Is there meat in chilaquiles? The traditional vs. modern variations

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Mexican food tradition, chilaquiles were originally created as a resourceful way to use up leftover, stale corn tortillas. This classic dish is famously adaptable, leading many to ask: is there meat in chilaquiles?

Quick Summary

Chilaquiles can be served with or without meat; the dish's base of tortilla chips and salsa is naturally meat-free. While traditional versions often focus on toppings like cheese and eggs, modern and regional variations frequently incorporate shredded chicken, beef, or chorizo.

Key Points

Traditional Base is Meat-Free: The fundamental recipe for chilaquiles consists of fried tortillas simmered in salsa, without meat.
Eggs are a Classic Addition: Historically, the primary protein added to chilaquiles was eggs, either fried or scrambled, for a heartier breakfast.
Meat is a Modern and Regional Variation: Incorporating meat like shredded chicken, beef, or chorizo is a common modern practice that makes the dish more substantial.
Versatile and Customizable: Chilaquiles are a flexible dish that can be easily customized to be either vegetarian or meat-inclusive, based on preference.
Regional Variations Exist: Different regions and chefs will offer their own versions, some with meat and some without, demonstrating the dish's adaptability.
Toppings Change the Dish: The addition of meat transforms the dish from a simple breakfast to a more filling meal suitable for lunch or dinner.

The Core Components of Traditional Chilaquiles

At its heart, a traditional plate of chilaquiles is a humble and delicious combination of just a few key ingredients. The name itself is thought to come from the Nahuatl language, referencing the dish's core components: chiles and edible greens. The essential foundation consists of:

Tortillas: Stale or freshly fried corn tortillas cut into wedges. Traditionally, stale tortillas were used to minimize waste.
Salsa: The tortillas are simmered in a red salsa (roja) or green salsa (verde), which flavors and softens them.
Toppings: Essential garnishes like crumbled queso fresco, chopped onion, and Mexican crema are added just before serving.

Chilaquiles Rojos vs. Chilaquiles Verdes

The main difference between these two classic versions is the base sauce:

Chilaquiles Rojos: Made with a red salsa based on tomatoes and dried chiles, such as ancho or guajillo. This results in a rich, often smoky flavor profile.
Chilaquiles Verdes: Uses a green salsa made from tomatillos, chile peppers, and cilantro. The flavor is typically brighter and tangier than the red version.

The Traditional Role of Protein in Chilaquiles

Historically, chilaquiles did not feature meat in the base recipe. The emphasis was on the saucy tortillas and dairy toppings. When protein was added, it was typically an egg, turning the simple dish into a heartier breakfast. This is still a very common and traditional preparation, especially for breakfast or brunch. The egg can be fried, sunny-side-up, or scrambled and mixed in with the tortillas, adding richness and substance without using meat.

Common Meat Additions in Modern and Regional Chilaquiles

Over time, and especially in more modern or regional variations, meat has become a very popular addition to chilaquiles. This makes the dish more substantial, often transforming it from a breakfast item to a main course for lunch or dinner. The types of meat vary widely and can be adapted to personal taste or leftover ingredients. Common meat additions include:

Shredded Chicken: A very common choice, often pulled from cooked chicken breast and stirred directly into the sauce with the tortilla chips.
Carne Asada: Thinly sliced and marinated beef, typically grilled and diced, is a hearty addition.
Carnitas: Shredded and slow-cooked pork can add a rich, savory flavor and a different texture to the dish.
Chorizo: A classic breakfast sausage, which can be crumbled and cooked into the sauce to infuse it with its distinct spicy, earthy flavor.
Beef or Pork Steak: Thin cuts of grilled steak can be served on top of or alongside the chilaquiles.

Traditional vs. Modern Chilaquiles: What's the Difference?

To help clarify the options, here is a comparison of traditional (typically meat-free) versus modern (often meat-inclusive) chilaquiles.


Feature	Traditional (Meat-Free)	Modern (Meat-Added)
Primary Protein	Eggs (fried or scrambled)	Shredded chicken, carne asada, chorizo, pork carnitas
Typical Toppings	Crumbled queso fresco, crema, sliced onion, cilantro, eggs	Same as traditional, plus optional avocado, pico de gallo, or different cheeses
Dish Context	Most often served for breakfast or brunch	Served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner
Flavor Profile	Focuses on the tangy salsa, rich crema, and melty cheese	Adds a savory, meaty element that deepens the overall flavor
Origin	Humble beginnings using leftover tortillas to avoid waste	A natural evolution of the dish to include heavier proteins and cater to regional tastes

Is There Meat in Chilaquiles? The Verdict

So, is there meat in chilaquiles? The definitive answer is that it depends. While the traditional, foundational preparation of chilaquiles does not inherently include meat, it is a common and widely accepted practice to add various proteins. When ordering or making chilaquiles, you can specify your preference. A vegetarian version is just as authentic and delicious as one topped with shredded chicken or grilled steak. The versatility of this dish is one of its greatest strengths, allowing for customization that suits any palate or mealtime. For a comprehensive guide, check out this article on chilaquiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while the base of tortillas and salsa is vegetarian, meat like shredded chicken, beef, or chorizo is a very common addition, so it depends on how they are prepared.

Common meat additions include shredded chicken, carne asada, carnitas (shredded pork), or chorizo, which can be mixed into the salsa or served on top.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to request chilaquiles without meat. Many restaurants offer the traditional, non-meat version or serve the meat as an optional add-on.

Chilaquiles consist of tortilla chips simmered in a sauce, while migas is a more egg-forward dish where tortilla strips are scrambled with eggs, without being drenched in salsa.

The main difference is the sauce. Chilaquiles rojos use a red, tomato-based salsa, while chilaquiles verdes use a green, tomatillo-based salsa.

Yes, serving chilaquiles with eggs (fried or scrambled) is a very common and traditional practice, particularly for breakfast or brunch.

Yes, a vegan version can be made by using vegetable broth for the sauce, omitting cheese and crema, and opting for toppings like avocado and beans, or using vegan meat substitutes.