Learn Authentic Mexican Lunch Ideas form a native Mexican!
Growing up in Mexico, lunch was the main meal of our day, much like dinner elsewhere. I fondly recall my mom picking us up from school around 1:30 PM, and we’d gather for “comida” at 2 PM. Afterward, my parents would indulge in a leisurely hour-and-a-half siesta. Oh, how I wish I could sneak in naps like that these days!
In Mexico, lunch is typically served between 1 PM and 3 PM, coinciding with the end of the school day. In smaller communities, it’s still common for people to return home for lunch and then head back to work—a tradition I cherished during my upbringing. Our lunches often featured hearty casseroles like picadillo con papas accompanied by Homestyle Mexican Arroz Rojo and refried beans. Dishes like pollo con crema, carne picada, or whole fried or steamed tilapia in foil which were especially popular during Lent.
If you’re looking to bring a taste of authentic Mexican recipes to your lunch table, here are some of my favorite Mexican food easy and quick recipes:
1
Mexican tuna salad
Mexican tuna salad is a staple in my kitchen, and I love how quickly it comes together—lunch can be ready in just ten minutes! This Mexican twist on the classic tuna salad with lime juice and prickled jalapeno peppers is perfect as a sandwich filling, spread over avocado on a tostada, or enjoyed with crackers or tortilla chips. It's definitely one of my go-to Mexican lunch ideas.
Salpicón, also known as ropa vieja, is a Mexican salad made with shredded beef tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, loaded with red onions, lettuce, and other fresh vegetables. It’s a family favorite, especially during the summer. Prepare it ahead of time and serve it on tostadas or with crackers, and don’t forget to add some fresh avocado slices.
For this recipe, I use store-bought imitation crab—look for the non-frozen variety for the best flavor. This dish comes together in no time and offers a fancy yet affordable Mexican lunch option. It’s perfect with crackers or tostadas.
Easy Carne Molida con Papas (Ground Beef with Potatoes)
This dish, reminiscent of the picadillo from my hometown in Chihuahua, features ground beef cooked with Anaheim or poblano pepper strips and potatoes. It’s easy to prepare and makes a marvelous filling for taco salads, flour tortillas burritos, or quesadillas. Do not forget to check out my homemade salsas recipes
Authentic Mexican Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup) with Cabbage │ Traditional Mexican Meal
If you have some extra time, prepare this heartwarming chicken soup for dinner and make enough to enjoy for lunch the next day. It’s a delicious way to ensure you’re eating your veggies and protein. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add some extra chipotle salsa to the soup.
Burrito de Huevo con Chorizo (Egg and Chorizo Burrito)
In northern Mexico, burritos are a favorite any time of the day! Use spicy chorizo made with scrambled eggs from breakfast to make this delicious burrito for lunch.
Are you into soups for lunch? This authentic Mexican chili recipe is made with simple ingredients and is definitely one of my kids’ favorite lunch or dinner options. Just yesterday, I prepared a big pot of this chili, knowing they can enjoy it for lunch or dinner without complaints for days! It’s rich and absolutely delicious, made with a special chile colorado sauce.
This easy Mexican recipe for carne molida con pico de gallo, know as a la Mexicana is a go-to meal for any day of the week. Just cook ground beef tomatoes, onions, and jalapeño for a flavorful, juicy filling. This simple Mexican dish is perfect for:Burrito wraps – roll it up in flour tortillas with refried beans, sour cream, and cheese.Corn tortillas tacos – top with fresh salsa, jalapeño peppers, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime juice.Taco salad – serve it over lettuce, sweet potato, and hearty black beans for a healthier twist.
One of my favorite Mexican dishes is carne asada, hands down! Grilled to perfection and packed with aromatic spices, it’s a great way to bring bold flavors to your lunch or dinner. Serve your carne asada tacos with your favorite toppings on soft taco wraps:Pair it with Mexican salads, cantina beans, for a complete meal. If you want a little effort meal that still feels like a Mexican fiesta, this delicious Mexican recipe is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, next taco Tuesday, or any day of the week.
Do you need really easy and really fast? Nothing can beat a Quesadilla! this cheese-filled tortilla is delicious and satisfying. Growing up in Mexico I know firsthand that Cheese Quesadilla is any mom’s lifesaver fast dinner or lunch recipe!
Tortas are very popular for school lunches in Mexico. These Mexican sandwiches are made with bolillo bread, ham, and cheese. In humble homes, the torta might be filled with mayo and refried beans. Sandwiches, as we know them in the USA, are also common. In many Mexican schools, cafeterias even sell flautas or burritos for lunch!
mexican ground beef recipes
I hope these recipes bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen and make your lunchtime both delicious and enjoyable. ¡Buen provecho!
Learn to cook authentic Mexican food from a true Mexican. This blog isn’t just about recipes; it’s a journey through my rich Mexican heritage. I'm on a mission to share the vibrant flavors and colorful traditions of my culture. This is my legacy to my Mexican American children and to all lovers of Mexican cuisine. So, let's get cooking, amigos!
