Easy Mexican Dishes to Cook at Home

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and delicious ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these simple and easy-to-make Mexican dishes will bring a burst of joy to your dining table. From comforting breakfast options to delightful snacks, and various main dishes, let's explore some of the most popular Mexican recipes that you can prepare with ease at home.

Chiliquiles

This breakfast dish can be enjoyed any time of the day, known for its simplicity and satisfaction. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped (white or yellow) 1 bag of corn tortilla chips (my preference is Juanita’s or Santitas yellow corn, but use what’s available or what you like) 1 can tomato sauce or better yet red enchilada sauce 1 bag of pre-shredded "Mexican" blend cheese

Instructions

Brown the onion in a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want color for flavor. Chuck in a pile of chips, not overflowing but enough to fill the skillet. Mix them with the onions. Pour in the tomato or enchilada sauce and stir to lightly coat. Sprinkle on the cheese and cover for a minute to melt. It doesn’t have to be liquidy; melted is fine, just not completely solid shreds. For a little extra effort, add 1/4 to 1/2 lb ground chorizo (the loose fatty Mexican one, not Spanish/Basque/Portuguese) to the onions before adding the tortilla chips. If it comes cased, take it out of the casing. To be fancy, you can put a fried egg on top.

Mexican Rice

Creating a flavorful Mexican rice is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients

Long-grain rice Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes Chicken or vegetable broth Onion Garlic Cumin Salt Vegetable oil

Instructions

Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in vegetable oil until the rice is lightly browned. Cook the rice in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and broth until the liquid is absorbed. Add cumin and salt to taste. Cover and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is completely absorbed.

Tacos

Enjoy a taco buffet with your family or friends. Here’s the simplest way to prepare:

Ingredients

Taco shells (you can buy them or make crispy ones with a tool) Seasoned ground beef or chicken (or any leftover meat) Lettuce, grated cheese, and salsa

Instructions

Make or buy the taco shells. Prepare seasoned meat (either ground beef or chicken). Chop up the lettuce, grate the cheese, and prepare your salsa. Line everything up and serve. It’s a simple and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ground Beef in Creativity Mode

When you feel like experimenting, a simple ground beef can be transformed into various dishes:

Chick-A-Rito (Burritos)

Fry the ground beef with any concoctions you can make at home (such as vegetables, especially green ones). Add any cheeses (I prefer dairy for a richer taste) and chopped onions. Serve on a tortilla, and viola - burritos!

Fried Patties (Flautas or Churros)

If you're feeling more daring, you could form the ground beef into patties coated with beaten egg and different toppings, then fry them in various ways and serve with corn chips and salsa. Get creative with your fillings, and try different types of meat too.

Conclusion

No matter what you choose to cook, Mexican cuisine is all about enjoying the flavors and ingredients. With these easy-to-make recipes, you can bring the essence of Mexico right into your kitchen. Happy cooking!