Simple and Delicious Mexican Dishes for Busy Nights

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and vibrant spices, making it a favorite among food lovers. However, not all Mexican dishes require a long and complicated preparation process. Here are some simple Mexican dishes that can be cooked with minimal effort but still taste fantastic, perfect for those busy nights when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Chiliquiles

Chiliquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that is also delicious served at any time of the day. This quick and easy meal combines elements of a tostada and a quesadilla, creating a satisfying and comforting dish.

Ingredients:

1 small onion, white or yellow, chopped 1 bag of corn tortilla chips, your preference is Juanita’s or Santitas yellow corn, but use what’s available or what you like 1 8 oz can tomato sauce or red enchilada sauce 1 bag of pre-shredded “Mexican” blend cheese

Instructions:

Brown the onion in a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it gets some color for flavor. Dump a pile of tortilla chips not overflowing but enough to fill the skillet, mixing them with the onions. Pour in the tomato or enchilada sauce and stir to lightly coat. Sprinkle the cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet for a minute to melt the cheese - it doesn't need to be completely liquidy; it just needs to be melted and slightly shreddy. For a little extra effort, add 1/4 to 1/2 lb of ground chorizo (the loose, fatty Mexican one) to the skillet after browning the onions for added depth of flavor. Fry until the chorizo is done. Then top with a fried egg if you prefer.

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any main course, making it a staple in many Mexican homes.

Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain rice 1/2 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp cumin 1 tbsp vegetable oil Salt, to taste

Instructions:

Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic in vegetable oil until the onions become translucent and the rice is lightly toasty. Stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.

Ground Beef Tacos or Burritos

For those times when you're in the mood for something hearty and customizable, ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways. Whether you prefer tacos or burritos, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef, ground round is a great choice Variety of veggies (green leafy types are best) 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1/2 cup chopped onions Tortillas

Instructions:

Heat the ground beef in a skillet until it is browned. Add your favorite vegetables and seasonings to the beef. You can also mix in shredded cheese and chopped onions for added flavor. Cook the mixture until well-combined and the flavors are melded. Pile the mixture onto a tortilla and wrap it up to make a burrito or serve it as a taco.

Feel free to get creative with your tacos or burritos. You can experiment with different types of ground beef, such as Mexican-style chorizo, or even add ham cubes and other ingredients to make flautas or churros.

With these simple dishes, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying meal that won't take up too much of your time. Enjoy your cooking and bon appétit!