50 essential Latin American recipes
More than 20 countries or territories comprise Latin America over an area that is 95% larger than the United States. Culinary styles over such a huge swath of land, which includes Puerto Rico, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, is inevitably varied.
Latin American cuisine has been heavily influenced by Native American populations (notably the use of corn and beans as staples) as well as African, European, and Asian cooking styles. The food is as varied and rich as Latin American culture, with something to suit every taste.
Stacker compiled a list of Latin American recipes from Allrecipes. From classics like tacos and fried plantains to more advanced recipes to impress guests with at your next dinner party, keep reading to find a great recipe to try out for your next meal
Arroz Tapado (Rice-On-Top)
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 55 mins
- Additional: 15 mins
- Total: 90 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 21
- Read more about the recipe here
Colombian Aji
- Prep: 10 mins
- Total: 10 mins
- Servings: 16
- Yield: 2 cup
- Number of ingredients: 7
- Read more about the recipe here
Cubanos Frijoles
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here
Cochinita Pibil
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs
- Total: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here
Feijoada de Domingo (Sunday Bean Stew)
- Prep: 45 mins
- Cook: 3 hrs 7 mins
- Total: 3 hrs 52 mins
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
- Read more about the recipe here
Chef John's Cuban Sandwich
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 6 mins
- Total: 21 mins
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 large sandwiches
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here
Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Additional: 30 mins
- Total: 80 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
Tostones (Fried Plantains)
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 35 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 2 dozen
- Number of ingredients: 4
- Read more about the recipe here
Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Total: 20 mins
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 servings
- Number of ingredients: 4
- Read more about the recipe here
The Real Mojito
- Prep: 10 mins
- Total: 10 mins
- Servings: 1
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
Tres Leches (Milk Cake)
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 1 -9x13 inch cake
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here
Abuela's Picadillo
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 7 mins
- Total: 1 hr 22 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 19
- Read more about the recipe here
Alfajores Argentinean Style
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Additional: 40 mins
- Total: 80 mins
- Servings: 36
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies
- Number of ingredients: 13
- Read more about the recipe here
Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Steak Stir-Fry)
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Additional: 1 hr
- Total: 1 hr 50 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
- Read more about the recipe here
The Real Mojito
- Prep: 10 mins
- Total: 10 mins
- Servings: 1
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
White Chicken Enchilada Slow-Cooker Casserole
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 4 hrs
- Total: 4 hrs 30 mins
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here
Easy Tamale Casserole
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here
Fajita Seasoning
- Prep: 5 mins
- Total: 5 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 3 tablespoons
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here
Easy Mexican Casserole
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here
Mexican Rice II
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 30 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
- Read more about the recipe here
Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 2 dozen
- Number of ingredients: 5
- Read more about the recipe here
Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
- Total: 1 hr 60 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
Authentic Mexican Chili Rellenos
- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Additional: 15 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
Easy Enchilada Casserole
- Servings: 9
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here
Chili Rellenos Casserole
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here
Best Beef Enchiladas
- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 45 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 16
- Read more about the recipe here
Chicken Quesadillas
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 20
- Yield: 20 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here
Ground Turkey Taco Meat
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 16 mins
- Total: 26 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 2 cups
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here
Authentic Mole Sauce
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Additional: 10 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 1 quart mole sauce
- Number of ingredients: 22
- Read more about the recipe here
Ten Minute Enchilada Sauce
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Total: 25 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here
Churros
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Total: 20 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here
Lisa's Favorite Carne Asada Marinade
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Additional: 1 day
- Total: 1 day
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups marinade
- Number of ingredients: 14
- Read more about the recipe here
Hot Tamale Pie
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 10 mins
- Total: 1 hr 30 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 9x13 casserole
- Number of ingredients: 13
- Read more about the recipe here
Chicken Enchiladas I
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Additional: 30 mins
- Total: 90 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 16
- Read more about the recipe here
Sarah's Easy Shredded Chicken Taco Filling
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Additional: 10 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 3
- Yield: 3 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
3 Cheese Enchiladas
- Prep: 40 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano)
- Prep: 45 mins
- Additional: 1 hr
- Total: 1 hr 45 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
- Read more about the recipe here
Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs
- Total: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 19
- Read more about the recipe here
Best Black Beans
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 5 mins
- Total: 15 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 30 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 5
- Read more about the recipe here
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here
Quick and Easy 4-Ingredient Enchiladas
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Additional: 15 mins
- Total: 70 mins
- Servings: 9
- Yield: 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- Number of ingredients: 4
- Read more about the recipe here
One Skillet Mexican Quinoa
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
- Read more about the recipe here
Pico De Gallo
- Prep: 20 mins
- Additional: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here
Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Total: 25 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here
Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Additional: 10 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 breads
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here
Enchiladas Verdes
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 9
- Yield: 9 enchiladas
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here
Pantry Raid Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here
Beef Birria
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 3 hrs 40 mins
- Additional: 6 hrs
- Total: 9 hrs 70 mins
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 22
- Read more about the recipe here
Mexican Quesadilla Casserole
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Additional: 5 mins
- Total: 45 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
- Read more about the recipe here