Get ready to spice up your cooking routine with these 18 flavorful and easy Mexican recipes that are sure to become new favorites! From classic dishes like cheesy beef quesadillas and chicken tacos to innovative twists on traditional recipes, this list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these spicy and savory recipes will inspire you to get creative with your cooking.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Mexico, exploring a range of dishes that showcase the country’s bold flavors and vibrant culture. From comforting staples like beef enchiladas and guacamole to quick and easy meals like chicken tortilla soup and Mexican street corn, these recipes are designed to be simple yet satisfying.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover 18 flavor-packed Mexican recipes that will leave your taste buds doing the salsa!
Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
These cheesy beef quesadillas are an easy and satisfying meal that combines the richness of beef with the creaminess of cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with shredded cheese and cooked beef mixture.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Quick Chicken Tacos
Get ready for a flavorful and fast Mexican-inspired meal with this simple recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying tender chicken tacos in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the tacos with sliced chicken, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Beef Enchiladas
Easy Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and effortless meal with this simple recipe for Easy Beef Enchiladas. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and diced avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
5. Assemble enchiladas by spooning beef mixture onto a tortilla, rolling up, and placing seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Easy Beef Enchiladas!
Simple Guacamole
Elevate your snack game with this classic recipe that combines the creaminess of avocados with a hint of tanginess. This simple guacamole is perfect for topping tacos, sandwiches, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the avocado halves until mostly smooth.
3. Add the lime juice, red onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the mashed avocado.
4. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in 10 minutes or less.
One-Pot Mexican Rice
Simplify your meal prep with this easy-to-make one-pot recipe that combines flavorful rice with savory vegetables and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cooked ground beef or chicken for added protein
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice, water, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Speedy Salsa Verde Chicken
Quickly add a burst of flavor to your meal with this speedy salsa verde chicken recipe. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and easy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup salsa verde
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together salsa verde, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Chiles Rellenos
A classic Mexican dish that’s surprisingly simple to make! Stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried, chiles rellenos are a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large poblano peppers
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Roast the poblano peppers by placing them on a baking sheet and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is charred.
2. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and cut a slit down one side of each pepper to create a pocket.
3. Stuff each pepper with shredded cheese.
4. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, egg, and milk. Dip each stuffed pepper in the batter, coating evenly.
5. Fry the battered peppers in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fast Carnitas Tacos
Quickly cook tender pork carnitas in a skillet with lard and spices, then serve them in crispy tacos with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
– 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the lard or oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the carnitas for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing cooked pork onto a warmed tortilla, followed by your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
Simple Black Bean Soup
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious black bean soup, packed with fiber and protein. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added spice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little water until tender.
2. Add the black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Mexican Street Corn
Elevate your snack game with this addictive and flavorful recipe for Quick Mexican Street Corn. Grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is an instant fiesta.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred.
3. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
4. Slather the mixture onto each ear of grilled corn.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Easy Shrimp Fajitas
Get ready to savor the flavors of Mexico with this quick and delicious shrimp fajita recipe! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp, bell peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in any remaining seasonings and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble the fajitas by placing the shrimp mixture onto the tortillas and adding your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Speedy Beef Tostadas
Get a delicious Mexican-inspired snack on the table in no time with this speedy beef tostada recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these flavorful treats are ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the tostadas by spooning the beef mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese and any desired toppings.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Simple Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm up with a delicious and comforting bowl of chicken tortilla soup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tortilla strips to the pot. Stir in cooked chicken.
4. Bring soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and add your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quick Pork Tamales
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious pork tamales in just a few simple steps. With minimal prep time and cooking time, these tasty treats are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-15 corn husks (fresh or dried)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine pork, masa harina, broth, oil, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Soak the corn husks in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. To assemble tamales, lay a corn husk flat on a work surface. Place about 1/4 cup of pork mixture in the center of the husk. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the tamale into a neat package. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
4. Steam tamales for 45-60 minutes or cook them in boiling water for 30-40 minutes.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes (steaming) or 30-40 minutes (boiling)
Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños
Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Summary: Spice up your snack game with this simple recipe that fills jalapeño peppers with a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for parties or as a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and lime juice until smooth.
4. Stuff each jalapeño pepper with the cheese mixture, filling them as full as possible.
5. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fast Chorizo and Egg Breakfast Tacos
Start your day with a flavorful and filling breakfast taco filled with spicy chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, and fresh cilantro. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chorizo sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sausage is browned and crispy.
3. Crack the eggs into the skillet and scramble them with the chorizo.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the tacos by spooning the egg and chorizo mixture onto a warmed tortilla, topping with cilantro (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Simple Refried Beans
Simple Refried Beans: A Classic Latin-American Staple
This recipe yields a creamy and flavorful refried bean dish perfect for accompanying tacos, burritos, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in oil until softened.
2. Add the soaked pinto beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.
5. Mash the beans using a potato masher or an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (or overnight)
Quick Mexican Chocolate Mug Cake
This recipe yields a rich and decadent mug cake infused with the bold flavors of Mexico, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ounce Mexican chocolate chips (such as Ibarra), melted
– Whipped cream or chopped pecans for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, coffee powder, and salt.
2. Add sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
3. Pour in the melted chocolate chips and stir until well combined.
4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool for 1 minute before topping with whipped cream or chopped pecans, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Summary
Looking for a flavorful and easy Mexican meal? Look no further! This article features 18 delicious recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic quesadillas to spicy salsas, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a range of options from beef to chicken to vegetables, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy meal or want to impress your friends with a more complex dish, these recipes have got you covered. So go ahead, get cooking, and experience the bold flavors of Mexico!
