Cooking

17 Dinners on Rotation That My Mexican Husband Loves: With Recipes

In my first year of marriage, I felt so nervous about cooking for my husband! He’s been a Mexican/Italian food cook for about 7 years, and his food is SO GOOD. I wanted to impress him so bad, lol!

Every time I cooked something, I judged his reaction, and if he loved it, I added it to a roster of meals in my notes app. This took a huge weight off of my mental load. If I didn’t know what to make for dinner, I would just pick one of the items off of the “menu”!

Why I Keep These Meals on Rotation

  • Most of these are pretty simple recipes. The more I cook them, the faster I get at making them too!
  • My husband and I both love these dishes. This rotation works for the both of us. 
  • There’s a variety of different cuisines, like Asian, Mexican, and Italian. 
  • These meals are healthy-ish or can be made healthy with a few ingredient swaps. 

1. Chicken Tinga

If my husband were to pick one thing to eat for the rest of his life, it 100% would be Chicken Tinga. The best thing is that this meal is pretty simple to make. The base is shredded chicken in a delicious spicy chipotle sauce. 

The best way to eat it is on top of a tostada spread with sour cream, then adding shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced avocado, and queso fresco. 

I always use this recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch; it’s so good! 

2. Albondigas en Chipotle

I love how quick and easy this Mexican dish is. I usually have all of the ingredients already on hand, and it’s one of my favorite ground beef recipes.

“Albondigas” are meatballs in Spanish, and these are covered in yet another chipotle sauce (can you tell we love chipotle?). Serve with rice or a salad to take the meal up a notch. 

This recipe from Mexico in My Kitchen is my go-to. 

3. Bistec a la Mexicana con Papas

Another super simple recipe, this is one of my favorites to make when I’m feeling lazy and need something that comes together quickly. 

Made with steak, tomatoes, and poblano pepper as the main ingredients, it’s not only delicious but healthy too! I first found this recipe on Instagram from the creator below. 

4. Steak Tacos

You can’t go wrong with tacos, ever. I use any cut of steak that I have in my freezer, usually flank steak or skirt steak, and marinate it for a few hours before making them. 

Just use any carne asada marinade recipe (like this one from Pinch & Swirl) and marinate your chopped-up steak for at least an hour. 

Serve with tortillas, lime, diced onions, and cilantro. 

5. Calabacitas con Puerco y Elote

We are big into pork, so for this recipe I substitute the pork for chicken breasts or thighs. Calabacitas con Puerco y Elote is essentially a Mexican veggie stew with protein. It’s a delicious and comforting warm dinner. 

I love this recipe because I consider it a pretty well rounded, healthy meal for our family! I got the recipe from Mexico in my Kitchen. 

6. Copycat Chipotle dinner

@fitwsis

Homemade Chipotle Bowls (again)🥰 #chipotlebowls #chipotle

♬ original sound – Celine 🤍

I’m obsessed with this viral TikTok recipe I found from an ex-Chipotle employee. It tastes so much better to make all of the sides and mains from home!

This video includes instructions on how to make cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chicken. I also sometimes will add homemade salsa, corn salsa, or copycat Chipotle veggies. 

7. Milanesa de Res/Pollo

Another recipe from Mexico in my Kitchen, Milanesa de Res or Milanesa de Pollo is a family favorite in our house! It’s perfectly crispy, thin cuts of beef or chicken served with a side salad, rice, or vegetables (or all of the above!)

It’s healthy-ish and pretty simple which is why I love to keep it on rotation. 

8. Pineapple fried rice

Years ago in college I had my first taste of pineapple fried rice and omg it was life changing! Still one of my husband and I’s favorite foods, I occasionally will make this pineapple fried rice recipe.

This delicious dinner is just fried rice with pineapple and cashews, and you can add either chicken or shrimp, or both, to incorporate some protein. 

9. Flautas with sopa de fideo

@grisseldasoto_

sopa de fideo 🍅 so happy u guys are loving the cooking series! if you’re scared to start cooking, take this as a sign to start! this recipe is super easy to make and one of the first dishes i first made when i was scared and didnt know where to begin 🙌🏻💘 #sopadefideo #fideo #sopitadefideo #recetasfaciles #recetas #easyrecipes #fideo #soup #sopita #ideasdecomida #cocinaconmigo #cocinandolealtoxico #cookwithme #cookdinnerwithme #easydinner #dinnerideas #mexicanrecipe #mexicanrecipes #recetasmexicanas #foodtok #foodietiktok #food #mexicana #latina #latintok #fyp #fypシ #foru #paratii #paratu #paratipage

♬ Hecha Pa’ Mí – Grupo Frontera

Ugh these are soo good! My husband made me sopa de fideo for the first time and I fell in love. It’s a noodle tomato soup that pairs perfectly with crunchy chicken flautas. 

There are so many recipes out there, but this TikTok video below is perfect for instructions and ingredients. 

11. Mediterranean bowls

Back when I was pregnant with my first baby, my husband and I were obsessed with Cava! These copycat Cava bowls, or Mediterranean bowls, are so good and so nutritious. 

I love making these bowls when I have leftover sides or veggies like rice, cucumber, tomatoes or lettuce. Just throw all of the ingredients together in a bowl, whip up or buy a sauce, and voila! Dinner is ready. 

12. Marry me chicken

A classic millennial favorite, lol! If you have sundried tomatoes that you don’t know what to do with, make this dish! It’s so creamy and satisfying, and you can pair it with rice, vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal. 

Try this recipe, I know you will love it!

13. Mississippi mud roast

One of my friends from college gave me this recipe! It’s like pot roast, but a hundred times better. 

It’s best in the slow cooker, and you can add in potatoes and carrots too. I also love eating this pot roast with mac n cheese, it’s so delicious! 

I follow the below recipe, but also add a packet of onion soup mix for extra flavor. 

14. Marry me chicken soup

@chacekitchen

Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup❤️💍 INGREDIENTS: -2 large carrots, chopped -3 celery stalks, chopped -1 yellow onion, chopped -1 small parsnip, chopped -8 garlic cloves, minced -6 tsp chicken bouillon -6 cups water -1/2 lb noodle of choice (I like small thick noodle for this recipe so I used tubetti rigati) -1 lb chicken (or 2 chicken breasts). You can also use rotisserie chicken if you want to skip cooking the chicken. -4-5 tbsp chopped sun dried tomatoes (I used ones from a jar) -4 tbsp tomato paste -1 tbsp of oil from the sun dried tomato jar -2 tbsp olive oil -1 tbsp butter -1/2 tsp dried oregano -1 tsp Italian seasoning -1 tsp dried parsley -1/2 tsp dried basil -1 tsp salt -1/2 tsp pepper -1/2 tsp red pepper flakes -3/4 cup cream -handful fresh parsley, chopped -handful of fresh basil, chopped -freshly grated parmesan cheese, to top DIRECTIONS: -Heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Once pan is hot, add your chicken breasts (seasoned with a little salt and pepper). -Cook for about 3-4 minutes undisturbed before flipping. Cook the other side for about 3-4 minutes on medium/high heat, before turning heat down to medium/low to let the chicken cook through (maybe about 5 more minutes?) without burning the outside. Once chicken is cooked through (use a meat thermometer or cut into it to check), remove from heat and set aside. Once it cools, you will want to cut into small bite size pieces. You can also cube before cooking if you want it to cook faster. -Heat up 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil in your pot you used to cook the chicken. -Once your pan is hot, sauté the onions for a minute or so before adding in the celery, carrots, and parsnip. Sprinkle a little salt on the veggies to help the reduce moisture. Saute for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften. -Create a space in the pan, add the butter and garlic directly into the butter. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring so garlic doesn’t burn. -Add in tomato paste. Stir in and let cook for a few minutes or until the tomato paste starts to turn a slightly darker color. -Stir in sun dried tomatoes. -Stir in chicken bouillon. -Add water and stir. -Add seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes). -Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 10 min. -Add heavy cream -Make sure soup is back to a boil before adding in your pasta. -Cook according to package (al dente). -When pasta has a minute or so left, add in your cubed, cooked chicken. -Add in fresh parsley, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese. #soup #soupseason #soupszn #souprecipe #dinner #dinnerinspo #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipe #recipe #mealinspo #mealidea #cooking #marrymechicken

♬ Wondering Why – The Red Clay Strays

I discovered this soup when I was trying to make some classic chicken noodle soup for my sick husband. I saw this “marry me” version and I was instantly hooked. It’s a more hearty version of your favorite chicken noodle soup, just creamier and made with sun dried tomatoes.

15. Lo mein

@cassyeungmoney

Takeout cravings satisfied 🤝 lomein chinesetakeout Marinade 1lb Chicken or protein of choice 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp oyster sauce 1 tsp oil 1 tsp cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp ginger Sauce 3 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp oyster sauce 2 tsp dark soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp broth or water 1 tsp sugar White pepper to taste To the pan 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp ginger 2 Tbsp Shaoxing wine, mirin or sherry to deglaze Ingredients 1 lb egg noodles Veggies of choice! I used red bell pepper, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, green onions – about 1/2 cup each Cut your protein of choice against the grain and into thin strips. Add the rest of the ingredients for the marinade and set aside while you prep your veggies and sauce. Heat up your wok with some oil and add your protein in. Spread it out to create a single layer and allow it to sear. Once you see it cooking around the edges, sauté and spread back out to cook for another minute. Remove your meat and set aside. Add in more oil if needed then add in the remaining garlic and ginger. Deglaze with Shaoxing wine and allow it to cook out. Add in your harder veggies (carrots, bell peppers, whites of the green onions) and cook for a minute. Meanwhile, cook your noodles according to package directions. Add in your remaining veggies and sauté. Add in your noodles, sauce and protein and sauté to combine. Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

♬ I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos

@cassyeungmoney on TikTok is one of my FAVE creators on the platform. Her recipes are so good and foolproof, especially her Lo Mein recipe. 

I make this at least a couple of times a month and we almost never have leftovers. I dare say, it’s actually so much better than eating at Panda Express. 

16. Cherry Tomato & Basil Shellbows

@breadbakebeyond

Cherry Tomato & Basil Shellbows This pasta is my go-to for a dinner that feels fancy while still being fairly easy to make. I like to add fresh herbs and a bit of basil oil to enhance the flavors. The Mozzarella pearls also lend a nice creaminess to the rich cherry tomato sauce. *You can find the full recipe with instructions on my Instagram highlights* Ingredients: – 1/2 pound pasta – 1 cup heavy cream – 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (reserve some for serving) – 1 tablespoon tomato paste – 4-6 garlic cloves, minced – 1/4 cup white wine – 1 teaspoon chili flakes (reduce if preferred less spicy) – 2 teaspoons black pepper – Kosher salt, to taste – 4 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter – 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved – 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped – ⁠1 teaspoon fresh oregano (optional) Enjoy! #pastalover #homecooked #italiancuisine #foryou Creamy Pasta Cherry Tomato Recipes Easy Italian Recipes Comfort Food Ideas

♬ Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James

I love pasta so much, and this spicy Cherry Tomato & Basil Shellbows is top 5 favorites for sure. It’s creamy, spicy, and so yummy. I add grilled chicken on the side for a balanced and complete meal, and don’t forget the wine!

18. Tacos gobernador

@cboothang

These tacos are usually eaten in Sinaloa, Mexico 🇲🇽 We’ve been eating these in my family for a couple of years now and they are always a hit!! These tacos are forusure gonna be your familys favorite tacos fr now on 🇲🇽👀 #tacosgobernador#tacosgobernador🌮🍤🔥🔥🔥#tacosgobernadorrecipe#cboothang#cboothangtalks#cboothangcooks#mexicanfood#cookingchannel#cookingchannel#mexico#food#foodie#cooking#mexicancontentcreator#mexicancooking#mexicancookingcontentcreator#latinacontentcreator#latinaugccreator#lacontentcreator#cookingcontentcreatorinla#lafashioninfluencer#labeautyinfluencer

♬ Un Millón de Primaveras – Vicente Fernández

I’ve made this very recently but it was such a success that i’ve gotta make it again!! I always have tortillas, cheese, and chicken in my fridge, so Tacos gobernador are perfect for when you don’t know what to make but you also don’t want to go to the store!

I follow the ingredients in the recipe except I swap the shrimp for chicken. 

19. Beef & Broccoli 

@cassyeungmoney

I’ll spend money on many things but not on something I know I can make better at home #beefandbroccoli #chinesetakeout Marinade 1 Ib flank steak 1 Tbsp Cornstarch 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce 1 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp Oil 1 tsp Ginger & garlic Sauce 1 cup chicken/beef broth 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp oyster sauce 1 tsp dark soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp brown sugar White pepper Optional 2 Tbsp Shaoxing wine Cornstarch slurry to thicken

♬ Mind Yo Business – Lakeyah

Another Chinese takeout favorite from @cassyeungmoney! I’ve made this so many times that it gets easier and easier to pull together quickly. If I don’t know what to cook with the steak in my fridge, this is my go-to meal. 

Pair it with white rice, and it’s BOMB!

Why I Love Learning to Cook New Things for My Husband

I hope this list is helpful for all of you newlyweds or if you just want to start cooking for your husband (Mexican or not, haha!). In my husband’s culture, food is a BIG deal, and it’s a sacred time for families to get together. I love following this tradition, and learning how to cook wholesome, fun, and delicious meals for my man is my way to contribute. 

God bless y’all!