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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 copycat full moon cafe tortilla soup

Copycat Full Moon Cafe Tortilla Soup

Full Moon Cafe marinates their chicken in fajita seasoning to give it that special spice in the soup. Garnish with tortilla strips for a nice crunch.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chi chi's salsa

Chi Chi's Salsa

The key to Chi Chi's salsa isn't some secret recipe, it's just good tomatoes. Blending ripe tomatoes just for a second yields a uniformly chopped salsa, perfect for scooping up with...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for applebee's chicken fajita rollups

Applebee's Chicken Fajita Rollups

Made with sour cream, white tortilla shell, chicken, pico de gallo, jack and Cheddar cheese mix, lettuce, tomatoes

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


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 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

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recipe for boiled carnitas

Boiled Carnitas

Picture this: tender, juicy pork enveloped in golden, sizzling lard. These boiled carnitas turn flavorful ingredients into hearty bites everyone can appreciate.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for slow cooker mexican chicken

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Salsa is your best friend in this recipe. It majorly cuts down on the ingredient list, and you can pick spicier or milder varieties to suit your tastes.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for breakfast burritos for a crowd

Breakfast Burritos for a Crowd

These breakfast burritos, filled with scrambled eggs, turkey or ham, and fresh vegetables, are a great way to serve a large group.

Method:   oven
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 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 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 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 carne asada chimichangas

Carne Asada Chimichangas

Carne asada is deliciously memorable on its own, but when stuffed into a crispy chimichanga it becomes a whole new experience.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 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 mexican goulash

Mexican Goulash

A Mexican-flavored twist on American-style goulash. Pasta, ground beef, and vegetables are are simmered in a spiced tomato sauce.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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 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 mexican beef stir-fry

Mexican Beef Stir-Fry

Think of this recipe as stir-fried fajitas! Your typical beef fajitas are served Asian-style instead of on tortillas

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for south texas cheese enchiladas with chile gravy

South Texas Cheese Enchiladas with Chile Gravy

Made with mild cheddar cheese, olive oil, chili powder, water, flour, cumin, ground oregano, garlic powder, garlic salt, grated mild cheddar cheese

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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 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 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 chalupa

Chalupa

Made with green chili peppers, oregano, pinto beans, pork roast, water, onion, garlic, salt, chili powder, cumin

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours


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 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 copycat carlos murphy's sweet onion salsa

Copycat Carlos Murphy's Sweet Onion Salsa

Ready to shake up your appetizer lineup? This copycat sweet onion salsa is not just for chips; it can transform anything from tacos to grilled meats.


Time:   2-5 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 copycat hungry tarpon's fried shrimp burrito

Copycat Hungry Tarpon's Fried Shrimp Burrito

Fried shrimp, coleslaw, tartar sauce and flour tortillas make these copycat burritos a dinner you'll want to repeat

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


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 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 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 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 crab and shrimp seafood enchiladas

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Enchiladas

Tortillas stuffed with a cheesy mixture of shrimp, crab, and onions get topped in a creamy garlic parsley sauce.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 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 shredded chicken burritos

Shredded Chicken Burritos

Made with Mexican cheese, large flour tortillas, whole chicken, taco seasoning mix, stewed tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, cornstarch

Method:   crock pot, stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for mexican pozole with tomatoes and hominy

Mexican Pozole With Tomatoes And Hominy

Lean beef is simmered with stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, cilantro, seasonings, and hominy.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for corn tortillas

Corn Tortillas

Making your own tortillas is the key to spectacular tacos. Your tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican classics will be downright delicioso in no time.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for dulce zacatecano

Dulce Zacatecano

A delectable dessert from south of the border. Butter-fried bananas are good enough on their own, but top them with sweet, freshly whipped cream and you'll find yourself in paradise.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 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 skillet tamale pie

Skillet Tamale Pie

The taste of tamales without all the calories, or all the work!

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


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 slow cooker mexican beef steak

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Steak

Great flavors come together in this crock pot dinner made with round steak, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard, onion, tomatoes, and kidney beans - all served over...

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for real homemade tamales

Real Homemade Tamales

Homemade tamales with a tasty pork filling.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for stove-top grilled fajitas

Stove-Top Grilled Fajitas

Can't grill? No problem, these chicken fajitas are made in a grill pan with seasonings that taste like it's fresh off the grill.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes




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