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Central American Cuisine

Central American Cuisine

Most of the recipes you'll find here are of Mexican origin but we have others from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and other regions of Central America.

There are some recipes that are considered Central American but really are American creations. Since there is often a fine line between authentic and non-traditional, we've included them here as well.



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Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the central america section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   central america
recipe for slow cooker chicken fajitas

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

The crock pot is a great way to make fajitas! No grill, no mess!

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for chicken tacos with corn and black beans

Chicken Tacos With Corn And Black Beans

Is it Tuesday? Either way, it's time for some tacos. Black beans and corn give the chicken plenty of support. And if you really want to take these tacos up a...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat chi chi's baked chicken chimichangas

Copycat Chi Chi's Baked Chicken Chimichangas

The Chi Chi's Mexican restaurant chain no longer exists in the U.S. but you can make chicken chimichangas just like they used to with this recipe.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for family friendly chicken fajitas

Family Friendly Chicken Fajitas

Simple chicken fajitas with just the right amount of spice to keep them family-friendly.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for black bean and corn salsa

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Always a hit at parties, this salsa is made with black beans, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and a splash of balsamic vinegar and seasonings.


Time:   over 5 hours

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recipe for real homemade tamales

Real Homemade Tamales

Homemade tamales with a tasty pork filling.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for mexican nacho casserole

Mexican Nacho Casserole

There's nothing worse than lukewarm sour cream or soggy tortilla chips to spoil a nacho platter. A proper nacho bake is all about the right layers, and this recipe does it...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for slow cooker mexican short ribs

Slow Cooker Mexican Short Ribs

Short ribs are slow cooked with Mexican-style flavors. An easy fix-and-forget recipe.

Method:   crock pot, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for black bean and shoepeg corn salsa

Black Bean And Shoepeg Corn Salsa

Spice up your snack time with this black bean and shoepeg corn salsa. It's a zesty, fresh, and slightly rebellious take on your salsa expectations.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for mexican chicken thighs

Mexican Chicken Thighs

A combination of lime and orange juice adds a spike of citrus, and blending all the spices into a thick sauce adds a tremendous layer of flavor to this Mexican chicken dish.

Method:   oven, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for copycat carlos murphy's sweet onion salsa

Copycat Carlos Murphy's Sweet Onion Salsa

Made with lime juice, sweet onion, tomatoes, garlic, fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar


Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for 1940's tamale pie

1940's Tamale Pie

Made with water, salt, butter, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, chili powder, butter or oil

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for copycat chili's salsa

Copycat Chili's Salsa

Here's a salsa that's as easy as it is tasty. It's all blending and no chopping, so it's ideal for making a big batch for parties or game days.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for applebee's pico de gallo

Applebee's Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is an absolute must for Mexican night. Tomatoes, onion, jalapeno and cilantro is how Applebee's does it. Great on tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, you name it.


Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for aunt chilada's yucatan-style pork tamales

Aunt Chilada's Yucatan-Style Pork Tamales

When you first bite into one of Aunt Chilada's Yucatan-style tamales, you're hit with a savory and slightly spicy flavor blend of shredded pork and just the...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for don pablo's salsa fresca

Don Pablo's Salsa Fresca

An easy salsa recipe that tastes like the salsa fresca from Don Pablo's restaurants


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for rotel salsa

Rotel Salsa

A big batch of homemade salsa is always a great thing to have hanging around in the fridge, especially when you throw in fresh lime juice and green onions.


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for taco crunch casserole

Taco Crunch Casserole

Yummy and versatile dish made with ground beef, sweet corn, and salsa. Topped with cheddar and crushed tortilla chips and served casserole-style.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for canned tomato-pepper salsa

Canned Tomato-Pepper Salsa

Canning is all but a lost art these days. It's still a great strategy, though. Take advantage of ripe, in-season tomatoes and make some flavorful salsa you can enjoy all...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for bob evans' maple sausage breakfast burritos

Bob Evans' Maple Sausage Breakfast Burritos

Bob Evans' Maple Sausage Breakfast Burritos are a hearty take on the traditional breakfast burrito.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for slow cooker burrito jalisco (mexican pork)

Slow Cooker Burrito Jalisco (Mexican Pork)

Cook up some easy Mexican comfort food by slow-cooking pork in beer and spices, then enjoying it in tortillas loaded with guacamole, cheese, and more.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for microwave salsa

Microwave Salsa

Good, homemade salsa makes such a difference over flavorless store-bought jars. Starting with ripe tomatoes is crucial, so if they're in season then you're on your way to a sensational...

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for wok-cooked chicken fajitas

Wok-Cooked Chicken Fajitas

Asian stir-fry meets Tex-Mex fajitas. Use the tried and true stir-fry method with chicken fajita ingredients for a delicious alternative to traditional fajitas.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for no-cook fresh tomato salsa

No-Cook Fresh Tomato Salsa

This no-cook fresh tomato salsa is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It is quick and easy to make, and can be made ahead of time.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for ground beef chimichangas

Ground Beef Chimichangas

These ground beef filled chimichangas are a breeze to prepare and make a great dinner or lunch.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for arizona mexican tamale pie

Arizona Mexican Tamale Pie

Made with onion, green bell pepper, garlic, chipotle chilies en adobo, ground cumin, black beans, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, adobo sauce, Cheddar cheese

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for baked tacos

Baked Tacos

An easy baked version of tacos made by filling flour tortillas with ground beef, beans, salsa, and seasonings.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for southwestern salsa with black beans & corn

Southwestern Salsa With Black Beans & Corn

Made with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, purple onion, and the special secret ingredient: toasted cumin seeds

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for slow cooker turkey tacos

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Turkey tacos are a healthy version of traditional tacos, swapping out ground beef for lean turkey. Combined with beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning it creates a...

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for slow cooker breakfast burritos

Slow Cooker Breakfast Burritos

Slow-cooked tomato, onion, and ham mixed with Monterey jack and cheddar is a marvelous mix for early morning tortillas.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for fish stick fajitas

Fish Stick Fajitas

This unique twist on classic fajitas uses frozen fish sticks layered in soft flour tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Method:   microwave, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for milk cooked carnitas (using boston butt roast)

Milk Cooked Carnitas (Using Boston Butt Roast)

Indulge in this savory recipe for milk-cooked carnitas without having to drive to a taqueria. You're welcome.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for taco rice

Taco Rice

If you're making a batch of rice for tacos, burritos, or salads, you owe it to yourself to jazz it up a bit. This variety is plenty zesty thanks to taco seasoning and diced tomatoes.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker pork enchiladas

Slow Cooker Pork Enchiladas

Tired of the usual chicken or beef enchiladas? Change things up with some tender, slow-cooked shredded pork in this easy recipe for enchiladas.

Method:   crock pot, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for crescent taco pie

Crescent Taco Pie

Made with cheddar cheese, ground beef, taco seasoning mix, water, crescent dinner roll, sour cream, corn chips

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for arroz con leche (mexican rice pudding)

Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)

A popular Mexican recipe, this rice pudding can be served warm or cold as a dessert, breakfast, or anytime sweet treat.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for instant salsa

Instant Salsa

Don't skip out on the splash of red wine vinegar. It helps give this salsa a punch that brightens up tacos, burrito bowls, and anything else you throw this salsa on top of.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for basic pan dulce (mexican sweet bread)

Basic Pan Dulce (Mexican Sweet Bread)

Made with ground cinnamon, flour, eggs, sugar, shortening, salt

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for slow cooker tex-mex chimichangas

Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chimichangas

Slow-cooked pork is the key to this simple yet delicious recipe for Tex-Mex style chimichangas. Pork, salsa, and cheese-filled flour tortillas are deep-fried and served...

Method:   crock pot, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for chili powder salsa

Chili Powder Salsa

Fresh, homemade salsa with a kick is good for so much more than just tortilla chip dipping. Add to breakfast tacos, spread on quesadillas, or use as a burger topping.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for spicy thai salsa

Spicy Thai Salsa

Unmistakably Thai ingredients like fish sauce and shrimp paste give this salsa a unique spin, and make it a sensational choice for fusion food like spicy Thai tacos topped with...

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for slow cooker steak fajitas

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

Flank steak is the traditional cut of beef used in fajitas. The crock pot helps make it tender with its low and slow cooking.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for beef fajitas with tequila

Beef Fajitas with Tequila

Tequila in the marinade gives these tender skirt steak fajitas a little extra punch.

Method:   outdoor grill, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for fresh salsa picante

Fresh Salsa Picante

Fresh, homemade salsa can be a total game changer. This Anaheim chile and fresh tomato salsa is good with tortilla chips, but you'll also want it on hand for tacos, burritos, and...


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for cheesy chicken fajitas

Cheesy Chicken Fajitas

Flour tortillas stuffed with a cheesy mixture of chicken, peppers, and onions are a consistent crowd pleaser, especially with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for border grill carne asada tacos

Border Grill Carne Asada Tacos

Step up your taco game with these amazing tacos just like they serve at the Border Grill restaurants. No taco seasoning mix here!

Method:   outdoor grill, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for cilantro-lime chicken fajitas with grilled onions

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Fajitas With Grilled Onions

These easy chicken fajitas are full of flavor thanks to a simple cilantro-lime marinade. The chicken is grilled until nice and juicy, then served with...

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for copycat qdoba mexican grill naked chicken burrito

Copycat Qdoba Mexican Grill Naked Chicken Burrito

Made with black or pinto beans, grilled chicken, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, avocados, jalapeno


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chicken tamales

Chicken Tamales

Create mouthwatering tamales with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring a flavorful cornmeal batter and savory chicken filling, these homemade tamales are perfect for any occasion.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for tgi friday's sizzling vegetable fajitas

TGI Friday's Sizzling Vegetable Fajitas

With a cilantro parmesan pesto and a small army of sauteed onions and other veggies, these customizable fajitas are as flavor-packed as any of their meaty...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for ranch burrito wraps

Ranch Burrito Wraps

A simple blend of shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and salsa is heated and rolled into tortillas for an easy burrito-style wrap.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for beef tamales

Beef Tamales

Experience the delicious flavor of traditional Mexican cuisine with these hearty beef tamales. Serve them as a main dish for a family dinner or as a festive party appetizer.

Method:   stovetop, rice cooker/steamer
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for 30 minute beef fajitas

30 Minute Beef Fajitas

Quick and easy fajitas made with ground beef, bell peppers, and zucchini. Served with a low fat sour cream-mustard sauce.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for homemade flour tortillas

Homemade Flour Tortillas

Making flour tortillas from scratch takes a little practice but you can't beat the homemade flavor and texture. You can use these tortillas for soft tacos, fajitas, burritos...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes




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