19 easy authentic mexican recipes you’ll want to make at home

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You don’t need a fancy kitchen or a long grocery list to enjoy authentic Mexican food. These 19 recipes prove that delicious, homemade Mexican meals are simpler than you think. Tacos, enchiladas, and more are waiting to be made right in your own kitchen.

Image shows three honey habanero tacos on a wooden table.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spanish Rice

Overhead image of a white bowl containing Spanish rice sitting on a wooden board.
Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This classic Spanish rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that complements any Mexican meal. With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create this delicious accompaniment.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

Refried Beans

Image shows a bowl of Refried Beans up close.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your Mexican dishes with homemade refried beans. These creamy and flavorful beans are a perfect addition to tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Chunky Guacamole

Image shows a white bowl with guacamole and a chip sticking in it with more chips on a tray to the right of it.
Chunky Guacamole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This hearty and flavorful guacamole boasts a chunky texture and bold taste. Bursting with fresh ingredients like ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and crisp onions, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican dish.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole

Ground Beef Skillet Tamales

Image shows a partially served ground beef skillet tamales in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet Tamales. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the authentic flavors of tamales without the traditional hassle. This quick and easy skillet recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich sauce and crispy tortilla strips, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet Tamales

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Crockpot Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Create tender and flavorful carnitas effortlessly with the help of your slow cooker. This versatile meat is perfect for a variety of Mexican dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight your family and friends with these unique tamale pot pies. Combining the best of two worlds, these are perfect for a casual or formal gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This versatile and healthy dish combines the protein-packed quinoa with vibrant Mexican flavors. Packed with black beans, corn, and zesty spices, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Chicken Tamales

Image shows two Tamales sitting on a white plate with slices of avocado and tomatoes next to it.
Chicken Tamales. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the authentic taste of Mexico with homemade chicken tamales. While time-consuming, the reward of these flavorful and traditional treats is well worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Add a burst of flavor to your taco night with these sweet and spicy honey habanero tacos. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness creates a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade empanadas without the hassle. This recipe combines store-bought puff pastry with a flavorful filling for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These flaky and savory beef empanadas are perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying appetizer. The combination of tender beef and buttery pastry creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This comforting and hearty casserole is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Dessert Nachos

Image shows dessert nachos on a plate topped with fruit and whipped cream.
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in a sweet and fun twist on a classic with these dessert nachos. Loaded with your favorite toppings, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm up with this classic and comforting chicken tortilla soup. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the perfect dish for a chilly day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform a humble pork shoulder into a flavorful and tender masterpiece with this carnitas recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection until the meat falls apart, carnitas offer a rich and satisfying taste that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying on its own.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Mexican Sheetcake Brownies

Image shows A hand holding a chocolate covered square brownie with a cracked surface against a light background.
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Add a unique twist to your dessert with these spicy Mexican sheetcake brownies. The combination of chocolate and chili creates a surprising and delicious flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies

Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Image shows a close up head on view of Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups on a white tray, topped with guacamole and crumbled cotija cheese.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creative and convenient dish combines the flavors of Mexico with a fun presentation. The tender beef and crispy masa cups create a satisfying and visually appealing meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Homemade Nacho Cheese

Image shows a tortilla chip pulling nacho cheese out of a white bowl filled with it.
Homemade Nacho Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your nacho game with this homemade nacho cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Save time without sacrificing flavor with these semi-homemade chicken enchiladas. Using store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut, you can focus on creating a delicious chicken filling, resulting in a satisfying and impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

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