22 Copycat Mexican Restaurant Recipes (2024)

How to make your favorite easy Mexican food recipes inspired by your favorite restaurants

By: Adam Kaplan, Editor, AllFreeCopycatRecipes.com

From queso and guac to fajitas and churros, these 22 Copycat Mexican Restaurant Recipes are out of this world! There's nothing better than getting in a spicy mood with a little Mexican food. And there's so much more than just tacos to try, too.

Give one of these authentic Mexican restaurant recipes a try for dinner this week, and your whole family will be asking you to make it again and again! They're real crowd-pleasers. There's so much more to try besides Taco Bell and Chipotle.

Of course, we've included some of those Tex-Mex and fast-casual style recipes as well. Whatever food mood you're in, keep scrolling and you'll find what you're looking for!

Get more free copycat recipes!

Watch and Learn: Chipotle is famous for its guacamole. Watch the video below to learn how to make it at home!

Table of Contents

  • Copycat Mexican Restaurant Appetizers
  • Fast Food Mexican Copycat Recipes
  • Mexican Restaurant Main Dishes
  • Mexican Restaurant Dessert Recipes

Copycat Mexican Restaurant Appetizers

It would not be a Mexican meal without guacamole or salsa! The appetizers and starters really set the tone for the rest of the meal. And how could you turn down any of these amazing, zesty dishes?!

Chili's Salsa Recipe Copycat

Everybody can agree that a goodsalsa recipecan make for the perfect appetizer!

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Chipotle Guacamole Copycat

It is surprisingly simple to make guacamole yourself, so try it next time you see avocados for sale at your local grocery store

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Authentic Easy Mexican Rice

Perfectly flavored, this Mexican-style rice is the light side dish that you have been craving.

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Fiesta-Inspired Seven Layer Bean Dip

You will love this seven layer dip recipe so much that you will want to make it again and again.

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Chorizo Cornbread Balls with Chipotle Cream Sauce

Recipes with chorizo are great for adding a little spice to your life. What makes this recipe truly special, however, is the tasty chipotle sauce.

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Qdoba Copycat Queso

This copycat queso is the ultimate cheese for all your chip dipping needs.

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Fast Food Mexican Copycat Recipes

From Taco Bell to Chipotle, some of the fastest, most convenient ways to enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes are with fast food and casual dining. These recipes are the best of the best when it comes to copycat Mexican fast food recipes.

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Copycat

Next time you're tempted to make a Taco Bell run, try making it in your own kitchen instead.

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Chipotle Burrito Bowls

The combination of chicken, corn salsa, guacamole, lettuce, and sour cream is just sensational.

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Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme

Inspired by one of our very favorite Taco Bell drive thru classics!

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Chick-fil-A Copycat Chicken Tortilla Soup

The fresh taste of this homemade soup recipe will leave you wondering why you ever spent big bucks on a lesser version.

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Mexican Restaurant Main Dishes

These recipes are the stars of the show. Whether you're in the mood for something hot and spicy or a dish that's full of subtle, complex flavors, there's a recipe here for you. One bite, and we know you'll be coming back for seconds!

Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken Taco Recipe

Recipes with shredded chicken are packed with extra flavor, and this delicious taco is no exception.

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Copycat Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup

If they ever take it off the menu, you won't have to worry. This copycat recipe can be made any time you want!

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Applebee's Chicken Quesadillas Grande Knockoff

The Applebee's recipe is loaded with gooey cheese, juicy chicken, a Mexican-style salsa, and it even has bacon.

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Homemade Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Enchiladas

Make the perfect enchilada that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

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Homemade Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad

This delicious Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad is just like the restaurant favorite!

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Restaurant-Style Albondigas Soup

Perfect for those cold days when you feel like a nice and toasty warm soup recipe to lift your spirits.

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Qdoba Steak Marinade Copycat Recipe

If you’re craving something with a uniquely delicious burst of flavor for dinner tonight, give this copycat a try!

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Mexican Restaurant Dessert Recipes

As good as all of these copycat recipes are, it's hard to be satisfied after a meal without a dessert course! Top your favorite Mexican meals off with one of these delicious Mexican restaurant style dessert recipes, and we know you'll be craving more.

Copycat Churro Bites

Justlike your favorite Mexican-inspired dessert, only snack size.

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Copycat Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanada

Once you take a bite of one of your freshly baked dessert empanadas, you will be hooked.

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Homemade Churros

This sugary sweet treat is an easy dessert recipe you can make with the kids.

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Up Next:

34 Copycat Food Court Favorite Recipes
Did we miss anything? Tell us your go-to homemade Mexican recipe below!

22 Copycat Mexican Restaurant Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the #1 order to never make at a Mexican restaurant according to chefs? ›

Skip the restaurant fajitas and make them at home instead.

"I would never order fajitas at a restaurant. They're really nothing more than sautéed onions and peppers with a protein.

What is the best things to eat on Mexican restaurant? ›

Top 20 Mexican foods to try
  • Tacos al pastor. These tacos are made with marinated pork that is cooked on a spit and then sliced thin. ...
  • Enchiladas. These rolled tortillas are filled with meat or cheese and topped with a flavourful sauce. ...
  • Tamales. ...
  • Chiles rellenos. ...
  • Pozole. ...
  • Guacamole. ...
  • Sopaipillas. ...
  • Tortas.
Jan 29, 2023

How do Mexican restaurants get their taco meat so fine? ›

Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants boil raw ground beef with water and seasonings until cooked through to achieve a super fine texture, and the aforementioned Maid Rite sandwiches (aka Loose Meat Sandwiches, which are NOT Sloppy Joe's!) use steam to keep the cooked ground beef soft after cooking.

What is the healthiest meal you can get at a Mexican restaurant? ›

Order the grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a baked corn tortilla. Those have 70% more fiber and less than half the fat of their white flour counterparts. Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

What is the tastiest Mexican dish? ›

10 Must-Try Traditional Mexican Dishes that Will Make Your Mouth Water
  • Tacos al Pastor. Sink your teeth into the epitome of Mexican street food - the legendary Tacos al Pastor. ...
  • Mole. ...
  • Chiles en Nogada. ...
  • Guacamole. ...
  • Tamales. ...
  • Pozole. ...
  • Churros. ...
  • Enchiladas.

What not to eat at a Mexican restaurant? ›

14 Dishes You Should Never Order At A Mexican Restaurant
  • Queso. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock. ...
  • Margaritas. Victoria Kondysenko/Shutterstock. ...
  • Chimichangas. Robert Bertold/Shutterstock. ...
  • Fajitas. Tatiana Bralnina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Quesadilla. Максим Крысанов/Getty Images. ...
  • Taco Salad. ...
  • Hard Shell Tacos. ...
  • Refried Beans.
Feb 19, 2024

What special rules must you follow when dining in Mexico? ›

Dining Etiquette:

Do not begin eating until the host says, “Buen provecho!” Mexicans do not switch knives and forks. The knife remains in the right hand, and the for remains in the left.

What is the healthiest thing to order from a Mexican restaurant? ›

Order the grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a baked corn tortilla. Those have 70% more fiber and less than half the fat of their white flour counterparts. Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

What is the order of chefs in a restaurant? ›

Those of you who aspire to own a restaurant or work as a professional chef must know the chef levels below:
  • Executive Chef. ...
  • Chef de Cuisine (Head Chef) ...
  • Sous Chef (Deputy Head Chef) ...
  • Chef De Partie (Station Chef) ...
  • Commis Chef (Junior Chef) ...
  • Kitchen Porter. ...
  • Escuelerie (Dishwasher)
Feb 15, 2021

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