Mexican cuisine combines simplicity with elegance. There are some staples in a Mexican kitchen that include corn, beans, cheese, and chili. Some of these meals are vegetarian, like huevos rancheros, which appeal to those who prefer their meals sans meat. Then there are meaty dishes like chili con carne, which is a hearty stew that satiates the carnivore in you.
Many Mexican dishes are similar, but they each have their own appeal. Consider the quesadilla, for instance. It’s simple calling for only two ingredients in its most basic form: tortilla and cheese. Now, consider nachos. These are deep-fried tortilla chips topped with cheese. Technically, the two ingredients are the same but the preparation makes the experience of savoring them different. One is warm and soft while the other is crunchy.
Mexican cuisine uses fresh flavors creatively, leaning on what works. A burrito is an ultra-convenient meal you can grab on your way out the door and eat in your car without worrying about making a mess. You can also deviate from a standard burrito and opt for a chimichanga, which has all the fillings but gives you a crispy texture to enjoy.
Whether you prefer a traditional Mexican dish or enjoy the creations of Tex-Mex, there’s no denying how tasty Mexican-inspired food is. The best part is you don’t have to rely on a restaurant for your favorites. They’re easy enough to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.
To put together this list of America’s favorite Mexican dishes, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data provided by YouGov, a website that collects answers from surveys and compiles them into neat data sets. (Once you’ve read this article, see how to tell the difference between authentic Mexican food and Tex-Mex.)
9. Huevos Rancheros
- Fame: 86%
- Popularity: 55%
This Mexican dish is vegetarian, incorporating eggs, tortillas, and salsa. The tortilla is fried to crispy perfection and the eggs are served on top. Salsa is served generously over both. In some cases, other ingredients may be added, including refried beans and cheese.
8. Chimichangas
- Fame: 94%
- Popularity: 65%
This meal is familiar because it’s just like a burrito—only deep-fried until you get a crispy exterior. The filling varies but traditionally incorporates rice, beans, cheese, and meat. Since this meal is crispy, the experience is different than biting into a soft burrito.
7. Chili con Carne
- Fame: 92%
- Popularity: 66%
The translation of this meal is “chili with meat.” While some people like their chili with beans only, those who love a robust meal enjoy the meat in chili. This is a stew with a kick. Typically, the Mexican recipe calls for beef, beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions, chili powder, chili peppers, and cumin.
6. Guacamole
- Fame: 98%
- Popularity: 68%
This tangy dip is perfect for tortilla chips. Each restaurant has its own variation but the traditional Mexican recipe calls for plenty of ripe avocados, lime or lemon juice, and chopped veggies. The veggies include tomato, onion, and jalapeno peppers. You also add cilantro to complete the flavor profile.
5. Quesadilla
- Fame: 97%
- Popularity: 79%
A standard quesadilla is a cheese-filled tortilla folded over and grilled. However, you can always customize a quesadilla to beef it up by adding meats, beans, and spices. Corn tortillas tend to be more popular for quesadillas, but some people prefer flour tortillas.
4. Salsa
- Fame: 97%
- Popularity: 79%
If you frequent Mexican restaurants, you know there are many types of salsa to select from. Some are mild, and friendly even to those who can’t stand spice. But there are some that can have you sweating in seconds. An authentic salsa typically incorporates tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a handful of cilantro.
3. Fajitas
- Fame: 97%
- Popularity: 79%
The sound of sizzling fajitas arriving at your table is unmistakable. Typically, these are served on a hot skillet, so you have to be careful when you start digging in. This dish includes meat (beef, chicken, shrimp) along with grilled peppers and onions. On the side, you also get tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream so you can prepare your meal however you’d like.
2. Burritos
- Fame: 99%
- Popularity: 80%
Burritos are not just delicious, but they’re also easy to take with you on the go. It’s a convenient meal neatly wrapped up in a flour tortilla. The filling varies but most often includes rice, beans, meat, and cheese.
1. Nachos
- Fame: 99%
- Popularity: 81%
Nachos demonstrate the versatility of a tortilla. These are deep-fried tortilla chips topped with cheese. However, there are no hard and fast rules. You can add beans, meat, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo for a fully loaded meal. (Here’s a surprising look at Mexican dishes people in Mexico don’t actually eat.)