Don't limit your salsa consumption to just a snack with chips! You can combine a good jar of salsa (storebought or homemade) into comforting yet spicy dishes like this fiesta shrimp and grits. Not sure which brand of salsa to buy?
Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.This recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chilis to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. This deliciously low-fat dish gets even better served with reduced-fat sour cream and chopped cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
On this westernmost ridge of the Appalachians, we get abundant rain and sunshine, which allows our children to grow a super sweet corn crop. With staggered plantings, there is enough to eat from mid-July through August, plus plenty to freeze for the long winter. This cornbread is just one way we use some of the bounty! —Anne Wiehler, Farmington, Pennsylvania
I found the recipe for this hearty stovetop dish several years ago and changed it to fit our tastes. When I served it at a Christmas brunch, it was an instant hit. —Marilyn Hash, Enumclaw, Washington
My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho
I created these based on a turkey burger recipe and wanted to make them even better for you. Use a favorite salsa with just the heat you like to make it your own. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio
I created a fresh take on chili using lamb and Moroccan seasoning with a feta and almond garnish. It was so exciting and tasty to my husband and son, I made a second batch almost right away. If you like a spicier chili, add harissa paste or use medium salsa instead of mild. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
We still can’t settle on our favorite salsa, but, honestly, why bother? There are so many fantastic options! We love trying them all in this twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days—perfect for meat loaf sandwiches topped with a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
My husband loves this casserole, but it never lasts too long. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and plenty of Southwest flavor, it's an impressive entree that's as simple as it is simply delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
Corn bread mix speeds the preparation of this Southwestern entree with beef and black beans. My husband really likes it, and guests seem to enjoy this unique Mexican dish. For a change of pace, try topping it with lettuce, guacamole or extra salsa. —Laura Morris, St. Joseph, Missouri
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Shrimp and crab plus a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas.
I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
I'm always thankful when I can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
This zesty dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
People go crazy when I bring this loaded crescent ring to parties. I can bake it at home and take it anywhere. Of course, everyone's happy when we have it for dinner, too! —Frances Blackwelder, Grand Junction, Colorado
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I was hosting a baby shower and wanted to serve something everyone would enjoy. I created this recipe on a whim, so I was totally surprised that it turned out to be such a hit. —Tia Woodley, Stockbridge, Georgia
Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, Michigan
Beef potpie is a classic comfort food, but who's got time to see it through? My crowd-pleaser is not only speedy but an excellent way to use leftover stuffing. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
I invented this taco salad to make my kids happy. Make it with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken and it's equally good. —Betty Nickels, Tampa, Florida
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. Personally, I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
If you're thinking about a meatless meal, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
I love making this soup because it makes good use of leftovers from Thanksgiving. And it's quick, easy and tasty. No one feels as if they're eating leftovers because this soup is nothing like traditional turkey with gravy. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
I created this recipe when I didn't have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington
We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California
Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
I love haystacks and wanted to make a fun Tex-Mex version for my family. Adding panko crumbs and cheese to the hash browns before cooking gives them a wonderful golden brown color and crisp texture. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
I often use my husband’s fresh-caught bass or catfish for this recipe, but tilapia, salmon and even chicken will do. —Tarin Hauck, Minneapolis, Kansas
I like to break away from traditional breakfast bakes, so I experimented and came up with this sweet-savory cornbread and sausage egg bake. It's easy to prepare and a wonderful make-ahead morning meal.—Ellen Woodham-Johnson, Matteson, Illinois
I found this recipe while searching for a vegetarian dish that I could use as a main course. This rich manicotti has the added spiciness that I love in Mexican cuisine. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Fresh flavor with a flair describes this quick and easy recipe. Fajitas are just right for hot summer evenings when you want to serve something fun and tasty, yet keep cooking to a minimum. Try topping them with sour cream, guacamole or both. —Lindsay St. John, Plainfield, Indiana
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
My husband and three children love this tender, sweet and spicy chicken. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give this dish some kick. This entree can be made even zippier yet by adding more taco seasoning and using spicier salsa. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Every time I serve this dish, I get satisfied reviews—even from my father, who usually doesn't like Mexican food. Plus, it smells delicious while baking. —Nancy VanderVeer, Knoxville, Iowa
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in only half an hour! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
My husband loves any spicy food, and this is one quick-fix recipe we can both agree on. As the chicken cooks, whip up salads of lettuce, tomato, avocado and shredded cheddar cheese. Dinner's done! —Christine Zongker, Spring Hill, Kansas
I wanted to make a quiche but didn't want the usual flavors, so I used ingredients I had in my pantry and refrigerator to come up with this recipe. I was surprised at the great taste and how well the flavors came together. My neighbor asked for the recipe and had the same success! —Tamie Bradford, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
This is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Chipotle peppers add smoky heat to this zippy chicken and rice dish. Chop up leftovers and stuff into bell peppers for a tasty twist. —Carolyn Collins, Freeport, Texas
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado
Shortcut lasagna bails me out when I'm in a frenzy to serve dinner. A leafy salad and buttery garlic toast round out the meal. —Donna Booth, Tomahawk, Kentucky
I created these enchiladas to satisfy several picky eaters in our house. They were an instant hit and are now requested at least once a week. I especially like that we can enjoy this meal twice by freezing half for a later (and busier) day. —Stacy Cizek, Conrad, Iowa
Everyone who tastes my chili comments that it is restaurant-quality. It's especially good with homemade corn bread. I have always loved to cook, and I enjoy developing original recipes like this one.
—Shannon Wright
Erie, Pennsylvania
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
We've always liked stuffed peppers, but everyone is pleasantly surprised at this mildly spicy version. For convenience, you can assemble these pretty peppers ahead of time and bake them later.
—LaDonna Reed of Ponca City, Oklahoma
I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee
This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort! —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, California
Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I needed to learn to make a few Mexican dishes. These rancheros are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
I had previously made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Meat and potatoes make up traditional hash. Our version uses sausage, sweet potatoes and sometimes, a little salsa. Sometimes we have it for dinner, too. —Christy Scott Campbell, Blooming Grove, Texas
For a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. —Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona
I prefer main dishes that let me stay on my diet but still eat what the rest of the family eats. My husband and our young children think this diet-friendly stew is a hit. —Stephanie Wilson of Helix, Oregon
At my house, we never know how many we'll have for dinner. That's why this spaghetti sauce is one of my favorites - flavorful, filling and fast. Smoked kielbasa gives it depth, and salsa adds the kick. —Bella Anderson, Chester, South Carolina
Get the party started with this out-of-the-box appetizer pizza. It has all the Mexican flavors you love packed into convenient slices! —Elizabeth Wright, Las Vegas, Nevada
Our perfect pasta is a creamy shrimp fettuccine with cheddar, green chiles and cilantro. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, salsa and avocado. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Use a few on-hand seasonings like Creole, red pepper flakes and garlic powder to create these flavorful and juicy burgers. —David Dalton, Orleans, Indiana