Papas a la Mexicana

Papas a la Mexicana are easy Mexican potatoes made with tomato, onion, and jalapeño. A simple, budget-friendly side dish.

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Two tacos with diced potatoes, cheese, and salsa—reminiscent of vibrant Papas a la Mexicana—rest on a green plate. Around them are a bowl of salsa, crumbled cheese, a cup, a striped cloth, cilantro, and a drink, all set atop a rustic wooden table.

Made with ingredients in the colors of the Mexican flag, Papas a la Mexicana are simple Mexican potatoes cooked with tomato, onion, and jalapeño. They’re an easy, budget-friendly side dish that you’ll find on the table in many Mexican homes.

This is one of those everyday Mexican recipes that doesn’t need much to make it delicious. The potatoes become tender and flavorful as they cook with the fresh vegetables, making this a simple dish you can serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Easy to make. Everything cooks in one skillet, making this a simple recipe for busy days.
Budget-friendly. Potatoes and a few basic ingredients make a filling dish without spending much.
Perfectly versatile. Serve them as a side dish, tuck them into tacos, or top them with a fried egg for breakfast.
Easy to customize. Make them mild with bell peppers or add extra jalapeño or serrano for more heat.
A Mexican classic. Tomato, onion, and chile give these potatoes their signature a la Mexicana flavor.

Family Meals

I remember one time I was at a Soriana picking up potatoes when an older woman shopping next to me asked how I was going to make them. I told her I was just going to make mashed potatoes.

She immediately gave me three different ways to cook them!

She told me she had eight children and twelve grandchildren, and she couldn’t always feed them the same thing. Potatoes were perfect because they were inexpensive, filling, and there were so many ways to prepare them.

One of the recipes she shared with me was Papas a la Mexicana.

I love stories like this because they remind me that some of the best Mexican recipes come from everyday cooks simply making the most of what they have. A bag of potatoes can become mashed potatoes one day, tacos the next, and this simple skillet dish another day.

That kind of resourcefulness is a big part of Mexican home cooking.

🥔 Ingredients

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

Yellow potatoes – Classic Yukon Gold potatoes work just fine. You can also use russet, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes.
Jalapeño – 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 – Fresh tomatoes work beautifully, but you can also use canned diced tomatoes.
Olive oil
Onion
Salt

If you’re a fan of Mexican potato recipes, you should also try Chorizo con Papas or Carne con Papas.

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

👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions

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

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

A large skillet with papas a la mexicana.

Variations

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.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

What does “a la Mexicana” mean?

In Mexican cooking, a la Mexicana usually refers to dishes made with tomato, onion, and green chile. The ingredients represent the colors of the Mexican flag and are used together in many everyday Mexican recipes.

What kind of potatoes are best for Papas a la Mexicana?

Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice because they become tender while holding their shape. You can also use russet, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes.

Are Papas a la Mexicana spicy?

They can be as mild or spicy as you like. Jalapeño adds a little heat, but you can use less or substitute a green bell pepper for a mild version. For more heat, add serrano chile.

Can I add meat to Papas a la Mexicana?

Yes. Mexican chorizo, longaniza, or diced cooked chicken can turn these potatoes into a heartier main dish.

🫙 Storing Instructions

Let the potatoes cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

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?

Papas a la Mexicana are proof that simple ingredients can make a delicious meal. Tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño come together in one skillet for a flavorful dish that works any time of day.

Serve them alongside rice and beans, add a fried egg for breakfast, or spoon them into warm tortillas for an easy taco. However you serve them, these Mexican-style potatoes are an inexpensive and comforting recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.

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