13 Mexican-Inspired Dinners Ready in 15 Minutes

carmones a la diabla
Photo: Kathryn Gamble.

Mexican-inspired meals in mere minutes? You bet! These quick and easy dinner ideas bring some spice to the table. From burrito bowls to tostadas, tacos to spicy Mexican shrimp, and more. Each Mexican-inspired recipe is ready in 15 minutes or less.

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Low Fat Chicken Tostadas

Fast and low fat? These tasty tostadas have it all. And they're a great way to extend leftover chicken, too. "Golden tortillas filled with a mixture of chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and bell pepper, then garnished with sour cream, salsa and cheese offer a real taste of Mexico," says Robyn Webb.

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Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos

Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos
Photo by Buckwheat Queen.

"Quick healthy tacos that the kids will go crazy for," says Dana D. "Use this mixture as you would taco meat in taco shells or tortillas. Add desired toppings and enjoy!"

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Quick Brownbag Burritos

Canned black beans and prepared salsa put these burritos on the table super fast. "These are quick enough to whip up anytime and are even good cold, which makes them great for bagged lunches!" says Lori Brodhurst.

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Tuna Lime Tostadas

Tuna Lime Tostadas
Photo by Caroline C.

"White albacore tuna, onion, and corn are mixed with the flavors of lime, cilantro, and piquant hot sauce," says KMOUSE. "Serve on a tostada or in a taco shell! This refreshing recipe is great for a hot summer day!"

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Quick and Easy Beef and Pork Tacos

"This is a quick and simple recipe for delicious tacos made with ground beef and pork sausage, which gives the traditional recipe a nice twist," says ANG03. "Although they can be messy, they are so good, and perfect for busy weeknights. Try using the leftovers for nachos to mix it up a bit. Serve with your favorite taco toppings."

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Jackfruit Vegan Tacos

Jackfruit Vegan Tacos
Photo by Buckwheat Queen.

"Jackfruit is a great vegan alternative to shredded chicken to use in tacos," says Cassidy Carolino. "These jackfruit tacos are delicious and vegan! Choose your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cilantro, avocado, vegan cheese, and vegan sour cream."

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Plant-Based Taco

"Get as creative as you want! Add as many veggies as you like," says Julie Weigand. "Experiment with Mexican seasonings or make this into a taco salad instead of using it as a tortilla shell . Have fun with it and know you are eating healthy!"

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Camarones a la Diabla

carmones a la diabla
Photo: Kathryn Gamble.

This easy, spicy Mexican shrimp dish is hot, hot, hot. Serve with rice.

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Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Sweet Potato Quesadillas
Sweet Potato Quesadillas. Kim

These super-quick quesadillas have a Greek twist! Microwaved fresh sweet potatoes combine with feta cheese and red onions for an effortless meal that's also vegetarian. "These savory and easy-to-make quesadillas make a perfect fall lunch or dinner," says Kelsey Hunter. "Serve with salsa and sour cream."

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Bean and Cheese Toasterdilla

Flour tortillas, refriend beans, and shredded cheese are all you need to make these quesadillas -- three ingredients and a toaster! "Toasterdillas have become all the rage and can be tailored to your favorite ingredients," says France C. "J ust be sure not to overstuff them. Once you get the hang of folding them, they are a breeze to put together and something the kids can make too. Serve with sour cream and salsa."

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Skillet Burrito Bowl

Skillet Burrito Bowl
Holiday Baker

Ground beef, fajita seasoning, a can of pinto beans, and salsa feature in this simple but flavorful burrito bowl. This is a great recipe for using up leftover brown rice. "I really like taco and burrito bowls and wanted to make something that was quick and easy at home," says earlzey. "Spoon into bowls and top with sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, lettuce, etc."

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Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups

Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups
bd.weld

Ten minutes and 5 simple ingredients are all you need to make this healthy Mexican-inspired meal. "The buttery avocado bowl came together with the chicken cilantro chili powder and lime to make the perfect nutritional meal," says bd.weld. "Be sure to keep the chicken moist so you don't have dry tasting chicken."

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Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza (Zucchini Blossom Quesadillas)

Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza (Zucchini Blossom Quesadillas)
Buckwheat Queen

"These quesadillas de flor de calabaza are very popular in Mexico," says Yoly. "The bacon grease gives the quesadillas another level of tastiness plus they crisp up beautifully. If bacon grease is unavailable, feel free to use lard, oil, or butter." To make these vegetarian, swap in a veggie oil for the bacon grease. No Manchego cheese? Try mozzarella.

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