A lot of Mexican everyday cooking is already halfway to vegetarian before you even start changing recipes. Corn, beans, and chiles sit at the centre of most meals, backed up by squash, tomatoes, tomatillos, avocados, and nopales cactus. Tortillas, tamales, enchiladas, and other masa dishes are built from that same corn base and then filled or topped in different ways. 15 Great Mexican Vegetarian Recipes leans into that foundation instead of treating “vegetarian” as a separate category, so you are working with the same staple ingredients Mexican cooks already rely on.
Several of the mains in 15 Great Mexican Vegetarian Recipes are dishes that are traditionally meat-free or easily kept that way. Calabacitas is a classic example: a pan of zucchini or Mexican squash cooked with corn, tomatoes, onions, and green chiles, often finished with a little cheese and served as a side or light main. Enfrijoladas—corn tortillas covered in a bean sauce and usually filled with cheese—are another, described in multiple sources as a standard breakfast or all-day dish rather than a niche recipe. Plates built around nopales cactus, such as nopal salads and nopales served in tacos or tostadas with tomato, onion, chiles, lime, and queso fresco, fit naturally into the same list.
Street food and antojitos shape another part of 15 Great Mexican Vegetarian Recipes. Guides to Mexican snacks repeatedly list sopes, gorditas, quesadillas, tlacoyos, and tostadas—masa cakes or tortillas topped or filled with beans, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables—as everyday options in markets and street stalls. Many of these are commonly served with mashed beans, potato fillings, calabacitas-style vegetables, or squash blossoms and cheese, so they move into vegetarian territory just by choosing the right topping. Add in simple rice-and-bean plates and soups like fideo or vegetable-based broths, and you have a set of recipes that still feels fully Mexican while staying meat-free.
You can use 15 Great Mexican Vegetarian Recipes as a planning list for full days of eating rather than one-off dishes. Breakfast can lean on enfrijoladas or chilaquiles without meat; lunch might be a plate of calabacitas with rice and beans; evening meals can centre on sopes, gorditas, or quesadillas loaded with vegetables and cheese. Because everything is built on the same corn-, bean-, and vegetable base you see across Mexico, the recipes stay close to what locals already cook; the only change is that vegetables, beans, and cheese move from “side” to “main” in a deliberate way.

15 Great Mexican Vegetarian Recipes

1. Mexican Vegetarian Taco Skillet Recipe
This vibrant, one-pan dish features a hearty base of seasoned black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, simmered in a fragrant blend of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini add a fresh crunch and pop of color, while a layer of melted cheddar cheese creates a gooey, golden topping. Garnished with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, this skillet is served directly from the pan, making it perfect for scooping up with warm tortillas or tortilla chips. One of the best Mexican vegetarian recipes.

2. Easy Slow-Cooker Mexican Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers Recipe
One of my favorite Mexican vegetarian recipes. Colorful bell peppers are hollowed out and stuffed with a savory filling of seasoned brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, and corn, all lightly spiced with cumin and oregano. Slow-cooked to perfection, the peppers become tender, their natural sweetness balancing the zesty filling. Each pepper is topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and served with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty finish.

3. Fresh Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe
Soft corn tortillas are wrapped around a flavorful filling of sautéed spinach, black beans, and roasted sweet potatoes, then smothered in a rich, smoky red enchilada sauce. Topped with shredded pepper jack cheese, the enchiladas bake until bubbly and golden. Garnishes like chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema complete this vibrant dish. The Mexican vegetarian recipes are top notch.

4. Healthy Mexican Huevos Rancheros Recipe
These Mexican vegetarian recipes are beginner friendly. Crispy corn tortillas are layered with creamy refried black beans, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, and a generous ladle of zesty ranchero sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers. The dish is garnished with fresh avocado slices, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, and a handful of chopped cilantro for a vibrant, hearty breakfast or brunch option.

5. Great Mexican Vegetarian Casserole Recipe
This layered casserole combines soft corn tortillas, black beans, corn, and a hearty tomato sauce spiced with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. A generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust. Served hot, each slice reveals distinct layers of colorful, flavorful ingredients, topped with sour cream, avocado, and chopped green onions. Whether you are a novice or a pro, these Mexican vegetarian recipes will amaze you.

6. Quick & Easy Mexican Vegetarian Guacamole Recipe
One of the best Mexican vegetarian recipes. Perfectly ripe avocados are mashed to a creamy consistency and mixed with finely chopped red onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice adds tanginess, while a pinch of salt ties all the flavors together. This guacamole is chunky yet smooth, with vibrant green hues flecked with red and white, making it a classic dip for chips or topping for tacos.

7. Mexican Vegetarian Crispy Cauliflower Tacos Recipe
Crispy cauliflower florets, coated in a spiced panko batter and fried to a golden crunch, are the star of these tacos. Served on warm corn tortillas, they’re topped with tangy pickled red onions, shredded purple cabbage, creamy avocado slices, and a drizzle of chipotle-lime crema. Fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side complete this colorful, crunchy dish. One of my favorite Mexican vegetarian recipes.

8. Easy Mexican Vegetarian Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
The Mexican vegetarian recipes are top notch. Corn tortillas are stuffed with a gooey blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, rolled up, and nestled in a baking dish. Smothered in a rich, red enchilada sauce, they’re baked until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden perfection. Topped with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream, these enchiladas are simple yet satisfying.

9. Simple Mexican Vegetarian Rice Recipe
This vibrant rice dish is made with fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain rice simmered in a flavorful tomato broth infused with garlic, onion, and cumin. Diced carrots, peas, and corn add bursts of color and texture. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, this side dish is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. These Mexican vegetarian recipes are beginner friendly.

10. Classic Mexican Vegetarian Chiles Rellenos Recipe
Whether you are a novice or a pro, these Mexican vegetarian recipes will amaze you. Poblano peppers are roasted until their skins blister, then stuffed with a creamy mix of Monterey Jack cheese and spices. Dipped in a fluffy egg batter and lightly fried, they’re served with a warm tomato sauce made with garlic, onions, and oregano. The contrast between the smoky pepper, creamy cheese, and tangy sauce makes this dish a classic.

11. Mexican Vegetarian Black Beans & Avocado on Toast Recipe
Toasted whole-grain bread is spread with creamy, mashed avocado and layered with perfectly seasoned black beans. Topped with a fried or poached egg, a drizzle of lime crema, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, this dish combines crispy, creamy, and savory elements for a wholesome meal or snack. One of the best Mexican vegetarian recipes.

12. Mexican Vegetarian Sopa de Lentejas Recipe
One of my favorite Mexican vegetarian recipes. This hearty lentil soup combines tender lentils with a fragrant broth made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a hint of cumin. Diced carrots and celery add texture, while fresh cilantro and lime wedges enhance the flavor. Served steaming hot with a slice of crusty bread, this soup is comforting and nutritious.

13. Traditional Mexican Vegetarian Chile con Queso Recipe
This creamy dip is made with melted cheese, typically a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, blended with roasted green chilies, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. It’s seasoned with garlic and onion powder for added depth and served hot, with its velvety texture perfect for dipping tortilla chips. The Mexican vegetarian recipes are top notch.

14. Mexican Vegetarian Pico de Gallo de Frutas Recipe
These Mexican vegetarian recipes are beginner friendly. This sweet and tangy fruit salad features diced watermelon, mango, and pineapple tossed with a sprinkle of chili powder, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Garnished with fresh mint and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning, this colorful dish balances sweetness, spiciness, and acidity for a refreshing treat.

15. Simple Homemade Mexican Tortillas Recipe
Soft, pliable tortillas are made from scratch using a simple dough of masa harina, water, and salt. Pressed thin and cooked on a hot griddle, they puff up slightly with golden brown spots. Their warm, fresh aroma and soft texture make them the perfect base for tacos, quesadillas, or wraps. Whether you are a novice or a pro, these Mexican vegetarian recipes will amaze you.

3 comments
I cant believe they didnt include a recipe for Mexican vegetarian pozole! Its a classic dish thats so flavorful and satisfying. Definitely missing out on a great opportunity to showcase a traditional favorite.
I personally think the Mexican Vegetarian Taco Skillet Recipe sounds amazing, but who has time for slow-cooking stuffed peppers? Enchiladas and Huevos Rancheros all the way! Whats your favorite recipe from the list?
I cant believe they didnt include a recipe for Mexican vegetarian pozole! Its a classic dish thats delicious and hearty. Maybe theyll add it in a future article.