Easy & Simple Mexican-Inspired Dinner Dishes For Beginners
Looking for simple and easy dinner dishes for beginners that won't keep you tied up in the kitchen for hours? Dive into our collection! Easy to make with only a few ingredients, they promise delicious results.
Learning to cook can feel like a challenge for beginners. However, once you start, you’ll find it’s easier than you think! To help you start your cooking journey we’ve put together a range of easy Mexican-inspired dishes for beginners. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up delicious lunches and dinners that bring everyone together to Make Some Noise around the table.
Simple Dishes & Dinners For Beginners
Whether you're craving cheesy tacos, sizzling fajitas, or a quick rice bowl, these easy beginner-friendly dinner recipes take the stress out of cooking while delivering plenty of flavour. Get started with our Quick & Tasty Pepperoni Tortilla Pocket Pizzas!
Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Pockets
Craving pizza but short on time? Our Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla Pockets are a hassle-free alternative to traditional pizza, offering a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired and Italian flavours. These pockets are packed with gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and crispy pepperoni—all folded neatly into a tortilla for an easy-to-eat meal.
Recipe Name
Pepperoni Pizza Tortilla PocketsTotal Time
20 minutesSpice Level
MildServings
4Ingredients
- 90g Italian pepperoni slices (about 42 thin slices)
- 1 large red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced (about 200g)
- 1 large green pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced (about 200g)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 300g tomato and herb pizza topping sauce
- 1 pack Old El Paso™ Tortilla Pockets™
- 400g ready-grated mozzarella cheese
Preparation
- Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the pepperoni slices in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes, turning once, until the fat starts to run from the slices and they turn crispy and golden. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside. Pour off half of the fat from the pan, leaving the remainder in the pan to cook the vegetables.
- Add the sliced peppers and onion to the frying pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Stir through half the pizza sauce.
- Gently open the tortilla pockets to fill. Layer the pepper mixture, pepperoni slices, remaining sauce and cheese as desired.
- Place 4 pockets on a microwave-proof plate. Microwave on High for 2 minutes 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot. (See tips for additional cooking ideas.) Repeat with the remaining 4 pockets and serve. Take care; the pockets will be piping hot out of the microwave.
Expert Tips
- You can cook the pockets in the microwave either upright in a microwave-proof cup or bowl or lay them flat on a microwave-proof plate. The cooking times will be the same. If you cook them on a plate some of the filling may spill out during cooking, simply push it back into the pocket with a small spatula before lifting up the pocket.
- If you prefer, you can replace one sliced pepper with 150g sliced mushrooms or one large thinly sliced courgette. Add a handful of small pitted black olives or a sprinkling of dried Italian herbs, for extra flavour.
- To cook one pocket, place upright in a microwave-proof cup or bowl or lay on a microwave-proof plate. Microwave on High for 40-60 seconds. To cook two pockets at a time, microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds to 1 minutes 30 seconds or until cheese has melted and the filling is hot.
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Old El Paso™ Tortilla Pockets™
Extra Thin Chicken Fajitas In Minutes
These chicken fajitas are a go-to favourite for beginner cooks because they’re quick, customisable, and perfect for sharing. Using Old El Paso™ Extra Thin Tortilla Wraps, you can create a flavourful meal in just 15 minutes with only six ingredients.
For an extra touch, add fresh lime juice, diced avocado, lettuce, tomatoes or shredded cheese. This is a fun, hands-on meal—perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Simple Veggie Rice Bowls For A Quick Bite
Looking for a satisfying meat-free meal? These Quick and Easy Veggie Rice Bowls bring together wholesome ingredients in just 20 minutes. Using Old El Paso™ Chili & Garlic One Pan Rice Meal Kit, this dish is packed with flavour and makes the perfect lunch or dinner.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours, consuming within 24 hours for freshness.
Chicken Taco Pizza: A Fun Fusion
Why choose between tacos and pizza when you can have both?! Our Chicken Taco Pizza recipe creates a fun, easy Mexican-themed dish.
This creative twist on classic tacos is ready in 30 minutes and fully customisable to your tastes!
Crispy Chicken & Cheese Tacos
Cooking Is Made Easy With Old El Paso
You don’t need to be a pro to make bold, flavourful Mexican-inspired meals. With Old El Paso™ meal kits and ingredients, cooking becomes a fun, stress-free experience—allowing you to focus on what matters most!
Which of these easy dinner dishes for beginners will you try first? Share your creations with us on social media and inspire others to bring the Good Noise to the dinner table!