My husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
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I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. My grandparents came from Mexico, and this steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking. It’s a must in my house when we’re craving traditional Mexican food. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Concha (Mexican sweet bread) is a breakfast or snack pastry found all over Mexico. It has a fluffy brioche-like dough with a crispy streusel topping, scored to resemble a shell. The pastry can come in a variety of colors and other shapes, but I prefer the plain and chocolate streusel. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Learn more about making authentic conchas.
In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
When I was in college, I was a church counselor in Colorado and had my first taste of Mexican food. Recently, I’ve learned to make more authentic dishes, like these pork huevos rancheros. It’s one of my favorite recipes to serve for dinner with eggs. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Don’t miss these Mexican side dishes you’ll love.
A Mexican cuisine favorite has to be churros. These cinnamon-sugar dusted fried fritters are best served warm. Serve them the traditional way with chocolate dipping sauce or dunk them into coffee. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
We can’t get enough of these authentic Mexican desserts.
Instant Pot black beans are the key to a lot of my family’s meals, whether for a weekend breakfast or for taco salads and burritos throughout the week. For years, I’ve tried to find a homemade recipe as creamy and tasty as Mexican restaurant beans. This is that recipe. —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
I make these homemade tortilla chips to serve with roasted tomatillo salsa. They have a little heat from the chipotle. If you prefer plain, just sprinkle with salt after frying. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
If you love copycat recipes, here’s our collection of the best chipotle recipes.
My Grandmother Trinidad loved making this albondigas recipe. We like to serve it over tostadas sprinkled with raw cabbage. —Wanda Knutson, Waco, Texas
Often sold in push carts by paleteros, or ice cream men, these tasty fruit pops are extremely refreshing—especially in the summer heat! Try our version made with just four ingredients.
I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, which is traditional in many Mexican families. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
For step-by-step instructions, check out our guide to making tamales.
These juicy tacos are loaded with brothy red sauce and tender shredded meat. They’re inspired by traditional birria, which is a popular lamb or goat stew from the Mexican state of Jalisco.
You’ll love this rich, thick mole sauce with it’s authentic flavor. The result is well worth the prep. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In Mexico and throughout the Southwest, chilaquiles with eggs are typically made for brunch using tortillas and any leftovers from the previous day’s dinner. I love to bring this to family brunches as it gives the traditional eggs-and-bacon dish a unique twist. The empty pan proves that it’s a family brunch favorite! —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
This refreshing fresas con crema recipe is wonderful when berries are in season. Media crema is a rich, unsweetened cream found in the baking aisle or ethnic food section of the grocery store. It’s similar to creme fraiche and sour cream, although sour cream is a bit tangier. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I came up with this green tomato salsa recipe so I could use up all the fresh tomatoes from my garden. —Vanessa Moon, Tucson, Arizona
Set your kitchen up for success with these must-have Mexican cooking tools.
Tres leches means “three milks.” This cake gets its name because it uses three kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed and cream. This tres leches cake’s light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This traditional Mexican flautas recipe is one of my favorite dishes to make for my family. The spices and onion give the meat so much flavor!—Maria Goclan, Katy, Texas
Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage, hominy and more—it’s very much a traditional Mexican food. It all goes into the slow cooker, so you can come home at night to a table-ready dinner. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Light, crispy pastry puffs, sopaipillas are a sweet way to round out a spicy meal. We love to serve them warm and to top them off with honey or sugar. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
I came up with this pressure-cooker beef carnitas recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator, and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It’s wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Mexican food is my grandmother’s favorite. I wanted a perfect side for her legendary tacos, and this chile-lime grilled corn turned out to be just right. —Ashley Crainshaw, Shawnee, Kansas
Like your drinks with a south-of-the-border vibe? Try this kicked-up beer cocktail that’s a zesty mix of Mexican lager, lime juice and hot sauce. Many variations exist, but this easy recipe is perfect for rookie mixologists. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, WI
My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
Heat and sweet is such an amazing combination. I added chili powder and chocolate chips to give a new twist to traditional Mexican cookies. They melt in your mouth, and then the spice hits you. I just love them. — Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
My husband loves to cook Mexican dishes, while I’m more of an Italian-style cook. The joke in our house is that I should leave all the Mexican cooking to him. However, this dish of mine turned out so amazing that my husband fell in love! It’s all in the meat. If you can get an all-natural pork shoulder, it really makes a difference. —Chelsea Wickman, Painesville, Ohio
This easy pico de gallo recipe is a classic for good reason. It pairs with just about everything! My tip is to let it chill for an hour or two before serving to help the flavors blend. Also, it’s best to serve it the same day that it’s made. —Jeannie Trudell, Del Norte, Colorado
This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Don’t miss our full collection of Mexican chicken recipes!
If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
I usually have to double this flour tortilla recipe because we go through them so quickly. The homemade tortillas are so tender and chewy, you’ll never use store-bought again after learning how to make tortillas. —Kristin Van Dyken, Kennewick, Washington
My pork chili is brimming with poblano and sweet red peppers for a hearty kick. Serve it with sour cream, Monterey Jack and tortilla chips. —Anthony Bolton, Bellevue, Nebraska
This agua de Jamaica is an iced tea made from hibiscus, which is tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I’ve made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can’t beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we’ve had—and we’ve tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Preparing homemade salsa lets you alter the flavor to fit your palate. Whip this easy snack together and serve with fresh veggies or. my favorite, lime tortilla chips. —Amber Massey, Coppell, Texas
While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We’ve made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
As a frugal mom, I try to use leftovers in a way that provides good nutrition. This recipe does just that and it’s also a great way for my children to learn to enjoy the flavors of their Mexican heritage. —Aimee Day, Ferndale, Washington
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida
This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They’re so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I’m reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day food at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas
Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you’re eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that’s too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
When my husband’s cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family’s diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Here’s a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
My mom’s favorite cake is tres leches, a butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk. I developed a no-fuss version that’s rich and tender. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
As part of a Mexican tradition, I tucked these tender cookies into small gift boxes for the guests at my sister’s wedding a few years ago. Most folks gobbled them up before they ever got home! —Sarita Johnston, San Antonio, Texas
Here’s a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can custom-make their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. It’s an easy way to customize Mexican cuisine. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Grilling corn in the husks is so easy. There’s no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. This recipe reminds us of elote or authentic Mexican street corn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I love chili verde. I order it whenever I can at restaurants, and figured out how to make an easy, tasty version at home. People have the option to eat the chili verde with a fork or in tortillas with a variety of toppings such as cheese, cilantro, minced onions or lime wedges. There are never leftovers at my house. —Julie Rowland, Salt Lake City, Utah
Ceviche is a seafood dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, which “cooks” the fish without heat. This version starts with cooked shrimp and adds tomatoes, cucumbers and serrano peppers. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado
I love making this soup because it makes good use of leftovers from Thanksgiving. And it’s quick, easy and tasty. No one feels as if they’re eating leftovers because this soup is nothing like traditional turkey with gravy. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Sweet and simple, this arroz con leche recipe is real comfort food in any language. You’ll love the warm raisin and cinnamon flavors. It’s great served cold, too. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
While I lived in Mexico in the 1960s, a friend’s mother gave me her grandmother’s empanada recipe. I’ve made it over the years and passed it down to my grandchildren. To shed some carbs, I converted the recipe into a chili. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
This recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chilis to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Need a quick appetizer? All you need is a can of refried beans, jalapeno pepper, seasonings and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In my Mexican steak fajitas recipe, tender strips of sirloin pick up plenty of spicy flavor from a marinade seasoned with cayenne pepper and cumin. This colorful dish is speedy and satisfying. —Shirley Hilger, Lincoln, Nebraska
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
I make this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy often. It’s a filling recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
I created this version of a Mexican favorite for my family using meaty portobello mushrooms to mimic meat. Serve with rice to round out the meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
I first fell in love with this traditional Mexican dish at a taco stand inside a gas station. This is how I now make it at home. My version has a nice zing without being overly spicy.—Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Up Next: How to Make Chile Rellenos
