23 Mexican meals to make your mouth water

Photo of author

| Published:

Tacos, enchiladas, and churros—oh my! Mexican food is a whirlwind of flavors that can turn any meal into a party on your plate. The colors, spices, and variety come together in ways that will totally make your mouth water.

Imagine scooping up the perfect bite of guacamole or feeling the crunch of a nacho loaded with cheese and beans. These 23 Mexican meals are simple to whip up and pack a punch of taste that’s sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole crew, there’s a dish here that’s bound to become your next favorite.

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Enchiladas

Ever craved something comforting? Meet Chicken Enchiladas – juicy chicken rolled in soft corn tortillas, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and baked until it’s irresistibly gooey. This Mexican classic is not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion that guarantees your taste buds a journey of pure delight, making your mouth water with every savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Corn Tortillas

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of Mexican cuisine – Corn Tortillas. Simple, versatile, and essential, they’re like the trusty sidekick to every meal, ready to scoop up the goodness of any dish. These unassuming circles of delight have the power to make every Mexican meal an unforgettable, mouthwatering experience.
Get the Recipe: Corn Tortillas

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup is the answer when you want a warm hug in a bowl. Loaded with crunchy tortilla strips, tender chicken, and a kick of spices, it promises to make your taste buds dance with joy. This comforting creation isn’t just soup; it’s a symphony of flavors that’ll make your mouth water from the first spoonful to the last.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Enchilada Sauce

Spice up your kitchen game with Enchilada Sauce. This bold concoction, a perfect blend of tomatoes, chilies, and spices, turns any ordinary dish into a Mexican fiesta. Rich, bold, and packing a flavorful punch, it’s the secret weapon to make your enchiladas seriously mouthwatering, leaving you craving that unique taste.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Sauce

shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones a la Diabla

Brace yourself for a spicy delight – Camarones a la Diabla. These devilishly good shrimp are bathed in a fiery red sauce that’ll excite your palates. It’s a taste trip for those who love a bit of heat, promising to make your mouth water and leaving you craving more with every flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Arepas con Queso

Let’s talk cheesy goodness with Arepas con Queso. These corn cakes are like little pockets of joy, oozing with melted cheese. A perfect treat that goes beyond snacks or meals – it’s a flavor experience that promises to make your mouth water and leave you wanting another bite.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Carnitas

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – Air Fryer Carnitas redefines the game. It’s like getting that perfect carnitas crunch without all the fuss. A modern twist on a classic, this dish promises to make your mouth water with its flavorful perfection, making every bite a delicious revelation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Salpicon de Res

Salpicon de Res is the answer if you’re looking for something light yet satisfying. Shredded beef meets fresh veggies, creating a refreshing salad with a flavor burst. It’s a dish that’ll make your mouth water with its simplicity and deliciousness, offering an alternative for those seeking a lighter Mexican culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Overhead shot of a bowl of shredded beef birria with cilantro and chopped onions.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Birria

Indulge in the world of Beef Birria, where slow-cooked beef becomes a flavorful masterpiece. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, making every taco or tortilla a mouthwatering experience. Get ready for a taste journey that’ll leave you craving the rich, savory flavors of Mexican cuisine, each bite a wonderful reminder of culinary perfection.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Salsa Verde

Get ready for a perfect kick with Salsa Verde. Tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro come together in a tangy dance that enhances the taste of tacos, enchiladas, or whatever you decide to drizzle it on. The secret ingredient makes your Mexican meals seriously mouthwatering, turning every bite into a flavor-packed trip.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde

Low angle shot of two bowls of Mexican black beans garnished with crumbled cheese and lime wedges.
Instant Pot Black Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Black Beans

Please keep it simple yet hearty with Instant Pot Black Beans. These little legumes are like the unsung heroes of Mexican side dishes, bringing a nutritious and flavorful element to your table. A perfect companion that’ll make your mouth water and your meal complete, each bite a reminder of the delicious simplicity that defines Mexican cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Elote

Grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder – Elote is a street food sensation. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite, capturing the essence of Mexican street food that’ll make your mouth water with its irresistible combination of textures and tastes.
Get the Recipe: Elote

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mexican Corn Salad

Freshness in a bowl, that’s Mexican Corn Salad for you. A mix of corn, tomatoes, and onions is a delightful side dish. It’s a burst of flavors that promises to make your mouth water and add that perfect touch to your Mexican meal; each bite is a refreshing reminder of the vibrant simplicity of Mexican culinary delights.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Flour Tortillas

Soft, pliable, and ready for anything – Flour Tortillas are the unsung heroes of Mexican cuisine. They’re like the blank canvas waiting for your favorite fillings, turning every bite into a mouthwatering experience. These versatile discs of delight hold the power to transform any meal, making each moment a celebration of the simple joy that Mexican cuisine brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortillas

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mango Habanero Salsa

Spice up your meal with Mango Habanero Salsa. It’s like a tropical dance of sweetness and heat, with mango and habanero coming together for a fruity explosion. A condiment that’ll make your mouth water and add that extra kick to your tacos or grilled meats, each spoonful a reminder of Mexican culinary creativity’s vibrant and dynamic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Blackened Fish Tacos

Taste the coast with Blackened Fish Tacos. Bold flavors of blackened fish in soft corn tortillas, a simple yet satisfying dish that’ll make your mouth water with each bite. It’s a delicious representation of coastal Mexican cuisine at its finest, capturing the essence of seaside indulgence with every flavorful taco.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Overhead shot of chilaquiles on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.
Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chilaquiles

Turn stale tortillas into breakfast magic with Chilaquiles. Layered with salsa, cheese, and eggs, it’s comfort food that’s like a flavorful hug. A Mexican classic that promises to make your mouth water and turn any morning into a delicious start, each bite a reminder of Mexican cuisine’s simple yet pleasures to the breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Modern meets classic with Air Fryer Enchiladas. Crispy, cheesy, and ready in a snap, it’s like enchilada perfection in every bite. A dish that’ll make your mouth water with its delicious twist on a beloved Mexican favorite, turning every meal into a trip of flavors that celebrates the innovation and timelessness of Mexican culinary traditions.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quesabirria Tacos

Get ready for a texture and flavor party with Quesabirria Tacos. Juicy beef birria, melted cheese, and a crispy griddle finish – it’s like a taste explosion. These tacos promise to make your mouth water with their delicious fusion of flavors, offering a perfect blend of textures and tastes that’ll leave you craving more with each satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Guacamole

Please keep it simple; keep it classic with Guacamole. Mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, and lime combine for a creamy, tangy dip. It’s like the perfect sidekick that’ll make your mouth water and elevate any Mexican meal, turning every bite into a celebration of the timeless flavors that make Guacamole an iconic and indispensable part of Mexican cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Creamy and satisfying, Instant Pot Refried Beans are the unsung heroes of Mexican sides. Ready in a flash, they’re the perfect addition to tacos, burritos, or any main course. A dish that’ll make your mouth water and complete your Mexican feast, adding a comforting and flavorful element to your table that highlights the simplicity and goodness of Mexican culinary traditions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Pollo Pibil

Take a trip to the Yucatán with Pollo Pibil. Marinated chicken, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked to perfection – it’s like a taste of tradition. This dish promises to make your mouth water with its rich flavors and authentic Mexican experience. It offers a delicious trip to the heart of Yucatecan delights that’s comforting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Garlic lovers, unite! Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is all about shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic sauce, creating a savory burst that’ll make your mouth water. It’s a dish that showcases the perfect marriage of garlic and seafood, promising a delicious experience that’ll leave you savoring the rich flavors of each perfectly seasoned shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.