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These easy-from-scratch recipes make Cinco de Mayo dinner feel festive without making it complicated.
Cinco de Mayo calls for something more fun than the usual dinner routine. These easy-from-scratch recipes bring big flavor and just enough party energy to make the meal feel special, without turning the prep into an all-day situation.
With a mix of comforting favorites, shareable dishes, and homemade essentials, this collection makes it easy to build a meal people will actually be excited about. The whole point is good food, not unnecessary stress.
1. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Slow Cooker Carnitas turn a simple pork roast into tender, flavorful meat that works for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and more.
2. Mexican Pizza
Crispy, cheesy, and fun to serve, Mexican Pizzas are a fast dinner that feels like takeout, but tastes better from scratch.
3. Chicken and Rice Enchiladas
Chicken and Rice Enchiladas are the kind of comfort food dinner that always delivers, with a saucy, cheesy finish and plenty of hearty flavor. Also, try our Cheese Enchiladas, Mole Enchiladas, and Veggie Enchiladas.
4. Tamale Pie
If a cozy baked dinner is the goal, Tamale Pie brings all the hearty, satisfying flavors of a comforting casserole to the table.
5. Tres Leches Cake
This homemade Tres Leches Cake is an ultra light cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture and topped with fresh whipped cream and cinnamon. It's a crowd pleaser every time!
6. Street Corn Pasta Salad
Street Corn Pasta Salad will be the hit of your potluck. It mixes creamy, zesty flavor with a fun twist that makes it stand out from the others.
7. Homemade Refried Beans
Homemade Refried Beans are one of those simple recipes that quietly make everything else better. Tacos, burritos, rice bowls – they all improve once these show up. You can also make it in the Instant Pot.
8. Authentic Mexican Rice
Authentic Mexican Rice is a side dish that does not need a sales pitch. It's the kind of recipe that earns its place by being good with almost everything.
9. Flour Tortillas
Flour Tortillas make homemade taco nights feel extra special. Warning: once you’ve made them from scratch, it's hard to go back to store-bought. (especially since they are so easy!) We also have a great Corn Tortilla recipe.
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