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Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to bring bold, festive flavors to the table — and these delicious main dishes do just that! Whether you’re hosting a big fiesta or planning a cozy family dinner, this collection of Mexican-inspired recipes has everything you need to make your celebration unforgettable. From juicy carne asada tacos to cheesy enchiladas and vibrant seafood dishes, each recipe is packed with color, flavor, and the spirit of fiesta. Grab your favorite margarita, turn up the music, and let’s get cooking!

A plate with three carne asada tacos.
Carne Asada Tacos. Photo credit: Stetted.

Chorizo Corn Pizza

Sliced chorizo corn pizza on a pizza peel.
Chorizo Corn Pizza. Photo credit: Stetted.

Spice up pizza night with this festive Chorizo Corn Pizza, loaded with crumbled Mexican chorizo and sweet corn. It’s a bold and delicious twist that’s perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo!
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Corn Pizza

Carne Asada Tacos

Three carne asada tacos on a plate.
Carne Asada Tacos. Photo credit: Stetted.

Turn taco night into a fiesta with these flavorful Carne Asada Tacos, featuring marinated flank steak grilled to perfection. Top them simply or pile on your favorite salsas and guacamole!
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Tacos

Tri Tip Beef Birria

A white bowl of beef stew topped with chopped onions and herbs, placed on a dark plate with a spoon beside it.
Tri Tip Beef Birria. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Tri Tip Beef Birria is a savory Mexican dish made with slow-cooked tri-tip beef simmered in a rich, aromatic broth. It’s absolutely mouthwatering tucked into tacos, quesadillas, or enjoyed straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tri Tip Beef Birria

One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice

A baked casserole dish with chicken breasts, rice, corn, melted cheese, and jalapeño slices, garnished with chopped herbs.
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway.

This cheesy One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice makes dinner easy and delicious with minimal effort. Toss everything into a casserole dish, bake, and enjoy a festive meal that’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Get the Recipe: One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice

Potato Tacos

A platter of potato tacos with sour cream and salsa on top.
Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Stetted.

For a fun and quick vegetarian option, try these easy Baked Potato Tacos, crisped in the oven instead of fried. Just add salsa and your favorite toppings for a fiesta-worthy meal!
Get the Recipe: Potato Tacos

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican enchiladas on a plate with a fork.
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Stetted.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are a must for Cinco de Mayo, featuring tender chicken wrapped in tortillas and smothered with a spicy green chile sauce. Serve with rice and beans for a complete Mexican-inspired feast!
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas


Torta Ahogada (Mexican Drowned Sandwich)

A Mexican torta ahogada sandwich filled with shredded meat, pickled red onions, and cheese, served on a white plate with red sauce.
Torta Ahogada (Mexican Drowned Sandwich). Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

Meet the Mexican Torta Ahogada, a hearty sandwich filled with crispy carnitas, refried beans, and pickled red onions. Smothered in a spicy sauce, it’s a bold and unforgettable bite for your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Torta Ahogada (Mexican Drowned Sandwich)

Mexican Cochinita Pibil (Roasted Yucatan Style Pork)

A soft taco filled with shredded meat, crumbled cheese, chopped onions, cilantro, and two lime wedges on a plate.
Mexican Cochinita Pibil (Roasted Yucatan Style Pork). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Cochinita Pibil brings the vibrant flavors of Yucatán to your Cinco de Mayo table, with achiote-marinated pork slow-cooked to tender perfection. This aromatic dish is fantastic for tacos, burritos, or enjoyed all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cochinita Pibil (Roasted Yucatan Style Pork)

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Bowls

A bowl with white rice, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. A small bowl of lime wedges and a spoon are beside it.
Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Bowls. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Bowls make Cinco de Mayo meals easy, fast, and full of bold Mexican flavors. With tender chicken, colorful peppers, and plenty of spice, it’s a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Bowls

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

A shrimp cocktail in a martini glass garnished with shrimp, a lime slice, and a spiced rim, with tortilla chips in the background.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Fresh, zesty, and packed with seafood flavor, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing starter or light meal. It’s a colorful and lively dish that will kick off your Cinco de Mayo party deliciously!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Close-up of stuffed peppers filled with shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese, topped with sliced green onions.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers are loaded with cheesy, black bean goodness and seasoned to perfection. They’re gluten-free, low-carb, and bring serious comfort food vibes to your Cinco de Mayo spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos with Zesty Cheese Sauce

A plate of nachos topped with corn, cheese sauce, sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, and two lime wedges on the side.
Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos with Zesty Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos are a fun and flavorful twist on classic nachos, smothered with zesty cheese sauce and topped with plenty of elote-inspired goodness. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear fast at your celebration!
Get the Recipe: Elote Mexican Street Corn Nachos with Zesty Cheese Sauce

Sopa de Fideo

A bowl and plate of Mexican fideo topped with cheese, cilantro, and lime, served with a flour tortilla on a cloth napkin.
Sopa de Fideo. Photo credit: Life Currents.

Sopa de Fideo is a comforting Mexican noodle soup made with toasted vermicelli simmered in a rich, savory tomato broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot dish is full of flavor and perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy Cinco de Mayo celebration!
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Fideo

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A woman in a black shirt smiling in a kitchen.

About Megan

I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…

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