There really is nothing like Mexican food. The dishes are rich, refreshing, zesty, and oh-so colorful. But did you know that burritos, enchiladas, and tacos are just the tip of the Mexican iceberg? There is so much more to this cuisine than those popular classics, and that’s what I’m featuring today. In honor of the well-loved cuisine, I’m sharing a round-up of 24 fantastic Mexican recipes! From molletes to horchata to sopes, you’ll never run out of new options.
20+ Authentic Mexican Recipes and Dishes
1. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a hearty side dish that goes well with burritos, tacos, enchiladas — any Mexican dish, really! So if you’re looking for a satisfying dish to round out your feast, this is the way to go. It’s light, fluffy, and so delicious! Tomatoes give Mexican rice its signature red hue and super-rich flavor. Best of all, it’s easy to make. It’s just a matter of stirring rice, tomatoes, and seasonings! You can end there or kick it up a notch by adding your choice of veggies.
2. Marranitos (Mexican Gingerbread Pigs)
Marranitos or Mexican Gingerbread Pigs are a traditional sweet bread offered in most Mexican bakeries. Why they’re shaped like a pig, I don’t know, but they’re definitely charming! Apart from the adorable form, they also have a wonderful flavor. Marranitos are like a cross between a cake and a cookie – dense, but not tough; soft, but not too crumbly. They’re flavored by molasses – meaning they’re sweet, but not too much. It’s the perfect medium, and they taste amazing with milk or coffee.
3. Chilaquiles Rojo
Tortilla chips swimming in enchilada or green salsa, that’s what Chilaquiles Rojo is all about. It’s a breakfast staple in Mexican cooking, and I completely understand why. Being soaked in a rich sauce, the chips turn a bit tender but are still crisp on the outside. Topped with cheese, cilantro, and fried eggs, Chilaquiles Rojo is a super savory, colorful, and hearty meal that will get you going in the morning. It couldn’t be easier to make! Just take a bag of tortilla chips and dump enchilada sauce all over them, and voila! Breakfast is served.
4. Refried Beans
Refried beans are another Mexican staple and for good reason. Super hearty and savory, they’re the best way to round out any meal. Don’t settle for canned refried beans, though. If you want to experience the goodness of true refried beans, make the effort and cook them from scratch. Trust me, it’s worth it. Plus, it’s not even that difficult! Top your tender and creamy beans with a runny fried egg, and you’ll have a drool-worthy dish.
5. Salsa
Salsa – could there be a more iconic Mexican dish? Salsa is a quick and easy sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It’s sweet and refreshing with the perfect kick of spice. And it’s more than just a chip dip. I mean sure, chips and salsa taste spectacular, but it’s also amazing with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and basically any Mexican dish you can think of. While it’s much easier to get store-bought salsa, it’s much more rewarding to make it yourself. Plus, this recipe is such a breeze to make.
6. Molletes
Molletes are an open-faced sandwich made with flatbread and loaded with beans and cheese. The concept may sound simple, but the flavors and textures are mind-blowing. No wonder it’s a popular Mexican treat! It’s such a cinch to prepare, too. You even most likely already have all the ingredients available! It’s just bread, cheese, beans, and pico de gallo. You can use any bread for this recipe, really, but if you want to be authentic, opt for bolillos. Cut them in half and pop them in the oven to give them that perfect crisp.
7. Pico de Gallo
If you’re making molletes, be sure to top them with this pico de gallo! It’s definitely a must-try. This popular tomato dip is insanely flavorful and refreshing. How can it not be? It’s made with tomatoes, onions, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime. Together, they make the perfect combination of sweet, zesty, and spicy. Fun fact: while similar, pico de gallo differs in salsa in that it’s chunkier. Salsa, on the other hand, is wetter and smoother. So if you crave those sweet bits of tomato and onion in your sauce, opt for pico de gallo instead.
8. Horchata
Let’s take a break from the dishes and talk drinks for a while. Horchata is a rice-based beverage that’s incredibly sweet, creamy, and refreshing. And it’s a cinch to make, to boot. It’s rice flavored with almonds and cinnamon. There is nothing like horchata. The unique and distinct flavors make it extra special. One sip of horchata will cool you down on a hot summer day.
9. Guacamole
Chips and salsa are already perfect as it is, but guacamole will make them so much more addictive. It’s the richest and creamiest dip you can ever ask for! Its green hue also makes such a stunning contrast with the red salsa. Together, chips, salsa, and guacamole make an irresistible snack. The fact that it’s healthy makes it even more desirable. You can eat guacamole to your heart’s desire with no guilt.
10. Migas
Tired of your routine breakfast meals and want to try something new? Here’s a suggestion: migas. Migas are corn tortillas topped with eggs. It sounds so basic, but the flavor and texture is magnificent! And it’s so easy to make. Just fry some tortillas, top them with scrambled eggs, and breakfast is ready. Migas are good as is, but you can also take them to another level by topping with your Mexican favorites. Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese – take your pick!
11. Mexican Fruit Cups
Looking for a sweet side dish, a refreshing dessert, or a healthy snack? Look no further: Mexican fruit cups are the answer. They’re very simple, really. You just take a bowl and fill it with fruits. This recipe calls for pineapple, mangoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, and jicama. As if that wasn’t good enough, the fruits are also sprinkled with a mixture of chile, dried lime juice, and salt. It’s a signature blend that gives the fruits that authentic Mexican flavor.
12. Elotes
Grilled corn on the cob loaded with mayo, sour cream, chile, cheese, and lime? Yum! Elote is Mexican street food that’s bursting with color, flavor, and texture. There’s something magical about biting into an elote. First, you’ll get a lovely crunch, followed by a burst of sweet corn juices. Since it’s grilled, the kernels are also slightly firm and chewy. It’s sweet, salty, creamy, smoky, spicy – it’s every wonderful flavor you can ever imagine! Elote is truly one-of-a-kind.
13. Mexican Hot Chocolate
One sip of Mexican hot chocolate, and you’ll never go back to the packet again. Combining the goodness of unsweetened cocoa powder, milk, cinnamon, and chili, this is hot chocolate like you’ve never had before. This sweet, creamy, and chocolatey drink will warm you up on a cold, rainy, or snowy evening. The warming spices make it so irresistible! The marshmallows add a sweet, nostalgic touch. What’s even greater about it is that it’s so easy to prepare! Sure, it’ll take more effort than pouring hot water on a packet, but it’s definitely worth it.
14. Camarones a la Diablo
Camarones a la Diablo is a Mexican classic made with spicy shrimp, and it is sinfully divine. Loosely translated, it means “devil shrimp” in English. There’s nothing bad about it, though, just pure heaven. But it is very spicy, so beware! Camarones a la Diablo is a fantastic appetizer. You can also pair it with rice to make a meal. It also helps to dial down the heat.
15. Beef Tacos
Fork-tender skirt steak resting on a warm tortilla topped with cilantro – that’s the stuff! If you’re looking to impress your friends on Taco Tuesday, these beef tacos are the way to go. Not only are they ridiculously delicious, but they’re also easy to make, too! But of course, we don’t have to tell them that. You can serve them as is, but let’s be honest – it won’t be as fun without the toppings. So go ahead, slather your tacos with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese!
16. Easy Mexican Ground Beef
Want a perfectly seasoned ground beef for your tacos, burritos, or enchiladas? I have just the recipe for you. This recipe makes the most flavorful ground beef that will give any Mexican restaurant a run for its money. Loaded with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and cilantro, this ground beef is homemade cooking at its best.
17. Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a popular Mexican breakfast made with tortillas topped with salsa, refried beans, guacamole, and of course, fried eggs. It is a super colorful and savory dish that will fill you up perfectly in the morning. It’s the most festive way to start the day! This Huevos Rancheros recipe is very easy to prepare. You’ll be able to whip this up even on a busy morning. You can serve it as is or amp it up with cheese and salsa.
18. Chicken Burritos
Looking for a quick and easy chicken dinner? Look no further! Done in just 10 minutes, these chicken burritos are the answer. The key is to use shredded rotisserie chicken! There’s no need to worry about cooking and seasoning because it’s already perfectly flavored. Just load your tortilla with your favorite Mexican toppings – mozzarella, avocados, cilantro, what have you. Heat the burrito in a pan until golden, and bam, dinner is served.
19. Sopes
Sopes are a Mexican party favor made with a thick tortilla topped with meat, beans, cheese, and sour cream. They’re fun, colorful, and downright delicious. What makes sope unique is the base which is made with fried masa. It’s thick, tender, and amazing. It’s an excellent vessel for all your favorite Mexican toppings. Don’t expect these appetizers to last long. If you’re serving this at a party, you better make a lot! They’re that addictive.
20. Classic Margarita
Time to get the party started! This classic margarita will get the crowd going. Sweet, tangy, and refreshing – it’s the perfect drink to get buzzed on. Lime juice, agave, and tequila. Simple ingredients, spectacular flavor. Pour this cocktail into a salt-rimmed glass, and voila! Let the fun commence.
21. Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican wedding cookies? You need not ask me twice – yes, yes, a thousand times, yes! They’re buttery, nutty, and crumbly. I’m so glad they aren’t just for weddings. These cookies are already melt-in-your-mouth amazing, but they’re made even more special with crushed pecans. How can you not fall in love? They are, truly, love at first bite.
22. Caramel Apple Empanadas
Here’s another sweet treat to tickle your tastebuds: caramel apple empanadas are the perfect way to end your meal. Caramel apples and cheesecake filling sealed in a flaky, buttery crust, topped with sweet caramel syrup. These turnovers are rich, sweet, tart, and to die for. They’re definitely sinful, but you know you deserve a bit of indulgence. They’re not fried, though, so at least there’s that! 🙂
23. Easy Taco Pie
This easy taco pie is everything you want in a taco, in casserole form. It’s like chicken pot pie, Mexican style. If you’re looking for a fun way to incorporate Mexican cooking into your dinner, this recipe is all you need. It’s taco meat, seasonings, corn, and cheese under a bed of cornbread crust. In other words, it’s a mess-free way to enjoy the classic taco. It’s genius!
24. Ground Beef Tacos
Last on our list is an addictive dish that I can never just eat one of: ground beef tacos. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, guacamole, cheese, salsa, and sour cream nestled on a warm tortilla. That’s my definition of the perfect taco. And I can’t get enough of this masterpiece! The color, the flavor, the texture: it’s Mexican cuisine at its best. Click on a star to rate it!
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