Easy Mexican Dinner Recipe For Family
You’ll enjoy making Chicken & Bean Enchiladas, a simple and delicious Mexican dinner your family will love. Start with these ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, 1 cup black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, 2 cups passata, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix chicken, beans, peppers, and seasonings. Roll the mixture in tortillas and place them in a greased baking dish. Pour passata over the top, sprinkle cheese, and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 until bubbly. Keep reading to discover more tips and variations!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
When you plunge into this easy Mexican dinner recipe, you’ll discover a world of flavors and benefits that make it a favorite for many families.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
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Nutritional Benefits: Mexican dishes offer fiber from beans and whole grains, protein from lean meats or legumes, and essential vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the use of colorful ingredients increases the amount of antioxidants in your meal, which can help combat free radicals and inflammation.
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Versatility: You can whip up tacos, burritos, or salads quickly, adapting them to suit everyone’s taste.
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Health Benefits: Ingredients like avocados, chili peppers, and squashes support heart health and improve overall well-being.
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Practical Considerations: These recipes are budget-friendly and simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
With these factors combined, you’re set for a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Recipe
Easy Mexican Dinner Recipe: Chicken & Bean Enchiladas
Chicken & Bean Enchiladas are a delightful, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken with red peppers, black beans, and a rich passata sauce, these enchiladas aren’t only satisfying but also packed with flavor. Topped with melted cheese, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike.
The best part is that they can be easily customized with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile option for any palate. These enchiladas are also a great way to use up any leftover chicken, providing a delicious option for quick meals.
To make these enchiladas, you can use leftover roast chicken, which makes preparation a breeze. Simply mix the chicken with black beans and red pepper, roll them in tortillas, and cover with a delicious tomato sauce before baking. The result is a warm, cheesy dish that brings the taste of Mexico right to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups passata (tomato puree)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced red bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken and bean mixture onto the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
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Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the passata evenly over the top, making sure to cover all the tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional toppings if desired.
For best results, use fresh ingredients and feel free to add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or avocado.
If you want to spice things up, consider adding diced green chilies to the chicken mixture for an extra kick. These enchiladas also freeze well, so you can make a larger batch and store them for a quick meal later on!
Final Thoughts
Easy Mexican dinner recipes, like the Chicken & Bean Enchiladas, offer a fantastic way to bring flavor and variety to your family meals.
These dishes are versatile, catering to different dietary needs, and they’re quick to prepare. Most meals take just 30 minutes to an hour, perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, you can explore 38 easy Mexican recipes to find new favorites for your dinner table.
To make meal prep easier, consider these tips:
- Prepare ingredients in advance for efficient assembly.
- Involve family members in customizing tacos or burritos.
- Use fresh vegetables and lean proteins for healthy options.
- Offer a variety of dishes, from quesadillas to salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe vegetarian! Substitute meat with refried beans, lentils, or roasted veggies. Add cheese and seasonings for flavor, and enjoy a delicious, meat-free meal that everyone will love.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Adjusting spice levels is like tuning a guitar; you can add dairy to cool it down, substitute milder peppers, or balance with acidity. Start small, taste, and adjust until it’s just right for you.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With This Meal?
You can enhance your meal with refried beans, pico de gallo, or Mexican street corn salad. Guacamole adds a creamy touch, while Mexican brown rice balances the flavors perfectly for a delicious dining experience.
Can Leftovers Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure they’re cooled properly, stored in freezer-safe containers, and labeled with dates. This way, you’ll maintain quality and safety for future meals. Enjoy your convenient meals later!
How Long Does This Dish Take to Prepare?
It depends on the dish you choose. For example, brisket tacos take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while quick tacos al pastor only take around 25 minutes. Plan accordingly based on your selection.