Rich flavors, refreshing zest, colorful dishes! Tacos, elotes, burritos! Eating, eating leftovers, eating moooore! And that’s the short story of authentic Mexican food.
But did you know there is so much more to this cuisine than those popular classics?
In honor of the well-loved cuisine, I’m sharing a round-up of 23 fantastic Mexican recipes!
1. Elotes
Oh my goodness. We need to talk about Elote. This is grilled corn on the cob loaded up with mayo, sour cream, chile, and cheese, with a squeeze of lime. YUM!
Biting into this is a total experience. You get that amazing crunch, followed by the sweet pop of the corn. Because it’s grilled, the kernels have this fantastic chewiness. It’s this wild combination of sweet, salty, creamy, smoky, and spicy all in one bite.
Truly, there is nothing else like it. It’s a flavor and texture masterpiece!
2. Sopes
Say hello to your new favorite party food: Sopes!
These are fun, colorful, and just outrageously delicious appetizers. We’re talking about a thick, tender fried masa base that is the perfect vessel for all the toppings. Load them up with meat, beans, cheese, and sour cream.
What makes them so special is that thick tortilla base. If you’re making these for a get-together, you better make a huge batch. I promise you, they will disappear in a flash. They are just that good.
3. Chicken Burritos
Need a chicken dinner that’s on the table in, like, 10 minutes? Look no further. These chicken burritos are an absolute lifesaver.
The secret is using a rotisserie chicken that’s already shredded and perfectly seasoned. No cooking chicken from scratch! Just pile your toppings into a tortilla.
Think mozzarella, avocados, cilantro, whatever your heart desires. Heat it in a pan until it’s golden and toasty, and bam! Dinner is done. So easy, so good.
4. Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies? Yes, please! A thousand times, yes!
These cookies are so buttery and crumbly, and I’m so happy they aren’t just for weddings. They absolutely melt in your mouth.
What makes them extra special is the addition of crushed pecans. How can you not just fall in love with these? It is truly love at first bite. They are just pure joy.
5. Easy Taco Pie
This is basically everything you adore about a taco, but in a super easy casserole form. It’s like a Mexican-style chicken pot pie, and it’s brilliant!
If you’re looking for a fun new way to do dinner, this is it. We’re talking taco meat, corn, cheese, and seasonings all baked under a cornbread crust. It’s a genius, mess-free way to enjoy a classic taco. A total weeknight winner!
6. Guacamole
Chips and salsa are an elite combo, but adding guacamole takes them to a whole other level of addictive. It is the richest, creamiest dip you could ever ask for! I love the stunning color contrast between the green guac and the red salsa.
Together, the three of them make a snack that is just impossible to walk away from. And the best part? It’s healthy, so you can eat as much as you want without any guilt.
7. Marranitos (Mexican Gingerbread Pigs)
Marranitos, or Mexican Gingerbread Pigs, are a classic sweet bread you’ll find in most Mexican bakeries. I have no idea why they are shaped like pigs, but they are absolutely charming!
Beyond their cute shape, they have a wonderful flavor. Marranitos are like a cross between a cake and a cookie. They’re dense but not tough, and soft without being too crumbly.
The flavor comes from molasses, so they have a sweetness that isn’t overwhelming. They are just the perfect medium and taste incredible with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
8. Caramel Apple Empanadas
Here’s a sweet treat that will totally blow you away. Caramel apple empanadas are the perfect ending to any meal. Imagine caramel apples and a cheesecake filling tucked inside a flaky, buttery crust, all topped with a sweet caramel syrup.
These turnovers are so rich, sweet, and tart. They are absolutely to die for! They are definitely a bit of an indulgence, but you deserve it. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so there’s that!
9. Classic Margarita
Okay, time to get this party started! This classic Mexican margarita is just the thing to get everyone in a good mood. It’s so sweet, tangy, and refreshing. It is the perfect drink to get a little buzzed on.
The ingredients are so simple: lime juice, agave, and tequila. But the flavor is just spectacular. Pour it into a salt-rimmed glass, and let the fun begin!
10. Pico de Gallo
If you’re making molletes, you absolutely have to top them with this pico de gallo! It is a must-try.
This famous tomato dip is insanely refreshing and packed with flavor. How could it not be? It’s made with tomatoes, onions, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime. They all come together to create the perfect mix of sweet, zesty, and spicy.
Fun fact: while it’s similar to salsa, pico de gallo is chunkier. Salsa tends to be wetter and smoother.
So if you’re craving those little bits of sweet tomato and onion, pico de gallo is the way to go.
11. Horchata
Let’s take a little break from the food and talk about Mexican drinks. Horchata is a rice-based drink that is unbelievably sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
And on top of that, it is so easy to make. It’s essentially rice that’s been flavored with almonds and cinnamon.
There is nothing else quite like horchata. The flavors are so unique and distinct, making it feel extra special. One sip of this on a hot summer day is all you need to cool down.
12. Refried Beans
Refried beans are another staple in Mexican cooking, and for a very good reason. They are super hearty and savory, and they are the best way to round out any meal.
But please, don’t settle for the canned stuff. If you want to experience truly good refried beans, take the time to make them from scratch. I promise, it is so worth it. And it’s not even that hard to do!
Just top your tender, creamy beans with a runny fried egg, and you will have a dish that is absolutely drool-worthy.
13. Salsa
Salsa, is there a more iconic Mexican dish? This is a quick and easy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It’s sweet and refreshing with just the perfect amount of spicy kick.
And it’s so much more than just a dip for chips. I mean, sure, chips and salsa are a spectacular combination, but it’s also amazing with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and pretty much any Mexican dish you can think of.
While grabbing a jar from the store is easy, it is so much more rewarding to make it yourself. Plus, this recipe is such a breeze to whip up.
14. Migas
Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine and want to try something new? I have a suggestion for you: migas.
These are corn tortillas topped with eggs. It sounds so simple, but the flavors and textures are magnificent! And it is so easy to put together.
Just fry up some tortillas, top them with scrambled eggs, and breakfast is served. Migas are great just as they are, but you can also take them to another level by adding your favorite Mexican toppings. Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, you name it!
15. Ground Beef Tacos
Here we have a dish that I can never have just one of: ground beef tacos. For me, the perfect taco is perfectly seasoned ground beef with onions, peppers, guacamole, cheese, salsa, and sour cream all nestled in a warm tortilla.
I just cannot get enough of this masterpiece! The colors, the flavors, the textures, it’s everything that makes Mexican cuisine so incredible.
16. Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a famous Mexican breakfast made with tortillas that are 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 is the most festive way you can possibly start your day!
This recipe is so easy to prepare. You can whip this up even on a busy morning. You can serve it as is or take it up a notch with some cheese and salsa.
17. Molletes
Molletes are open-faced sandwiches made with flatbread and loaded up with beans and cheese. The concept might sound really simple, but the flavors and textures are mind-blowing. It’s no wonder this is such a popular Mexican treat!
It is so easy to prepare, too. You probably already have all the ingredients you need! It’s just bread, cheese, beans, and pico de gallo.
You can really use any kind of bread for this recipe, but if you want to be authentic, go for bolillos. Just cut them in half and pop them in the oven to give them that perfect crispiness.
18. Mexican Fruit Cups
Are you looking for a sweet side dish, a refreshing dessert, or a healthy snack? Look no further, because Mexican fruit cups are the answer. They are actually very simple. You just take a bowl and fill it up with fruits.
This recipe uses pineapple, mangoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, and jicama.
As if that wasn’t already good enough, the fruits are also sprinkled with a mix of chile, dried lime juice, and salt. It’s that signature blend that gives the fruit that authentic Mexican flavor.
19. Chilaquiles Rojo
Chilaquiles Rojo is all about tortilla chips swimming in enchilada or green salsa. It is a breakfast staple in Mexican cooking, and I completely get why.
After being soaked in that rich sauce, the chips get a little bit tender but still manage to stay crisp on the outside.
Topped with cheese, cilantro, and fried eggs, Chilaquiles Rojo is a super savory, colorful, and hearty meal that will definitely get you going in the morning.
And it could not be easier to make! Just take a bag of tortilla chips, dump some enchilada sauce all over them, and that’s it! Breakfast is ready.
20. Easy Mexican Ground Beef
Do you want perfectly seasoned ground beef for your tacos, burritos, or enchiladas? I have just the recipe you need.
This recipe makes the most flavorful ground beef that would give any Mexican restaurant a run for its money. It is loaded with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and cilantro. This ground beef is homemade cooking at its very best.
21. Camarones a la Diablo
Camarones a la Diablo is a Mexican classic made with spicy shrimp, and it is sinfully divine. It loosely translates to “devil shrimp” in English. But there is nothing bad about it, just pure heaven. It is very spicy, though, so be warned!
Camarones a la Diablo makes for a fantastic appetizer. You can also serve it with rice to make it a full meal, which also helps to tone down the heat a bit.
22. Mexican Hot Chocolate
One sip of this Mexican hot chocolate, and you will never go back to using a packet again. It combines the goodness of unsweetened cocoa powder, milk, cinnamon, and chili.
This is hot chocolate like you have never had it before. This sweet, creamy, and chocolatey drink is just the thing to warm you up on a cold, rainy, or snowy evening.
The warming spices make it so irresistible! And the marshmallows add a sweet, nostalgic touch. What’s even better is that it’s so easy to prepare! Sure, it takes more effort than just pouring hot water into a packet, but it is definitely worth it.
23. Beef Tacos
That’s the stuff! We’re talking fork-tender skirt steak resting on a warm tortilla and topped with cilantro. If you are trying to impress your friends on Taco Tuesday, these beef tacos are the way to go.
Not only are they ridiculously delicious, but they are also so easy to make! Of course, you don’t have to tell them that part.
You can serve them as they are, but let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be as fun without all the toppings. So go ahead and slather your tacos with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese!