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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian » Papas a la Mexicana

    Papas a la Mexicana

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted June 17, 2022 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Papas a la Mexicana are Mexican-style potatoes - perfectly tender, flavorful, and delicious. Serve as tacos or as a side dish to any main course.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings.
    Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings.

    Made with ingredients that are the colors of the Mexican flag, Papas a la Mexicana are a staple in most Mexican homes.

    Just like Chorizo con Papas and Carne con Papas, this is a traditional Mexican recipe.

    It’s versatile, yummy, and doesn’t break the bank. Talk about a winning dish!

    This simple meal is so delicious, your family will be begging for Mexican-style potatoes every week!

    Ingredients

    The ingredients for Papas a la Mexicana laid out and labeled.

    Here is everything that you need to make this Mexican vegetarian and budget-friendly recipe.

    • Yellow potatoes- The classic yukon gold work just fine. You can also use russet, red potatoes, even sweet potatoes.
    • Jalapeno – Dice it into really small pieces so you won’t bite into large chunks of chile. For a less spicy version, use roasted poblano peppers.
    • Diced Tomatoes- Or, use a can of diced tomatoes.
    • 2 Tbsp of Olive oil
    • Onion
    • Salt

    Instructions

    The ingredients needed to make Mexican-style potatoes diced and ready to be cooked.

    Any recipe called “a la mexicana” will include these three ingredients – jalapeno, onion, and tomato.

    Green, white, and red, or the colors of the Mexican flag.

    For those of you who like it spicier, add more jalapeno or a chile serrano.

    This entire recipe is made in one large skillet, or in Spanish, a “sartén grande.”

    A collage showing how to cook the potatoes.
    • Heat oil at a medium-high heat
    • Add potatoes. Cook for 7 minutes.
    • Add the jalapeno and onion. Cook 1 minute.
    • Add the tomatoes and salt. Stir to combine.
    • Cover and cook for 5 minutes more.

    Home recipes don’t come any easier than this! It’s ready in a snap.

    Note: If potatoes are not fully cooked, add a splash of water. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

    Variations

    A large skillet with papas a la mexicana.

    Here are a few variations to Papas a la Mexicana:

    • To make this dish the main meal, add in a package of longaniza, Mexican sausage (like chorizo), or diced chicken.
    • If serving for breakfast, add a fried egg.
    • Add in Queso Fresco, cheese, or sour cream to make your taste buds explode with flavor.
    • If you are serving people who prefer to avoid spice, substitute the peppers with a green bell pepper.
    • Serve this with flour tortillas or corn tortillas.
    A decorative Mexican clay bowl with Mexican-style potatoes and decorated with a cilantro leaf.

    Storing

    Store in an airtight container and serve as a side dish or as tacos for a main meal.

    Reheating

    When reheating, place this potato dish on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes. It also adds a crispy texture that makes the potatoes delicious.

    In a pinch, you can reheat your Papas a la Mexicana in the microwave for 60 seconds. Keep in mind that microwaves can differ.

    Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings.

    What to serve with it?

    Arroz Mexicano

    Refried beans

    Roasted Salsa Verde

    Agua de Jamaica

    Mexican potatoes truly are a tasty food that your friends and family will love.

    It can be served on the side of another meal, or it can be made into the main entree with a few simple additions.

    Buen provecho.

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    Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings.

    Papas a la Mexicana

    Papas a la Mexicana are Mexican-style potatoes – perfectly tender, flavorful, and delicious. Serve as tacos or as a side dish to any main course.
    5 from 45 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Vegetarian
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 208kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes (or 2 large russet potatoes)
    • 1 jalapeno finely diced
    • 1/4 onion finely diced
    • 2 tomatoes diced
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • salt (as desired)
    • 1/4 cup water (if needed)

    Instructions

    • Peel the potatoes and dice into small cubes.
    • Dice the jalapeno, onion, and tomatoes.
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
    • Add the potatoes and cook for 7 minutes, or until golden brown.
    • Stir occasionally.
    • Add the onion and jalapeno.
    • Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
    • Add the tomatoes and salt.
    • Mix everything together.
    • Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Test the potatoes to see if they are done.
    • If they are not ready, add the water.
    • Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Serve as with tortillas as tacos or as a side dish.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    To make this dish the main meal, add in a package of longaniza or diced chicken.
    If serving for breakfast, add a fried egg.
    Queso Fresco, cheese, or sour cream are all great additions.
    If you are serving people that prefer to avoid spice, substitute the peppers with a green bell pepper.
    Reheating
    When reheating, place this potato dish on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes. It also adds a crispy texture  that makes the potatoes delicious.
    Or microwave for 60 seconds. Keep in mind that microwaves can differ.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 880mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 554IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Mexican, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips 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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Renee

      August 12, 2022 at 11:04 am

      This looks amazing. I am going to have to try this one. I have to get the potatoes first though.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 12, 2022 at 3:11 pm

        Hope you do. You’re going to LOVE this recipe!

        Reply
    2. Ice Cream N Sticky Fingers

      August 12, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      I am going to have to try these Papas a la Mexicana. They look so delicious and I like that they are a quick meal to create.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 15, 2022 at 12:56 pm

        Try it. it’s very delicious.

        Reply
    3. Marysa

      August 13, 2022 at 6:12 am

      I haven’t used potatoes in Mexican dishes yet. This sounds interesting and very flavorful.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 15, 2022 at 12:59 pm

        Yes it is, very yummy. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Melissa Cushing

      August 13, 2022 at 7:29 am

      5 stars
      I am absolutely in love with this recipe and I have pinned it so that I can make these for my family 😉

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 24, 2022 at 11:44 am

        Thank you! Hope you and your family like it.

        Reply
    5. Gervin Khan

      August 13, 2022 at 7:52 am

      5 stars
      It is so easy and delicious. I am so excited to make this at home.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 15, 2022 at 12:13 pm

        Very delicious.

        Reply
    6. Beautiful Touches

      August 13, 2022 at 11:47 am

      This looks delicious and I bet you wouldn’t even have to be vegetarian to enjoy it either!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 15, 2022 at 12:11 pm

        Yes, very yummy. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Richelle Milar

      August 13, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      Oh my! This looks absolutely delicious and tasty! Can’t wait to try this amazing recipe! My family would definitely love this!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 15, 2022 at 12:11 pm

        Very delicious.

        Reply
    8. Lynndee

      August 14, 2022 at 6:28 am

      I love a good Mexican dish. This would be great to have for lunch today. Yum!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 15, 2022 at 12:09 pm

        Yes, very yummy. 🙂

        Reply

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