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19 Traditional Mexican Recipes You Need to Try

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If you want to try real Mexican food, these authentic recipes are a great place to start. They bring big, bold flavors to your table that are sure to impress. You will find everything from warm and hearty stews to quick and tasty street food. These dishes show how amazing and varied Mexican cooking can be, going far beyond just tacos. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal with every single bite.

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Red Chicken Pozole

Red Chicken Pozole served in a decorative blue plate and surrounded by the toppings.
Red Chicken Pozole. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Red Chicken Pozole is a warm and filling soup made with chicken and hominy in a red chile broth. It is a classic comfort food that is full of amazing flavor.
Get the recipe: Red Chicken Pozole

Coctel de Camaron

A large glass goblet is filled with a shrimp cocktail garnished with cilantro. The dish includes shrimp, onions, and herbs in a tomato-based sauce. A bowl with more of the cocktail is in the background, along with lime wedges and a jalapeño on the table.
Coctel de Camaron. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Coctel de Camaron is a light and refreshing dish with juicy shrimp, tomatoes, and avocado. It is a perfect starter or a light lunch that is packed with fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Coctel de Camaron

Birria de Res

Birria de Res served in a clay bowl and topped with onion and cilantro.
Slow Cooker Birria. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Birria de Res is a slow-cooked stew with beef that is tender and full of rich Mexican spices. This bold and warming dish is something you will want to make again.
Get Recipe: Birria de Res

Gorditas

Gorditas stuffed with carne asada lettuce and cheese
Gorditas. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Gorditas are thick corn cakes that you can stuff with your favorite fillings. They are a fun and delicious dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
Get the recipe: Gorditas

Durango Burritos

Two Durango Burritos next to salsa verde and lime wedges.
Durango Burritos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Durango Burritos are filled with tender beef and then smothered in a green salsa. This is a comforting and tasty dish where everything is wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
Get the recipe: Durango Burritos

Carne Asada Torta

A close-up of a Carne Asada Torta filled with slices of cooked beef, fresh green lettuce, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and a creamy spread, all inside a round, lightly toasted bun. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a blurred background.
Carne Asada Torta. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

The Carne Asada Torta is a big Mexican sandwich packed with grilled beef and tasty toppings. It is a bold and satisfying meal that is much better than a regular sandwich.
Get Recipe: Carne Asada Torta

Milanesa de Res

Milanesa de Res served with avocado slices on top and potato fries on a glass plate
Milanesa de Res. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Milanesa de Res is thin beef that is breaded and fried until it is perfectly crispy. This simple and tasty dish is great to serve with fries or a fresh salad.
Get Recipe: Milanesa de Res

Ensalada de Nopales (cactus salad)

A decorative Mexican plate with cactus salad surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves.
Ensalada de Nopales. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ensalada de Nopales is a fresh salad made with cactus, tomatoes, and onions. It is a light and healthy dish that is full of flavor and goes with any meal.
Get Recipe: Ensalada de Nopales

Chamorro en Salsa Verde (Beef Shanks in Green Sauce)

A plate with white rice, vibrant green sauce with a meat bone, and a side of diced zucchini and corn. A cilantro leaf garnishes the rice, and a patterned cloth is partially visible on the wooden table.
Chamorro en Salsa Verde . Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chamorro en Salsa Verde is a dish with beef shanks cooked in a rich green sauce until tender. This slow-cooked meal is very comforting and is perfect with rice and vegetables.
Get the recipe: Chamorro en Salsa Verde

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

A blue and white ceramic bowl filled with a hearty Frijoles Charros stew topped with sliced jalapeños is placed on a wooden surface. Fresh cilantro is visible to the side, and a spoon rests nearby, making it one of the most irresistible bacon recipes for any meal.
Frijoles Charros. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Charro Beans are a smoky and savory mix of beans with bacon and sausage. This hearty stew is a classic side dish that is also filling enough to be a main course.
Get the recipe: Frijoles Charros

Molletes

A plate with three molletes surrounded by cilantro and a decorative Mexican napkin.
Molletes. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Molletes are simple open-faced sandwiches topped with beans and melted cheese. They are one of the easiest dishes to make and are great with pico de gallo on top.
Get the Recipe: Molletes

Pork Chile Verde

Pork Chile Verde on a white plate next to Mexican rice.
Pork Chile Verde. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pork Chile Verde is a dish with juicy pork simmered in a zesty green salsa. It is packed with serious flavor and is perfect to eat with rice or warm tortillas.
Get Recipe: Authentic Chile Verde

Red Chicken Tamales

Several red chicken tamales wrapped in corn husks are arranged on a colorful green ceramic plate with orange and yellow patterns.
Red Chicken Tamales. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Red Chicken Tamales are a traditional dish made with spiced chicken wrapped in soft masa dough. They are a warm and flavorful meal that is perfect for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Red Chicken Tamales

Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones a la Diabla served next to white rice and lime wedges.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Camarones a la Diabla is a very spicy shrimp dish that is big on heat and flavor. This fiery meal is ready in under thirty minutes and is totally tasty.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Birria Quesadillas

A wooden board holds sliced quesadillas garnished with fresh cilantro. A small bowl of dipping sauce with herbs is placed nearby. A few cilantro leaves are scattered around, enhancing the rustic presentation.
Birria Quesadillas. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Birria Quesadillas are crispy and loaded with cheesy, beefy goodness from the stew. They are a fun and delicious twist on a classic that is perfect for a snack or dinner.
Get Recipe: Birria Quesadillas

Elote en vaso (esquites)

A glass serving dish is filled with Mexican street corn topped with a slice of lime, cheese, chili powder, and hot sauce. A spoon is placed on the right side of the dish, and a blurred green lime is visible in the background.
Elote en vaso. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Elote en Vaso is Mexican street corn served in a cup with mayo, cheese, and chili powder. It is a sweet and spicy treat that is very easy to eat.
Get the recipe: Elote en Vaso

Ground Beef Taquitos

Three golden-brown, crispy taquitos filled with seasoned meat are arranged on a white plate with a small bowl of red salsa in the background. The taquitos have a deliciously crunchy texture, and the meat is slightly peeking out of each one.
Ground Beef Taquitos. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ground Beef Taquitos are crispy and golden rolls filled with seasoned meat. They are a fun dish for a party and are great for dipping in salsa or guacamole.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef Taquitos

Ceviche de Camarón

Two tostadas of Shrimp Ceviche topped with sliced avocado sitting on top of a wooden surface.
Ceviche de Camaron. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ceviche de Camarón is a bright and zesty dish made with shrimp cured in lime juice and fresh veggies. It is a super fresh and tasty meal that is perfect on a tostada.
Get the recipe: Ceviche de Camarón

Chorizo Cheese Dip

Close-up of a hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy, melted cheese sauce. The background is filled with the same rich, orange-brown cheese dip, creating a warm and appetizing scene.
Chorizo Cheese Dip. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chorizo Cheese Dip is a melty and cheesy dip packed with bold chorizo flavor. It is a party-friendly dish that everyone loves to eat with chips.
Get the recipe: Chorizo Cheese Dip

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About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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