The BEST Mexican food recipes for Cinco De Mayo that are easy, flavorful and quick to make. Over 50 recipes from side dishes, soups, salads and authentic desserts.

Barbacoa tacos on a plate.

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Best Mexican Food Recipes

Mexican food is BY FAR my favorite type of cuisine. All of the flavors, textures and fresh ingredients make each dish the absolute perfect combination of deliciousness. And don’t even get me started on chips and my restaurant style salsa!

This list of Mexican food recipes includes all of your favorite authentic recipes like enchiladas, tacos, taquitos and fajitas. You may also love my list of favorite Mexican appetizers and these easy Mexican side dishes!

Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or need a new dinner idea for Taco Tuesday, you’ll find it all here. Trust me, this is some of the best Mexican food you’ve ever tasted!

How to Create a Mexican Feast for Cinco de Mayo

Whether you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just need a reason to enjoy Mexican food recipes, creating a feast with your favorite foods is easy with these tips!

  • Make what you can ahead. Many Mexican food recipes can be made ahead so takes advantage of that to save time on the day of the party.
  • Add flavorful condiments and sauces. Everyone loves to be able to dip and top their tacos how they like! Choose a variety of hot and cold Mexican dips, salsas, bowls of cheese, sour cream and guacamole.
  • Keep it simple. It can be easy to go overboard when there are so many delicious Mexican recipes to choose from. Pick a few main dishes, some complimenting sides and condiments and call it good.
  • Make it a potluck. Enlist the help of party guests! Have them bring their own favorite Mexican food recipe. A sign up sheet can help prevent duplicates.
  • Taco bar. This or a nacho bar always goes over well and is so easy! Make what you can ahead of time, grill the meat the day of and guest can assemble tacos or bowls themselves.

Mexican Salsa and Dips

A Mexican fiesta is not complete without plenty of salsa and other dipping favorites!

Chilis salsa in a white bowl.

Mexican Dinner Recipes 

These are the traditional Mexican recipes that you would order at your favorite Mexican restaurant but made at home in the comfort of your kitchen!

Green chile chicken enchiladas in casserole dish.
  • Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas. Creamy, cheese and flavorful! These are better than your favorite Mexican restaurant.
  • One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe. This will be your new favorite way to make burritos and one pot is all you need.
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Bowls. Another hands off meal that is loaded with all your favorite Mexican foods!
  • Skirt Steak Tacos. Mexican street food right at home in your own kitchen. You will love the bold flavor in these tacos!
  • Slow Cooker Carnitas. Perfectly seasoned shredded pork in citrus juices and totally hands off in the slow cooker.
  • Taco Casserole. All you need is 15 minutes to make this! If that doesn’t qualify as the best Mexican food, I don’t know what does!
  • Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa: Shredded beef with spices is a Chipotle inspired recipe! Serve in tortillas for the best barbacoa tacos.
  • Beef Enchiladas. One of the best Mexican food recipes for good reason! There is so much beefy, cheesy goodness going on in this dish.
  • Pork Enchiladas. A smoky enchilada makes these a family favorite!
  • Taco Pie. A savory pie with a Mexican twist! Flakey pie crust is filled with a creamy, beef filling and topped with cheese then baked.
  • Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe. An one pan dish made with chicken, rice, veggies and cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!

Mexican Side Dishes

You may not immediately think about this when you think of Mexican food recipes, but they are just as delicious as the main course!

Large white skillet filled with Mexican rice and serving spoon.

Fresh Mexican Food Recipes

These fresh and healthy Mexican recipes are lighter alternatives that are definitely not lacking in flavor. You won’t even believe something this delicious can be good for you!

Mexican Soup Recipes 

Each of these Mexican recipes are hearty, flavorful and packed with your favorite Mexican ingredients.

Albondigas soup in a white bowl.

Mexican Dessert Recipes

You can’t forget about dessert when it comes to the best Mexican food!

Slice of tres leches cake with strawberries on a white plate.
  • Tres Leches Cake Recipe. A cake mix makes this homemade cake so much easier with the best sweet taste.
  • Easy Homemade Churros. No one can resist one of these Mexican food favorites!
  • Churro Cupcakes. All that you love about a churro but in a small individualized cake.
  • Mexican Wedding Cookies. Melt in your mouth cookies that are the perfect sweet treat to a Mexican fiesta.
  • Horchata Recipe. Served over ice, this milky drink is creamy with cinnamon and vanilla.
  • Arroz Con Leche: Mexican rice pudding is creamy, sweet and the perfect way to end your fiesta.
  • Sopapillas: Light and airy fried dough with a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of powdered sugar is mouthwatering and so good!
A collage of photos of Mexican food recipes.

More Easy Recipes

Barbacoa tacos on a plate.

Best Mexican Food Recipes for Cinco De Mayo

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Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
This slow cooker beef barbacoa is a Mexican staple that is one of our favorite Mexican food recipes for Cinco De Mayo. The tender beef is full of flavorful spices so good in tacos!
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Video

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 pounds beef roast , cut into 3-inch chunks
  • ½ cup beef broth , or water
  • 1 onion , chopped
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce , chopped
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 limes , juiced

For serving

  • tortillas

Your favorite toppings: avocado, sour cream, diced onions, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, etc.

Instructions

  • Prepare roast. Pour 1/2 cup beef broth or water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Pat 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast down with a paper towel and then season with kosher salt and pepper. Place in crockpot.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 4 ounce can green chiles, 4 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons cumin and 2 teaspoons oregano over top. Place 3 bay leaves in.
  • Slow cook. Cover crockpot with a lid and cook beef until tender about 8 hours on low.
  • Shred. Remove bay leaves, then shred with two forks. Add juices from two lime. Allow juices to soak in for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. You can also freeze the shredded meat in a freezer safe bag up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 117mg, Sodium: 196mg, Potassium: 631mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 48IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 54mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.