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Home » Dinner

31 Cinco de Mayo Dinners That Will Make You Ditch Taco Tuesday Forever

Published: May 5, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When it comes to cinco de mayo dinners, there’s no reason to stick with the same old tacos you make every Tuesday. This lineup is for when you’re ready to switch things up and actually get excited about what’s on your plate. These meals bring the kind of energy the day calls for—big flavors, easy prep, and enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy. If you’ve been stuck in a taco loop, this is your way out.

Two plates of cowboy beef and rice casserole skillet.

Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Enchilada Casserole

An image of vegetarian enchilada casserole in a clear baking dish.
Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetarian enchilada casserole stacks roasted vegetables, cheese, and sauce into an easy, layered bake. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Casserole

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Top view of a bowl of slow cooker tortilla soup.
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker tortilla soup simmers with bold spices and hearty ingredients while you go about your day. A low-effort dinner that keeps things interesting beyond your usual taco night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Close-up image of Chicken and Queso Rice Bake garnished with fresh chopped parsley on a plate.
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Chicken and queso rice bake mixes tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in a no-fuss dish. It’s quick to prepare and fits right in with any Cinco de Mayo dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet

Two plates of cowboy beef and rice casserole skillet.
Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cowboy beef and rice skillet brings big Tex-Mex flavor in just one pan. A practical choice for busy nights when you still want a Cinco de Mayo-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

A cast iron skillet with hot beef fajitas and seared vegetables alongside bowls of lime wedges, tomatoes, and tortillas.
Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Shaved beef fajitas are loaded with tender beef, sweet peppers, and onions for a meal that cooks fast. A crowd-friendly dish with bold flavors that work well for Cinco de Mayo dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken stuffed poblano peppers come filled with black beans, cheese, and just the right amount of heat. A bold, satisfying option that works well when you’re ready to skip tacos.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Jicama Salad

Jicama Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Jicama salad with mango, red pepper, and cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing side to heavier main dishes. It’s bright and balanced—just right for Cinco de Mayo gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Salad

Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Tacos in a brown basket.
Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Taco salad bowls with ground beef pack all the flavor into a crunchy, edible shell. A festive, fork-friendly dinner that changes up the usual taco routine.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef with taco seasoning cooks up fast in one pan and brings big flavor without extra steps. Perfect when you need something bold and easy for a weekday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Low Carb Taco Casserole

Taco casserole with fresh vegetables.
Low Carb Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Taco casserole layers seasoned beef, cheese, and toppings into a hearty bake that’s simple to assemble. It’s a straightforward way to keep taco night fresh for Cinco de Mayo.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Casserole

Vegan Spiced White Bean Soup

Vegan Spiced White Bean Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Vegan white bean soup uses spices and herbs to create a filling meal that skips the meat without losing flavor. Great for when you want something simple, hearty, and different.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Spiced White Bean Soup

Tex Mex Casserole

A tex mex casserole in a baking dish.
Tex Mex Casserole. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Easy Tex Mex Casserole combines beans, beef, and cheese in one pan for a no-hassle dinner. It’s packed with protein and works well for feeding a hungry group on Cinco de Mayo.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Casserole

Sopa de Camaron

A bowl of shrimp soup.
Sopa de Camaron. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sopa de Camarones blends shrimp with a chili-spiced broth for a lighter, vibrant dish. Minimal prep makes it a smart choice for springtime dinners that aren’t tacos.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camaron

Mexican Pork Carnitas

Pork carnitas in taco shells with lime, guacamole, onion, and tomato on white plate on wood table.
Mexican Pork Carnitas. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

Pork carnitas street tacos deliver tender, slow-cooked meat wrapped in warm tortillas with barely any prep. They’re a strong option for casual dinners or party-style meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Pork Carnitas

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Huevos Rancheros brings together eggs, salsa, and tortillas in a dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor. Great for those planning a Cinco de Mayo brunch or breakfast-for-dinner.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas

Mexican enchiladas in a baking dish.
Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Chicken enchiladas come wrapped in soft tortillas and baked in rich, homemade sauce. They’re a solid choice when you want something familiar and comforting without repeating taco night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Enchilada soup blends shredded chicken with bold spices in a one-pot meal that’s ready quickly. A reliable go-to for a cozy dinner without the usual tacos.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo features shrimp sautéed in garlic and lime for a flavorful seafood dish. It’s an easy skillet dinner that feels fresh but still fits the Cinco de Mayo theme.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Easy Keto Mexican Casserole

Easy Keto Mexican Casserole in a casserole dish with cilantro, green onion, and a spatula.
Easy Keto Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Mexican casserole stacks tortillas, beef, and cheese in a layered bake that’s ready fast. Perfect for a weeknight when tacos just aren’t cutting it anymore.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Mexican Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken fajita casserole brings bell peppers, onions, and chicken together in a 30-minute, hands-off dish. It's a practical way to keep Cinco de Mayo meals easy and bold.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Easy Chili Colorado

Close-up image of chili colorado in a bowl.
Easy Chili Colorado. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chili Colorado stews beef in red chili sauce until tender and full of flavor. Served with rice or tortillas, it’s a rich option that holds its own next to more common dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chili Colorado

Shrimp Tostadas with Spicy Avocado Crema

Shrimp Tostadas with Spicy Avocado Crema. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp tostadas are topped with a creamy avocado sauce and crunchy slaw for a quick, flavor-packed dinner. A fast and fresh seafood meal that breaks away from the taco routine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tostadas with Spicy Avocado Crema

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy beef and rice casserole cooks in one pan and layers seasoned beef with melty cheese. It’s an easy solution when you want something hearty for Cinco de Mayo that’s not tacos.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Beef Steak Fajitas

Beef Steak Fajitas. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Steak fajitas feature seared beef, onions, and peppers for a straightforward, satisfying meal. They’re quick to prep and fit right in when tacos feel overdone.
Get the Recipe: Beef Steak Fajitas

Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet

Two plates of cowboy beef and rice casserole skillet.
Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cowboy beef and rice skillet brings big Tex-Mex flavor in just one pan. A practical choice for busy nights when you still want a Cinco de Mayo-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet

Birria de Res

Top view of 2 bowls of slow cooker birria de res on a wooden table.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican beef stew simmers slowly for tender meat and bold spices without needing constant attention. It’s a comforting option when you want something hearty but not repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

A white bowl with shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and green chilis.
Crockpot Mexican Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Slow cooker Mexican chicken needs just a few minutes of prep before cooking low and slow. The finished meat works in bowls, tacos, or salads—great for make-ahead planning.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Chicken

Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole

Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cool ranch turkey taco casserole layers Tex-Mex flavors with ground turkey and crunchy chips. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for when you want something festive without building individual tacos.
Get the Recipe: Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole

White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup

White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Green chile chicken soup mixes white beans and chilies in a simple broth for a quick dinner. It’s an easy way to bring flavor to the table without much prep time.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Green Chile Chicken Soup

Carne Asada in the Oven

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

Oven-baked carne asada delivers the same seared flavor without needing a grill. It’s a smart choice for indoor cooking that still keeps the Cinco de Mayo energy alive.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking taco casserole turns a party snack into a layered bake with beef, cheese, chips, and veggies. It’s a playful, low-effort way to switch up your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Taco salad bowls with seasoned beef and crunchy shells make dinner feel a little more special. A quick fix when you're ready to take a break from the usual taco setup.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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