May is here, and so is the excitement for Cinco de Mayo. It’s a time to celebrate Mexican culture and share great food with friends and family. The smell of spices and the sound of sizzling food make it a special day.
Every year, I learn more about Cinco de Mayo’s history. It’s about Mexico’s win at the Battle of Puebla. But what I love most are the delicious dishes we make. From tacos to mole poblano, these dishes are a big part of the celebration.
Whether you’re having a small party or a big feast, these recipes will make your Cinco de Mayo unforgettable. They’re perfect for any taste, making your celebration both tasty and fun.
Table of Contents
Tacos
Tacos are a fun food for any big event, like Cinco de Mayo. My classic taco recipe with ground beef is a hit. It’s easy to make and brings everyone together for tasty fun.
Classic Taco Recipe
To make my favorite ground beef tacos, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salsa and sour cream for serving
It’s easy to make these tacos. First, cook the ground beef in a big skillet until it’s brown. Then, drain the fat and add taco seasoning. Warm the taco shells in the oven.
Once ready, fill each shell with beef and add toppings. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a great taco night!
Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are perfect for Cinco de Mayo. They mix tender chicken, tasty enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. This makes them a hit among Mexican casseroles. Here are the ingredients I use to make this tasty dish.
Chicken Enchilada Recipe
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro
Now, I’m ready to make my chicken enchiladas. I warm the tortillas first. This makes them easy to roll.
After adding chicken and sauce, I roll them up. Then, I put them in a baking dish. I pour more sauce and sprinkle cheese on top.
To finish, I bake it at 350°F for 20 minutes. The cheese gets bubbly and golden. This recipe is simple yet delicious, perfect for any gathering.
Fajitas
Fajitas add excitement to any meal. They are best when served hot from the grill. A simple fajita recipe can make your meal fun and interactive. Beef fajitas are loved for their taste and softness. Here’s how I make my beef fajitas:
Beef Fajita Recipe
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- Flour or corn tortillas
First, I heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. I add the steak, bell pepper, and onion. Then, I sprinkle fajita seasoning on top.
Stirring now and then, I cook until it’s all tender and brown. The smell of sizzling fajitas makes the kitchen smell amazing. It promises a tasty meal.
Burritos
Burritos are tasty and can fill any hunger. My top pick is a beef & bean burrito recipe. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. These burritos are great for dinner or parties. Here’s how to make beef burritos that everyone will enjoy.
Beef & Bean Burrito Recipe
To make these yummy burritos, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can refried beans
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup salsa
- Optional toppings: lettuce, sour cream
First, cook the ground beef in a skillet until it’s brown. Then, add the refried beans and mix well. Place a flour tortilla flat and fill it with the beef and bean mix. Sprinkle with cheese and add salsa.
Roll the tortilla tightly to make your burrito. You can add your favorite toppings on top.
Chiles Rellenos
Chiles Rellenos is a classic in Mexican comfort food. It’s a dish that warms your heart and soul. The mix of flavors and crunchy outside is a joy to eat.
For this recipe, I need a few things:
- 4 poblano peppers
- 1 cup cheese (Monterey Jack or queso fresco)
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Oil for frying
To start, I roast the poblano peppers until they’re charred. Then, I peel them and fill them with cheese. This makes them extra cozy.
Next, I dip the stuffed peppers in an egg batter. Then, I fry them until they’re golden and crispy.
After frying, I serve them with fresh tomato sauce. This adds to the dish’s vibrant flavors, perfect for any time.
Carne Asada
Carne asada is a dish that really stands out. It’s a marinated grilled steak that adds lots of flavor. You can serve it with rice, in tacos, or just on its own. It’s both versatile and very tasty.
Grilled Carne Asada Recipe
Here’s what you need for this grilled steak:
- 1 lb flank steak
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade gives the steak a great taste. Then, put the steak in the marinade and let it soak for at least an hour.
After marinating, heat the grill to medium-high. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.
This juicy steak is perfect for tacos. Add fresh onions, cilantro, and lime juice on top. It makes the steak even more delicious.
Mole Poblano
Mole Poblano shows the deep flavors of Mexican food. It mixes dried chiles, nuts, chocolate, and spices. This makes a sauce that is both rich and tasty.
Making this Mexican sauce is not just for food. It also brings people together. It’s a way to share a meal and make memories.
Authentic Mole Poblano Recipe
My mole poblano recipe is true to its roots. Here’s what you need:
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried guajillo chiles
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ cup almonds
- 1 chocolate square (Mexican chocolate)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Spices: cinnamon, cloves, and cumin
To make this tasty Mexican sauce, follow these steps:
- First, toast the dried chiles and nuts lightly in a skillet. This brings out their flavors.
- Next, blend the toasted ingredients with chicken broth until smooth.
- Add the spices and chocolate, stirring well. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the mole poblano over chicken, turkey, or your favorite vegetables. It’s a dish that will satisfy you.
With each bite, you’ll enjoy the mix of flavors and the sauce’s rich texture. Mole poblano is a dish that will impress everyone.
Tamales
Tamales are a favorite in Mexican food. They’re great for birthdays, holidays, or any big event. I enjoy making pork tamales. They have a tasty filling wrapped in soft dough. Here’s my easy tamales recipe.
Pork Tamale Recipe
To start making pork tamales, I need a few things:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 cup pork lard (or vegetable shortening)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked pork
- Corn husks soaked in water
I mix masa harina, baking powder, and lard in a bowl. Then, I add chicken broth until it’s smooth. The dough should be light and fluffy.
After that, I spread the dough on corn husks. I put pork in the middle and fold the husks up.
Then, I steam the tamales for 90 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. The result is tender, tasty pork tamales. They’re great on their own or with salsa.
Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas are a great choice for any meal or snack. They are easy to make and loved by many. Here’s a simple quesadilla recipe for you to try.
Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
This recipe makes delicious cheesy quesadillas. You’ll need:
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Optional: cooked chicken or veggies
- Salsa for dipping
First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Put a tortilla in the skillet and add lots of cheese. You can also add chicken or veggies if you like. Then, put another tortilla on top.
Cook until the bottom is golden, about 2-3 minutes. Flip it and cook the other side until crispy and cheese is melted.
Cut into wedges and serve with salsa. This recipe is quick and full of flavor. It’s perfect for satisfying your cravings or feeding guests.
Chile Verde
Looking for a dish that captures Mexican comfort food? Try the chile verde recipe. It’s a green chili stew full of flavor. It’s great for a cozy dinner or a big gathering.
I’ll show you how to make Pork Chile Verde. It’s a family favorite.
Pork Chile Verde Recipe
Great green chili stew starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, diced
- 4 tomatillos, husked and quartered
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting chile verde. The tomatillos add freshness, and the pork gives it depth. Serve it with warm tortillas or rice to enjoy all the juices.
Pollo Asado
Pollo asado is a favorite dish of mine for gatherings or weeknights. It’s full of vibrant Mexican flavors. The chicken is juicy and tender, and grilling adds a smoky taste.
I use four chicken thighs for my recipe. They stay moist well. Marinating in orange, lime juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin makes it taste like real Mexican food. The citrus and spices make it a hit with everyone.
Grilling pollo asado is all about the flavors. I marinate the chicken for hours to soak up the flavors. After grilling, the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s perfect for celebrations like Cinco de Mayo. Try it and you’ll love it!