Are you looking for some delicious Mexican recipes to spice up your life?
Look no further!
From tacos to enchiladas, we’ve rounded up the favourite types of Mexican foods that you can cook at home.
What Is Mexican Food?
Mexican food is a diverse and flavourful cuisine that has been influenced by locations around the world.
The most common ingredients in Mexican dishes include corn, beans, chilli peppers, and tomatoes. These ingredients are often used to make traditional Mexican staples such as tortillas, tamales, and enchiladas.
Mexican food also frequently features meat, cheese, and spices.
Common meats used in Mexican dishes include chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
Mexican food is typically served with rice and beans on the side. It is also often garnished with fresh coriander or sour cream.
Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are a Tex-Mex classic that typically consists of grilled or fried chicken, onions, bell peppers and Mexican spices, served on a warm flour tortilla.
While the exact origin of chicken fajitas is unknown, they are believed to have originated in South Texas in the early 20th century.
The dish gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s, and today it is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Fajitas are now enjoyed around the world and are regularly served in Mexican restaurants as well as in supermarkets, often as meal kits.
Fajitas usually contain either chicken or steak, or for a vegetarian alternative, you can use beans as the protein.
Chicken fajitas can be made with either boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. The chicken is typically fried in Mexican spices but it can also be cooked in the oven as a tray bake.
They are often served with accompaniments such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Fajita Recipes
Mexican Mixed Bean Chilli
Mexican bean chilli is a hearty, filling dish that is perfect for colder weather. It is made with beans, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, and can be either vegetarian or meat-based.
Mexican bean chilli is easily customisable to your taste. If you like it spicier, you can add more peppers. If you prefer a sweeter chilli, you can add extra tomatoes.
And if you want a heartier chilli, you can add extra beans, or you can bulk it out with some extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, courgettes, or whatever is in season locally.
A mixed bean chilli can be made with dried beans or canned beans. If you are using dried beans you will need to prepare a little further ahead of time as they will need to be presoaked and will take longer to cook than the tinned variety.
Mexican bean chilli can be served with rice, tortillas, or on its own. It can also be garnished with grated cheese, diced avocado, and/or sour cream.
Related: Mixed Bean Chilli Recipe
Nachos
Nachos are a Tex-Mex dish that consists of tortilla chips covered with a nacho cheese sauce and other toppings.
The dish originated in northern Mexico, but it has since been adopted by the United States and various other countries around the world.
Nachos can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal, and they are often served at parties and sporting events.
The toppings for nachos can vary widely, but some of the most popular options include sour cream, salsa, ground beef, and jalapeños.
Nachos are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy tortilla chips, and they can be customised to suit any taste.
Tacos
There’s nothing quite like a homemade taco. With the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold spices, tacos are a delicious and easy way to please a crowd.
Tacos are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Tacos are typically made with a corn or wheat tortilla and filled with a variety of ingredients. Common fillings include meat, cheese, vegetables and sauces, but the possibilities are endless.
Tacos can be served on their own or as part of a larger meal, making them perfect for any occasion.
Burritos
A burrito is a type of Mexican food that consists of a wheat flour tortilla wrapped around a filling, typically including beans, rice, meat, and vegetables.
The word “burrito” means “little donkey” in Spanish, and it is thought that the dish got its name because the rolled tortillas resemble the donkey’s ears, although there are many alternative theories on its origins!
Although there are many variations, burritos are typically made by first cooking the rice and beans, then adding the meat and vegetables to the tortilla, and finally rolling it up into a neat little package.
Burritos can be enjoyed as is, or they can be served with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Related: Beef Burritos
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are usually made with corn tortillas that are rolled around a filling and then covered with a chilli pepper sauce.
There are many different variations of enchiladas, but they usually include some combination of meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Enchiladas are often served with rice and beans on the side, and they can be garnished with sour cream, avocado, or coriander.
Enchiladas appear similar to burritos, but there are a few key differences;
- Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas whereas burritos, on the other hand, are usually made with flour tortillas.
- Enchiladas are typically baked, while burritos are often fried.
- Enchiladas tend to have a sauce poured over them and are eaten with a knife and fork, whereas burritos can be eaten by hand.
Quesadilla
A quesadilla is a delicious Mexican-style sandwich made with corn tortillas and cheese.
While there are many different ways to make a quesadilla, the basic ingredients are tortillas, easy to melt cheese, and fillings such as meat, vegetables, or beans.
To make a quesadilla, first, warm the tortilla in a little hot oil in a pan over medium heat, and flip over until air pockets begin to form.
Add some shredded/grated cheese and fillings of your choice to the tortilla and cook for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Fold the tortilla over and cook until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy (although they can be served soft if you prefer).
Slice the cooked quesadilla into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and a green salad.
Carnitas
Carnitas are a Mexican dish that traditionally consists of slow-cooked pork that is shredded or chopped and then fried.
Carnitas can be served on their own as an appetiser or main dish, or they can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Carnitas means ‘little meats’ and is thought to have originated in the state of Michoacán.
Mexican Stew
Mexican stew is a hearty and flavourful dish that is perfect for winter weather. The stew is made with a variety of meats, beans, and vegetables, all simmered slowly in a spiced tomato broth. It’s the perfect dish to make in a slow cooker!
While there are many different recipes for Mexican stew, the dish typically includes chicken, beef, or pork; black beans, pinto beans, or lentils; and a mix of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, squash, and corn.
Mexican stew is typically served with rice or tortillas, and it can be garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado.
Related: Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos rancheros are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish consisting of eggs, tortillas, and Pico de Gallo (fresh tomato salsa).
The eggs can be cooked in any number of ways, but they are typically fried and laid on top of a lightly fried tortilla.
The tortillas are usually corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are also sometimes used.
The salsa can be made from a variety of ingredients, but it typically includes tomatoes, onions, and chiles.
Huevos rancheros can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as refried beans, avocado, or cheese. They are often garnished with coriander and lime.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish that is typically served for breakfast or brunch. The dish is made with strips of (often slightly stale) tortillas that are simmered in a sauce and then topped with cheese, eggs, and other toppings.
Chilaquiles can be made with a variety of sauces, including red sauces, green sauces, and mole sauces.
The dish is often served with beans, sour cream, and avocado.
Chilaquiles are a delicious and hearty way to start the day.
Mexican Bean Soup
Mexican bean soup is made with a variety of beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices.
Although there are many different recipes for Mexican bean soup, the basic ingredients remain the same. The soup is typically made with pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans, and the vegetables can include carrots, celery, and potatoes.
The soup is usually seasoned with chilli powder, cumin, and garlic, sometimes a chipotle paste can be used for an extra kick. The soup can be garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or some salsa.
Related: Mexican Bean Soup
Mexican Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup is a delicious, hearty dish that originates from Mexico. It typically has a tomato base and usually includes corn, beans, coriander, and chilli peppers.
The soup is slowly simmered and then topped with crispy tortilla strips just before serving. Other toppings can include salsa, sour cream or guacamole.
Related: Tortilla Soup
Salsa
Mexican salsa is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Made with a blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, chilli peppers, and coriander, salsa is a great way to add flavour to any meal.
It can be used as a dip for chips or crunchy vegetables, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Salsa is also a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes, such as chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.
Salsa is often used interchangeably with Pico de Gallos – but is it the same?
Pico de Gallo is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, chilli peppers, and coriander. The ingredients are roughly chopped and mixed together, whereas salsa tends to be more blended and liquid like.
Salsa can also be made by roasting the tomatoes first before chopping them in a food processor with onion, garlic, peppers and coriander. The flavour of slow-roasted tomato salsa is deeper and more complex than its fresh counterpart.
No matter how you make it, salsa is a delicious and easy way to add flavour to any dish. Try making your own at home with our easy recipe.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a traditional Mexican dish made from cooked and mashed beans.
Typically made from pinto beans, start by cooking the beans until they are soft, or, for a quicker recipe, use canned beans.
Then, mash the beans with a potato masher or a fork. Next, add some olive oil to a pan and fry the mashed beans until they are hot and bubbly.
Finally, season the refried beans to taste with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
The beans are usually seasoned with chilli powder, garlic, and onion.
Refried beans can be served as a side dish or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, spread on toast and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
While the name “refried” may imply that the beans are fried twice, this is not always the case. In fact, many recipes only call for the beans to be fried once. However, the term “refried” does indicate that the beans have been cooked and mashed, giving them their creamy texture.
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a wide variety of main courses.
It is also relatively easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients.
The key to making perfect Mexican rice is to use long-grain rice, which will cook up fluffy and light. The rice is simmered in a Mexican spiced tomato-based sauce. To give the rice even more flavour, add some sauteed onions and green peppers.
For a truly authentic Mexican meal, serve the rice with beans and tortillas on the side.
Guacamole
Guacamole is a delicious Mexican dip that is typically made from avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and coriander.
It is often served with tortilla chips or used as a condiment for tacos or burritos.
Guacamole is perfect for parties, picnics, or just as a snack. Making your own guacamole is easy, and it’s also a great way to save money.
It is made by scooping the flesh out of a ripe avocado and mashing it with a fork or a potato masher.
Then, depending on the variation of guacamole you are making, add in some diced onions, tomatoes, and coriander. Finally, season to taste with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Related: How To Make Guacamole
Churros
Churros are a type of fried dough that originated in Spain but have found their way to many Spanish speaking countries around the world.
Mexican churros are similar to Spanish churros, they are typically long and thin, and they are often served with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.
Churros are made by frying a dough that consists of flour, water, and salt. Once they are fried, they are sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon.
Tres Leches Cake (Milk Cake)
Tres leches milk cake is a Latin American dessert that literally translates to “three milks cake.”
The cake is made by soaking a sponge cake in a mixture of three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. The cake is then topped with whipped cream and typically decorated with fresh fruit.
While tres leches milk cake is often enjoyed on its own, it can also be served with a variety of toppings, such as chocolate sauce or caramel.
While the exact origins of tres leches milk cake are unknown, it is thought to have originated in Central America.
Today, it is a popular dessert throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Tres leches milk cake is often served at celebrations such as weddings and quinceañeras. It is also a popular choice for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
Margaritas
The margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico. The most common version of margarita contains tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, and it is often served with salt on the rim of the glass.
There are many variations on a margarita, however, and additional ingredients such as fruit juices, syrups, and herbs can be used to create unique flavour profiles.
Whether you prefer your margaritas frozen or on the rocks, with or without salt, there’s no doubt that this refreshing drink is perfect for any occasion.
So go ahead and raise a glass to the margarita – Salud!