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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 chorizo and shrimp tacos

Chorizo And Shrimp Tacos

Made with salt, chipotle peppers in adobo, sour cream, chorizo sausage, olive oil, shrimp, garlic, black pepper, taco shells or corn tortillas, pepper Jack cheese

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for shrimp and crab enchiladas in chipotle cream sauce

Shrimp And Crab Enchiladas In Chipotle Cream Sauce

Made with tomatoes, tomatillos, ancho chilies, garlic, onion, toasted cumin seed or cumin powder, chipotle peppers in adobo, corn oil, salt

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for chicken and beef tamale pie

Chicken and Beef Tamale Pie

Made with chicken broth, ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, tomatoes with their juice, jalapeno peppers, salt and freshly ground black pepper, pinto beans, cilantro

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for brownie tacos

Brownie Tacos

Made with shredded coconut, flour tortillas, brownie mix, oil, water, eggs, powdered sugar, red hot candies, black jelly beans

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for halibut enchiladas

Halibut Enchiladas

Made with onions, flour tortillas, halibut, green enchilada sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, green chiles, cheese

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

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recipe for chipotle mexican grill barbacoa burrito

Chipotle Mexican Grill Barbacoa Burrito

Made with goat or beef roast, cider vinegar, Spanish onion, garlic, fresh thyme, Mexican oregano, allspice berries, ground cloves, cumin seeds, guijillo chiles

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for pollo fundido

Pollo Fundido

Made with flour tortillas, green bell pepper, white onion, celery, tomatoes, water, boneless chicken, garlic, salt and pepper

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for california tamale pie

California Tamale Pie

Made with ground beef, yellow corn meal, milk, ripe olives, Cheddar cheese, egg, chili seasoning mix, seasoned salt, tomatoes, whole kernel corn

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


recipe for taco bell a.1. steak house wrap

Taco Bell A.1. Steak House Wrap

Made with flour tortillas, steak sauce, onion, garlic, hot pepper sauce, beef round steak, bell pepper strips

Method:   oven, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for cooked salsa

Cooked Salsa

Made with salt, ground cumin, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, bell peppers, dried oregano, white vinegar, jalapenos, tomatoes

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for roasted lemon salsa

Roasted Lemon Salsa

Made with lemon juice, black pepper, lemons, olive oil, shallots or green onions, sugar, salt

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for chicken tamale pie

Chicken Tamale Pie

Made with shredded cooked chicken, whole kernel corn, corn muffin mix, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, chili powder, garlic, chopped green chilies, green onions

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for tamales negros (black tamales)

Tamales Negros (Black Tamales)

Made with tomatoes, bitter chocolate, chicken, masa harina, water, sugar, butter or margarine

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for black olive salsa

Black Olive Salsa

Mix it up with a flavorful black olive salsa. With ripe tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and a spicy kick, this salsa is your new go-to dip.


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for fajita crepes

Fajita Crepes

Made with sirloin steak, green bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, fajita seasoning mix, water, lime juice, vegetable oil, non-stick cooking spray, crepes

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for mexican burger casserole

Mexican Burger Casserole

Made with tomato sauce, garlic powder, ground beef, onions, chili with beans, nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips, Colby cheese

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for salt lick's fajitas with grilled vegetables

Salt Lick's Fajitas With Grilled Vegetables

Made with salsa, olive oil, lime juice, tequila, garlic, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, flour tortillas, taco cheese

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for hamburger fajitas

Hamburger Fajitas

Made with onion, salt, black pepper, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, flour tortillas, salsa, sour cream

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chicken chimichangas with sour cream sauce

Chicken Chimichangas With Sour Cream Sauce

Made with cumin, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chopped green chilies, onion, garlic, butter, all-purpose flour

Method:   stovetop, deep fryer
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for mexican corn pie

Mexican Corn Pie

Made with baking powder, cornmeal, flour, cheddar cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, green chiles, cream-style corn, monterey jack cheese

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for mexican garlic soup

Mexican Garlic Soup

Made with parsley, Asadero cheese, garlic, flour, butter, beef or chicken stock, salt and pepper, eggs

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for burrito supreme casserole

Burrito Supreme Casserole

Made with lettuce, lemon juice, flour tortillas, tomato juice, taco seasoning mix, vegetable oil, ground beef, refried beans, cheddar cheese, avocado

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for leftover chicken quesadillas

Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

Made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, beans, tortillas, rice, chicken, vegetables, onion or scallions, fresh cilantro

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for joy philbin's turkey tacos

Joy Philbin's Turkey Tacos

Made with tomato, olive oil, ground turkey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, onion, tortillas, lettuce

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for cajun fajitas

Cajun Fajitas

Made with oregano, dried marjoram, garlic powder, ground red pepper, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, vegetable oil, chicken breasts, green bell pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for blt tacos with spicy cream salsa

BLT Tacos With Spicy Cream Salsa

Made with lettuce, jalapeno Jack cheese, bacon, green onions, jalapenos, tomato, corn, ranch dressing, cayenne pepper, flour tortillas


Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for mexican flank steak

Mexican Flank Steak

Made with lemon, lemon juice, olive oil, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, black pepper, salt, flank steak

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   over 2 hours

recipe for layered tortilla casserole

Layered Tortilla Casserole

Made with green onions, cheese, tortillas, refried beans, chicken breast strips or ground beef, salsa, frozen corn

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for crawfish enchiladas

Crawfish Enchiladas

Made with bell pepper, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, crawfish tails, chili powder, garlic, cayenne pepper, white pepper, heavy cream, chicken bouillon, blonde butter roux

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for deer enchilada casserole

Deer Enchilada Casserole

Made with ground venison, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, jalapeno pepper, flour tortillas, refried beans, onion

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for slow cooker vegetarian enchilada casserole

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Made with ripe olives, corn tortillas, garlic powder, tomatoes, salsa, tomato paste, black beans, corn, green chiles, cumin

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for tamales - carne de puerco cocido

Tamales - Carne de Puerco Cocido

Made with dried red chilies, sugar, garlic, beef stock, shortening, all-purpose flour, oregano, salt and pepper, corn husks

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for chayote salsa

Chayote Salsa

Made with chayotes, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, cilantro, limes, seasoning

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for cafe pasqual's salsa fresca

Cafe Pasqual's Salsa Fresca

Made with ground cumin, Italian plum tomatoes, white onion, Serrano or jalapeno chili pepper, fresh cilantro, salt


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for enchiladas de puerco verde (pork in green sauce)

Enchiladas De Puerco Verde (Pork In Green Sauce)

Made with diced green chilies, Mexican crema or sour cream, cooked pork, Monterey Jack cheese, green onion, green chili enchilada sauce, corn tortillas

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for mini chimichangas

Mini Chimichangas

Made with garlic, red wine vinegar, water, chili powder, cumin, salt, chicken breast, parsley, flour tortillas, cheddar cheese

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for soft cheese tacos

Soft Cheese Tacos

Made with oil, corn tortillas, onion, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, processed cheese product, butter, cumin, cheddar cheese

Method:   crock pot, electric skillet/wok, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for yucatan salsa

Yucatan Salsa

Made with salt, cilantro, red onion, sour orange or lime juice, tomatoes, radishes, habanero chili


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for roasted corn and tomatillo salsa

Roasted Corn And Tomatillo Salsa

Made with salt, sugar, white wine vinegar, corn on the cob, tomatillos, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cilantro, olive oil

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for beef fajitas with pico de gallo

Beef Fajitas With Pico De Gallo

Made with fajita seasoning, flank steaks, flour tortillas, cheddar cheese, lime wedges, fresh cilantro sprigs, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, avocado

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for sirloin fajitas

Sirloin Fajitas

Made with onion, mushrooms, oil, dry sherry, sirloin tips, Serrano or jalapeno peppers, cumin seed, ground coriander, cilantro, flour tortillas

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for apple habanero salsa

Apple Habanero Salsa

Made with lime, fresh cilantro, apples, habanero peppers, red onion


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for filet carne asada with guacamole and refried beans

Filet Carne Asada With Guacamole and Refried Beans

Made with corn oil, corn tortilla, hass avocados, onion, tomato, cilantro, salt

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

recipe for new mexican breakfast burritos

New Mexican Breakfast Burritos

Made with tomato salsa, Colby, jack or cheddar cheese, flour tortillas, breakfast sausage, boiling potatoes, onion powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper, eggs

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for turkey enchilada casserole

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Made with monterey jack cheese, turkey, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, onions, green chile, ripe olives, cumin, oregano, flour tortilla

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for hot dog breakfast burrito

Hot Dog Breakfast Burrito

Made with tortilla, egg, butter, milk, hot dog, cheese

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for mushroom enchiladas

Mushroom Enchiladas

Made with sour cream, black olives, mushrooms, onion, butter, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, Monterey jack cheese, green onions

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for 30 minute chicken taco bake

30 Minute Chicken Taco Bake

Made with Cheddar cheese, boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, taco dinner, oil, sour cream

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for black eyed pea enchiladas

Black Eyed Pea Enchiladas

Made with Cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, black eyed peas, tomato sauce, hot sauce, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, green chilies

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for mexican shrimp ceviche

Mexican Shrimp Ceviche

Made with lime juice, avocado, shrimp, white onion, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes


Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for potato-chicken burritos with roasted tomato sauce

Potato-Chicken Burritos With Roasted Tomato Sauce

Made with water, dried oregano, garlic, salt and pepper, olive oil, onion, red potatoes, red bell pepper

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for creamy slow cooker tacos

Creamy Slow Cooker Tacos

Made with corn chips, ground beef, tomatoes and green chiles, whipping cream, chili beans, process cheese

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for spicy chicken sausage tacos

Spicy Chicken Sausage Tacos

Picture this: you and your friends, with scrumptious spicy chicken sausage tacos, kicking off a fun night in.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for mexican manicotti

Mexican Manicotti

Made with green onions, Monterey Jack or Mexican style cheese, ground beef, refried beans, chili powder, dried oregano, manicotti shells, water, picante sauce, sour cream

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours




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