I Made These 29 Mexican Recipes And Was Glad I Skipped Takeout
Takeout sounded easy, but the wait and the cost felt like too much. The kitchen was quiet, and there was extra time to try something new. A few simple steps made the evening feel better right away. Made these 29 delicious Mexican recipes and was glad takeout got skipped.

Baked Beef Tacos

Skipping the usual takeout felt right when putting together these. Baked Beef Tacos came out perfectly crispy with a hearty touch inside. Putting them together gave a sense of accomplishment. It’s hard to believe how easy and good they turned out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos
Flour Tortilla

Deciding to try making something yourself can be surprisingly simple. Giving Flour Tortilla a go ended up being a smart choice for homemade freshness. The result was soft and perfect for holding all kinds of fillings. Definitely worth the effort over store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla
Queso Dip

It’s amazing what skipping takeout can lead to, like making Queso Dip right at home. Smooth and creamy with that unmistakable cheesy vibe, it’s a treat to whip up. Watching it come together was oddly fun and rewarding. Turns out, quick homemade versions can save a lot of money too.
Get the Recipe: Queso Dip
Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

Tossing together something that felt like a treat was the idea. Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos came out as the ultimate combination of favorite flavors. Making it all in one go with a bit of layering was so convenient. It’s the kind of quick dish you’ll want to repeat over and over.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

It’s a moment when you skip the usual and create something fun. Wrapping up Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers was surprisingly simple yet full of flavor. They came out crispy, spicy, and so indulgent. Great to enjoy hot right out of the oven and worth trying again later.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Guacamole

Deciding against takeout can open some creative doors, like mixing up Guacamole from scratch. The texture and fresh flavors came out better than expected. No surprises here; it was quick and simple to whip up. It’s one of those recipes you’ll never regret learning to make.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Mexican Rice

Skipping takeout was a win when making Mexican Rice from scratch. The vibrant look and taste of it came together without much hassle. It’s such a versatile side dish that pairs with just about everything. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make it like this sooner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Pulling together a simple dish kept the day easygoing. Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas turned out golden and filled with just the right amount of flavor. Making them in one pan was a smart trick worth noting. They’ve got all the comfort of takeout but fresher and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Skipping the line at a restaurant led to a fun attempt at making something familiar. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa was surprisingly close to the real deal. The flavors matched up and felt just as fresh and bright. It’s a recipe to return to whenever that craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
White Chicken Chili

Homemade meals are surprising sometimes, especially when making White Chicken Chili without much prep. Creamy and hearty, it genuinely felt delicious to create from scratch. The simplicity of it made up for skipping the takeout route. It’s definitely staying on the list of quick favorites.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
7 Layer Dip

Deciding to skip takeout added a bit of convenience to the day. Putting together 7 Layer Dip ended up being unexpectedly easy and really enjoyable. Layering everything gave it a homemade touch that felt worth the effort. A good reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are big wins.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Choosing to try something different led to making Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel from scratch. Rolling them up turned out to be quicker than expected. The creamy and spicy combo baked beautifully without much hassle. Great little bites you’ll find hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Sometimes skipping the regular takeout leads to something exciting like Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. The creamy heat with a hint of spice will surprise you with how simple it is to put together. It’s one of those plates that feels perfect without extra work. Makes a perfect dinner option on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Taco Soup

Forgetting about takeout felt smart when making Taco Soup from homemade basics. The warm and bold flavors came together easily in one pot. Simplicity is the key to this easy and tasty meal. You can’t go wrong with how quick and comforting it is.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Easy Burrito

Setting aside the usual takeout got things rolling with homemade goodness. Wrapping up Easy Burrito was way simpler than expected and just what was needed. It’s packed with flavor and easy to pull together in no time. There’s no going back after realizing how fresh it can taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito
Mexican Casserole

Cooking at home with layers of flavor always feels rewarding. Making Mexican Casserole gave me a chance to skip takeout and enjoy a hearty dish. It’s rich, comforting, and so easy to put together. Definitely one to keep in my dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Putting together something hearty at home beats ordering out any day. Whipping up Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes was a game changer with its bold flavors. The mix of sweetness and smoky chili made it unforgettable. It’s definitely worth the extra effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Pico de Gallo

Making fresh dishes always feels better than buying store-bought. Preparing Pico de Gallo at home brought bright, simple flavors to my table. It’s so quick and easy, yet adds a big kick of freshness to any meal. A true staple for any Mexican-inspired spread.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Restaurant-style meals can easily be recreated at home. Working on Mexican Shrimp Cocktail brought so much vibrancy and texture to my evening snack. It’s refreshing, light, and the perfect alternative to ordering something pricey. Definitely worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Tortilla Pizza

Skipping takeout was definitely worth it when I made Tortilla Pizza in my own kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and full of familiar flavors. Using tortillas for the base was a fun change that worked perfectly. Such an easy win for dinner time creativity.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Huevos Rancheros

Homemade meals are always more tasty when they remind you of classics. Cooking Huevos Rancheros felt comforting with its bold and hearty flavors. It’s perfect for a lazy morning or brunch without depending on a restaurant. Affordable and so easy to whip up!
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Making quick snacks at home instead of grabbing takeout always feels better. Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla brought that gooey and crispy combo I was craving. It only took a few minutes and was surprisingly easy. Definitely one of those go-to snacks I’ll be making more often.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla
Tamales

Cooking from scratch can be a lot of work but so worth it. Putting together Tamales made me appreciate the process of creating something so traditional. Their rich, hearty texture paired with flavor beats takeout any day. A labor of love I’ll gladly make again.
Get the Recipe: Tamales
Jalapeno Poppers

Quick homemade appetizers are always a win in my book. Tossing together Jalapeno Poppers satisfied the craving without dialing for delivery. That crunch paired with the perfect heat was spot-on. Ideal as a fun, shareable treat straight from my kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Recreating restaurant favorites at home is easier than I thought. Making Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl was cost-effective and tasted better too. I loved being able to tweak things to suit my own preferences. Definitely sticking with homemade versions over pricey meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Vegetarian Chili

Skipping takeout feels smart when you can whip up something flavorful. Stirring up Vegetarian Chili brought so much warmth and richness to a simple recipe. It’s filling and works beautifully as a one-pot meal. Happy to keep it as a regular dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili
Refried Beans

Making side dishes at home beats opening a can or ordering out. Preparing Refried Beans gave me full control over flavors and texture. It’s straightforward, affordable, and makes Mexican meals feel complete. Simple home cooking at its best.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Fajita Seasoning

Homemade meal prep saves time and money in the long run. Mixing Fajita Seasoning means I’ll get bold flavors without ever needing store-bought ones again. It’s easy to make ahead and stores wonderfully for whenever it’s needed. Definitely worth the few minutes it takes to create.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Seasoning
Mexican Street Corn

Skipping restaurant-style sides at home feels like such a win. Whipping up Mexican Street Corn brought bright, bold textures and flavor to my plate. It’s messy, fun, and absolutely worth cooking yourself. Perfect for pairing with any meal or enjoying on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
