Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits
I combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this spicy one-dish meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, IllinoisSalsa Bean Burgers
I created these based on a turkey burger recipe and wanted to make them even better for you. Use a favorite salsa with just the heat you like to make it your own. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, OhioGreen Chile Ribs
I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, ColoradoSassy Salsa Meat Loaves
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, MarylandSouthwest Vegetarian Bake
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, IllinoisMexican-Style Stuffed Peppers
We've always liked stuffed peppers, but everyone is pleasantly surprised at this mildly spicy version. For convenience, you can assemble these pretty peppers ahead of time and bake them later. —LaDonna Reed of Ponca City, OklahomaPork Tacos with Mango Salsa
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, TexasBeef-Wrapped Stuffed Peppers
We love Mexican flavors and spicy foods––and this recipe has it all. Try serving our flank steak-wrapped peppers with rice, beans and sour cream.—Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, FloridaWeeknight Turkey Tortilla Soup
This is now my family’s most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste. —Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, MississippiBuenos Dias Breakfast
I love the way the tortilla strips puff up when this is baked. It is a terrific no-fuss recipe that everyone in my family enjoys, even the meat lovers. —Barbara Burge, Los Gatos, CaliforniaSlow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VirginiaPeachy Pork with Rice
Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, GeorgiaEasy Chili Verde
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, UtahSausage Spanish Rice
My husband and I both work the midnight shift, so I'm always on the lookout for slow cooker recipes. This one couldn't be easier. We often enjoy it as a main course because it's so hearty, but it's also good as a side dish. —Michelle McKay, Garden City, MichiganNacho Dip
This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, FloridaSweet & Spicy Beans
My husband and I love this sweet and savory bean dish. It can be enjoyed as a side, but it's also fun for tortilla and corn chip dipping. —Sondra Pope, Mooresville, North CarolinaSalsa & Scrambled Egg Sandwiches
Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, MichiganTasty Lentil Tacos
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, MaineSuper Fast Mexican Soup
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South CarolinaSalsa Rice
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North CarolinaChicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, OhioFreezer Burritos
I love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, PennsylvaniaFlank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, GeorgiaTropical Pulled Pork Sliders
I used what I had in my cupboard to make this pork, and the results were fantastic! I enjoy transforming an inexpensive cut of meat to something extraordinary. —Shelly Mitchell, Gresham, OregonShortcut Sausage Jambalaya
Secret ingredient alert: A pinch of coffee crystals gives my jambalaya its roasty, toasty flavor. This quick and easy dinner is one of my husband’s top picks. —Betty Henagin, Medford, OregonSalsa Skillet Pork Chops
There's nothing better than turning out a super-quick skillet supper that totally delivers on a meal that'll please the whole family on a busy weeknight. It's a keeper. — Deanna Ellett, Boynton Beach, FloridaCheesy Chicken Taco Dip
We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, CaliforniaLow & Slow Pork Verde
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, MissouriSweet 'n' Spicy Chicken
My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, ArizonaChorizo & Egg Breakfast Ring
People go crazy when I bring this loaded crescent ring to parties. I can bake it at home and take it anywhere. Of course, everyone's happy when we have it for dinner, too! —Frances Blackwelder, Grand Junction, ColoradoBlack Bean Chicken with Rice
This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, OregonEnchilada Casser-Ole!
My husband loves this casserole, so it never lasts too long in our house. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwestern flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, FloridaVeggie Fajitas
For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, KansasSuper Spaghetti Sauce
At my house, we never know how many we'll have for dinner. That's why this spaghetti sauce is one of my favorites - flavorful, filling and fast. Smoked kielbasa gives it depth, and salsa adds the kick. —Bella Anderson, Chester, South CarolinaQuinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
If you're thinking about a meatless meal, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PAMexican Lasagna
I collect cookbooks and recipes (this one is from my son's mother-in-law). My husband teases me that I won't live long enough to try half of the recipes in my files! He loves this easy Mexican lasagna. —Rose Ann Buhle, Minooka, IllinoisIn-a-Pinch Chicken & Spinach
I needed a fast supper while babysitting my grandchild. I used what my daughter-in-law had in the fridge and turned it into what's now one of our favorite chicken and spinach recipes. —Sandra Ellis, Stockbridge, GeorgiaCheddar Beef Enchiladas
I created these enchiladas to satisfy several picky eaters in our house. They were an instant hit and are now requested at least once a week. I especially like that we can enjoy this meal twice by freezing half for a later (and busier) day. —Stacy Cizek, Conrad, IowaBlack Bean Chip & Dip Burgers
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, PennsylvaniaTex-Mex Pasta
After a recent surgery, I wasn’t able to stock up on groceries. One night, I looked in my pantry and created this. The results were fabulous! —Michele Orthner, Lethbridge, AlbertaQuick Bean and Rice Burritos
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, FloridaBlackened Chicken and Beans
My husband loves any spicy food, and this is one quick-fix recipe we can both agree on. As the chicken cooks, whip up salads of lettuce, tomato, avocado and shredded cheddar cheese. Dinner's done! —Christine Zongker, Spring Hill, KansasSkillet Beef Tamales
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, ArizonaFiesta Ravioli
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, MichiganSouthwestern Pineapple Pork Chops
This quick entree will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops.—Lisa Varner, El Paso, TexasGreen Chile Chicken Chili
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, TexasChipotle Chicken with Spanish Rice
Chipotle peppers add smoky heat to this zippy chicken and rice dish. Chop up leftovers and stuff into bell peppers for a tasty twist. —Carolyn Collins, Freeport, TexasMexican Couscous
This couscous recipe is the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal. John Slivon, Milton, FloridaSpicy Enchilada Casserole
Chili powder, tortillas, cheese and ground beef combine for a winning Tex-Mex casserole. Choose a salsa that suits your family's taste—mild, medium or hot.—Julie Huffman, New Lebanon, OhioChicken Soft Tacos
My family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, IowaBean & Salsa Stuffed Pizza
Get the party started with this out-of-the-box appetizer pizza. It has all the Mexican flavors you love packed into convenient slices! —Elizabeth Wright, Las Vegas, NevadaFettuccine Shrimp Casserole
Our perfect pasta is a creamy shrimp fettuccine with cheddar, green chiles and cilantro. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, salsa and avocado. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, LouisianaTurkey Taco Salad
I discovered this taco salad while I was on a health kick. My husband and I love it now. When I served it at a family birthday party, everyone eagerly asked for the recipe. —Angela Matson, Amboy, WashingtonZesty Chicken Soup
This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort! —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, CaliforniaVeggie Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test KitchenSlow-Cooked Beans
This flavorful bean dish adds nice variety to any buffet because it’s a bit different from traditional baked beans. It’s a snap to prepare, too, since it uses convenient canned beans, barbecue sauce and salsa. —Joy Beck, Cincinnati, OhioRefried Bean Tostadas
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test KitchenTurkey Posole
I love making this soup because it makes good use of leftovers from Thanksgiving. And it's quick, easy and tasty. No one feels as if they're eating leftovers because this soup is nothing like traditional turkey with gravy. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, WashingtonBlack Bean Tamale Pie
Cornbread mix speeds the preparation of this southwestern entree with beef and black beans. My husband really likes it, and guests seem to enjoy this unique Mexican dish. For a change of pace, try topping it with lettuce, guacamole or extra salsa. —Laura Morris, St. Joseph, MissouriGround Beef Chili
Everyone who tastes my beef chili recipe says that it is restaurant-quality. It's especially good with homemade cornbread. I have always loved to cook, and I enjoy developing original recipes like this one. —Shannon Wright, Erie, PennsylvaniaBlack Bean and Rice Enchiladas
I love Mexican food, but I'm always looking for ways to make it more healthy. I reworked a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaBeef Taco Lasagna
This recipe makes two big pans. Freeze one or both to enjoy later. —Stacey Compton, Toledo, OhioMexican Beef-Stuffed Peppers
I grew up eating stuffed peppers and thought my husband would immediately love them as well. He didn't at first, but then I created this slow-cooked recipe. Because he loves fajitas and tacos, I created these peppers with all his favorite flavors tucked inside. —Nicole Sullivan, Arvada, ColoradoSalsa Verde Chicken Casserole
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes fused into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, OhioSlow-Cooked Pork Tacos
Sometimes I'll substitute Bibb lettuce leaves for the tortillas to make crunchy lettuce wraps instead of tacos. —Kathleen Wolf Naperville, IllinoisSouthwest Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Even self-avowed carnivores won’t miss the meat in this zippy dish. It’s chock-full of healthy ingredients that will keep you feeling satisfied. —Laurie Stout-Letz, Bountiful, UtahTortilla Chicken Bean Soup
Tasty toppings jazz up this no-fuss soup that has Mexican flair. The recipe for this sure-to-please soup was given to me by a friend. I make it often for company, and everyone asks for the recipe. You can substitute pinto beans in red chili sauce for the regular pinto beans and cumin called for in the recipe. —Michelle Larson, Greentown, Indiana
Originally Published: March 20, 2018