• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Little Bit Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Roundups

    20 Mexican Dinners That Are Not Taco But Still Deserve a Margarita on the Side

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Oct 28, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Tacos get all the attention, but Mexican dinners that are not tacos deserve their own moment in the spotlight. These dishes bring the same bold flavors, just in different forms. They're the kind of meals that make you want to linger at the table a little longer. Each one proves that Mexican food has way more range than tortillas and fillings. And yes, they still go perfectly with a margarita.

    A plate of chilaquiles topped with a fried egg, avocado slices, sliced radishes, jalapeños, cilantro, and crumbled cheese on a black plate.Pin
    Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

    Loading

    Mexican Steak Pizza

    Close-up of a cheesy Mexican steak pizza on a wooden spatula.Pin
    Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This steak-topped pizza brings together bold flavors with tender meat, melted cheese, and a crispy crust. It's easy to throw together and feels a little out of the ordinary. Great for using leftovers, it turns an average night into something special. It's one of those Mexican dinners that are not taco but still full of comfort.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Wet Burrito

    Two chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce and sour cream, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of corn and black beans.Pin
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A wet burrito is hearty, saucy, and easy to assemble. The tortilla holds all the good stuff-rice, beans, and seasoned meat-before getting covered in rich red sauce. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring too much effort. Perfect for nights when you need something quick but filling.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Carne Asada in the Oven

    Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.Pin
    Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This oven-baked carne asada keeps all the flavor of the grill without the extra effort. It's juicy, full of spice, and makes dinner feel like a restaurant night at home. Perfect for pairing with rice, beans, and maybe a cold drink on the side.
    Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

    Beef Quesadillas

    A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.Pin
    Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Loaded with melted cheese and seasoned beef, these quesadillas are quick to make and easy to share. They're a fun dinner option when you're craving something bold but want to keep things simple. Great for laid-back nights when a margarita wouldn't hurt.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

    Slow Cooker Beef Ramen

    Pin
    Slow Cooker Beef Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    This slow cooker ramen combines tender beef with a rich broth and hints of Mexican-inspired flavor. It cooks low and slow, creating a deep, comforting taste with almost no hands-on time. Perfect for busy evenings, it's proof that flavor doesn't need to be complicated. Dishes like this show why Mexican dinners that are not taco can still impress.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Ramen

    Mexican Casserole

    Pin
    Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

    This layered casserole is loaded with ground beef, crunchy chips, and melted cheese for a meal that hits the spot. It's simple to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd. The combination of textures keeps it interesting from start to finish. It's a great go-to when you want something hearty without extra effort.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

    Charro Lentils

    Pin
    Charro Lentils. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    These lentils simmer with bacon, sausage, and vegetables for a dish that's rich and filling. Every bite is packed with smoky, meaty flavor that works perfectly with rice or bread. It's comfort food that doesn't take much to prepare. This belongs on your list of Mexican dinners that are not taco worth trying.
    Get the Recipe: Charro Lentils

    Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole

    Pin
    Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Layers of tortillas, cheese, and sauce bake into a comforting meal that's easy to serve. It's great for weeknights when you want something cheesy and warm. The simple prep means you can enjoy it without spending hours in the kitchen. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole

    Chicken Tamales

    Pin
    Chicken Tamales. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

    Tender chicken wrapped in masa dough creates a traditional favorite that feels worth the time. These tamales steam to soft perfection, offering flavor in every bite. They're great for special occasions or a cozy weekend meal. Serve with salsa for a complete dish everyone will enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales

    Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

    Pin
    Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

    These meatballs combine classic comfort with a cheesy surprise inside. Each one bakes up juicy and full of flavor, perfect for pairing with rice or sauce. They freeze well, making them easy to enjoy later in the week. They're a fun choice when exploring Mexican dinners that are not taco.
    Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

    Lentejas

    Pin
    Lentejas. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    This lentil soup has a deep, hearty flavor thanks to slow cooking and simple ingredients. It's warm, filling, and perfect for a chilly night. The dish comes together easily and tastes even better the next day. Add a slice of bread to complete the meal.
    Get the Recipe: Lentejas

    Chilaquiles

    Pin
    Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Fried tortilla chips coated in chili sauce and topped with eggs and cheese create a meal that feels special any time of day. It's simple to make but full of rich flavor. Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this dish never disappoints. It easily earns its spot among Mexican dinners that are not taco.
    Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

    Mexican Macaroni Salad

    Pin
    Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

    This pasta salad mixes crunchy veggies with taco seasoning for a creamy, flavorful side. It's perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even as a light lunch. The textures balance nicely, and it stays fresh in the fridge. Quick to make, easy to enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

    Pin
    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    A smoky, rich chili that comes together with almost no effort in the slow cooker. The chicken stays tender while beans and chipotle add deep flavor. It's great for meal prep or freezing for later. Dinner doesn't get much easier than this.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

    Pin
    Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    This soup brings all the flavor of fajitas in a cozy, spoonable form. The slow cooker does all the work while the spices blend beautifully. It's perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Add it to your list of Mexican dinners that are not taco for easy variety.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

    Mexican Stuffed Onions

    Pin
    Mexican Stuffed Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    These baked onions are filled with chicken, cheese, and salsa for a creative take on comfort food. The onion turns tender and sweet as it bakes, pairing perfectly with the savory filling. It's a unique recipe that's easy to love. Definitely one of the more surprising Mexican dinners that are not taco.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Onions

    Cheese Enchiladas

    Pin
    Cheese Enchiladas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

    These enchiladas are packed with melted cheese and coated in flavorful sauce. They bake up bubbly and warm, perfect for a simple dinner. Serve them with rice or beans for a complete meal. They never disappoint on busy weeknights.
    Get the Recipe: Cheese Enchiladas

    Beef Birria

    Pin
    Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Slow-cooked beef, rich broth, and bold spices make this dish unforgettable. The tender meat soaks up every bit of the spiced sauce, creating deep flavor. It's great for serving with rice or tortillas on the side. Comfort food at its best.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

    Mexican Chicken Salad

    Pin
    Mexican Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This chicken salad mixes bell peppers, onions, and a light dressing for a refreshing meal. It's great for warm days or easy lunches. The seasoning adds a nice kick without being overpowering. Serve it chilled for the best texture.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Salad

    Mexican Vegetable Soup

    Pin
    Mexican Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    A light yet hearty soup filled with vegetables and quinoa for extra protein. It's quick to prepare and ideal for weeknights. The broth is flavorful without being too heavy. Serve it hot with a squeeze of lime for brightness.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup

    FacebookXPinterestFlipboard

    More Roundups

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Stories

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2025. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.