newman

For the past few months, skirt steak has been my meat of choice to serve for Shabbos. I prepare it simply, with just salt and pepper on both sides and broiled for 4-5 minutes per side. The result is the most succulent, tender and flavorful piece of meat that I get to prepare 10 minutes before Shabbos starts. I cover my pan and keep it in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit until we are ready to eat; the meat doesn’t dry up — it’s as juicy as it gets. This is what inspired this power bowl. If I have any leftovers, I like to treat myself to this Mexican power bowl for a nourishing lunch that keeps me going until supper time, and I truly feel like I’m having yummy takeout. The sautéed peppers add a magical touch and the tang from the homemade pico de gallo, plus the creamy guac — you are going to have to try this to understand.

3. Mexican Street Corn Salad by Shoshy Lefkovitz and Sarah Goldstein

Corn salad in a whole new way! This Mexican version is based off of a common Mexican street food of grilled corn coated with a mixture of sour cream, cheese, mayo, lime, and chili powder. The sweetness of the corn combined with the salty cheese and spicy chili powder makes for an incredible burst of flavors! This salad can be enjoyed with both fresh or canned corn.

4. Classic Salsa by Sina Mizrahi

The first time I saw Tuscanini’s canned cherry tomatoes, I thought they were pure genius! Cherry tomatoes tend to be sweeter, and they work perfectly in this classic salsa. It has just the right amount of piquant and a perfect blend of flavors. I suggest adding a bit of cumin for that extra something.

5. Smokey Chicken Taquitos by Chaya Suri Leitner

This recipe is special, not something I make every week — although my kids would be thrilled if I did! They love these fried tacos known as taquitos. Serving them with all these delicious additions makes it a complete experience. This recipe adds a fun twist to the menu. And the best part? You can prepare it in advance and present it on a platter, making it the perfect choice for feeding a crowd.

6. Mexican Hot Chocolate by Esty Wolbe

This Mexican hot chocolate recipe is flavorful and rich with a slightly spicy undertone, and takes minutes to prepare.

For more great ideas, watch Easy Does It!

7. Quesadillas by Naomi Nachman

These super-simple quesadillas are extremely customizable. Add your family’s favorite fill-ins and everyone will be happy with dinner tonight! Watch more on Sunny Side Up!

8. Chef Laura’s Famous Guacamole by Laura Frankel

The secret to good guacamole is simple: the ingredients should be ripe and really fresh, and each bite or scoopful should burst with flavor. This means no powdered garlic allowed and lots of tasting, to make sure the flavors are well balanced. My kids eat guacamole as a healthy snack, and sometimes use it instead of mustard or mayonnaise for really delicious meat or dairy sandwiches.

9. Mexican Street Corn by Michal Frischman

When I was growing up, corn on the cob was a summer staple — barely steamed so the kernels were still crisp and never mushy. This is a parve play on a popular Mexican street food, using nutritional yeast in place of traditional Cotija cheese. If you’re nervous about using something that may not become a pantry staple, you can omit it, but don’t. Being adventurous in the kitchen is fun!

10. Churros by Gideon Ben Ezra

These homemade cinnamon-sugar churros are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are the perfect fried treat. These taste best fresh, but no need to worry about leftovers, they’ll be gone before you know it!

11. Rice and Cheese Enchiladas by Nechama Norman

When I was growing up, my mother used to treat each of the children to special times alone with her. Sometimes it was a trip to a store, a museum, or a restaurant for lunch together. When we were living in Denver, my favorite destination was the Mediterranean Health Cafe. It was a quaint, family-run restaurant in a hip neighborhood that wasn’t too far from school. Everything that came out of that kitchen was delicious! I still crave their sugar sprinkle cookies. But my favorite dish by far was their enchiladas. While this is not their recipe, in my memory it comes pretty close.

12. Peach Empanadas by Brynie Greisman

Empanadas are essentially stuffed pastries. They are often filled with a variety of savory ingredients and are baked, fried, or even cooked. I wanted a side dish that would complement the fruity roast in this set, so I decided to go for a sweet filling. It was a hit, and I know you’re going to like it too. 

13. Spiced Mexican Wedding Cookies by Megan Neveu

I absolutely love Mexican wedding cookies. There’s something so completely delicious about a simple buttery cookie coated in confectioners’ sugar. These are full of toasted, buttery pecan flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet and spicy cinnamon and bright orange zest. Once they’re coated in confectioners’ sugar, they are absolutely divine.

14. Mexican Rice Salad by Marla Rottenstreich

With all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish, this rice salad is one of Marla’s favorite grain salads that is filling as a meal in its own right. For more delicious salads, watch New Leaf!

15. Salad Burritos by Rorie Weisberg

Salads are great, but salad burritos are even better! Especially when on the go, they are the perfect healthy bite to keep you satisfied and full all day long. Customize them with your favorite ingredients and you'll be making these all summer long!

16. Flanken Taco Bites by Rivky Kleiman

A restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home. These taco bites are so easy to make, with such incredible results, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

17. Ground Meat Fajitas by Rena Tuchinsky

Another meal that looks like it took ages to put together, but obviously did not! This is going to be on repeat in your home it’s that delicious and easy to prepare.

For more super easy suppers that will please everyone at the table, watch Supper, Again?

18. Beer-Battered Mexican Meatballs with Doctored Salsa by Sima Kazarnovsky

With everything we have deemed worthy of frying over the years, it’s a wonder it took us this long to reach the meatball. The best supper with an added beer-battered crunchy shell? There’s no way it could be anything short of delicious. Really, it’s a no-brainer. And to elevate your game, dip these flavor bombs into a sauce that takes zero effort to create.