Some meals are great once, and then you forget about them. Others stick around, haunting your thoughts like that catchy song you heard at the grocery store. These Tex-Mex favorites fall into the second category—you’ll keep coming back for them, not because you have to, but because you genuinely want to. Whether it’s something cheesy, crispy, or packed with bold flavors, there’s always another reason to load up your plate.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
No one ever complains about too much corn when it’s mixed with all the right flavors. That’s why Mexican Street Corn Salad is always a good idea, especially when you need something quick that still feels like a treat. It’s got everything you love about the classic street food but in an easy-to-eat form that won’t leave you chasing kernels across your plate. Perfect as a side or a topping, this one disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Texas Cowboy Stew
A hearty dish that doesn’t mess around, this one is loaded with bold flavors and enough substance to keep you full. Texas Cowboy Stew brings everything together in one pot, making it a favorite for anyone who likes big portions. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a bigger spoon just to get a little bit of everything in each bite. Whether it’s cold outside or you just want something rewarding, this stew does the job.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Stew
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Regular guacamole is great, but throwing in some smoky, charred corn takes it to another level. That’s what makes Grilled Corn Guacamole so good—it’s creamy, a little sweet, and full of layers that keep things interesting. It works just as well on tacos as it does straight from the bowl with a spoon (no judgment here). This is the kind of upgrade that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
If you ever find yourself with extra steak and no plan, this is the best way to fix that problem. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos turn last night’s dinner into something that feels brand new with just a little effort. They come together fast, taste incredible, and make you look like a genius for repurposing leftovers so well. You’ll start making extra steak on purpose just to have an excuse for these tacos.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Pico de Gallo
Some things are simple but still manage to steal the show, and this is one of them. Pico de Gallo brings freshness and a little kick to anything it touches, whether that’s tacos, chips, or even straight off a spoon. It’s got that perfect balance of bright and bold, making everything else on your plate taste better. If you’re not piling it onto your food, you’re doing it wrong.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Texas-Style Carne Asada
There’s grilled meat, and then there’s Texas-Style Carne Asada, which makes regular grilling look like a warm-up act. Packed with smoky, rich flavors and a perfect char, this is the kind of meal that has people hovering around the grill waiting for their turn. It’s just as good on its own as it is stuffed into tacos, burritos, or whatever else you can think of. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
If there’s one dip that always disappears first, it’s this one. Creamy Jalapeno Dip has just the right amount of heat and a texture that makes it impossible to stop scooping. It works with chips, veggies, or honestly, just a spoon if no one’s looking. You might as well double the batch because people will be asking for more before they even finish their first bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Leftovers don’t have to be boring, and this proves it every time. Leftover Steak Quesadilla turns yesterday’s dinner into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that’s better than takeout. It’s got just the right balance of crunch and melty goodness, making it impossible to eat just one slice. Once you make it, you’ll start saving steak on purpose.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Mexican Rice
No Tex-Mex plate is complete without this on the side, and for good reason. Mexican Rice brings just the right mix of flavors to keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight. It soaks up everything on your plate and somehow makes everything taste even better. Whether it’s next to tacos or piled into a burrito, this one’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Texas Corn Succotash
If you need a side that doesn’t just sit on the plate, this one’s got you covered. Texas Corn Succotash is packed with bold flavors and just the right amount of crunch to make things interesting. It’s great alongside grilled meats or even by itself when you want something light but still packed with flavor. Once you try it, plain corn just won’t cut it anymore.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Arroz Verde
If you think rice is just a filler, this will change your mind. Arroz Verde isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish that makes everything else on the plate taste better. It’s packed with bold flavors that make every bite stand out, whether you eat it on its own or use it to scoop up the rest of your meal. Basic rice just can’t compete.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Birria Tacos
There’s a reason these have taken over menus everywhere, and one bite will remind you why. Birria Tacos are juicy, packed with bold flavors, and come with that irresistible dipping sauce that makes them even better. They’re the kind of tacos that leave you wondering why you ever settled for anything less exciting. If you haven’t had them yet, this is your sign to fix that immediately.
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos
Baked Spanish Rice
When you need a side that does more than just sit there, this is the answer. Baked Spanish Rice takes classic rice to the next level with a rich texture and bold flavors that make every bite interesting. It’s perfect for scooping, stuffing, or just piling onto your plate next to tacos and grilled meats. This is one side dish that never gets left behind.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Birria Pizza
Just when you thought pizza couldn’t get any better, this comes along. Birria Pizza takes everything great about birria tacos and stacks it onto a crispy, cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist. It’s the best of both worlds, combining Tex-Mex flavors with a pizza night favorite. Good luck stopping at just one slice.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Chile de Arbol Salsa
If you’re looking for a salsa with some real kick, this one brings the heat. Chile de Arbol Salsa isn’t for the faint of heart, but once you get past the spice, the depth of flavor keeps you coming back for more. It’s great on tacos, burritos, or anything that needs a little extra excitement. Just keep a drink nearby, and you’ll be fine.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa
Taco Casserole
If tacos and casseroles had a genius-level baby, this would be it. Taco Casserole takes everything you love about tacos and layers it up into a dish that’s easy to scoop, serve, and devour. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just making sure you have leftovers worth looking forward to. The only problem is that it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Birria de Res
Some meals are worth the wait, and this is one of them. Birria de Res is rich, packed with deep flavors, and perfect for dipping, scooping, or just eating straight out of the bowl. Whether you’re making tacos or just going all in with a spoon, this dish doesn’t disappoint. It’s a Tex-Mex classic that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Baja Fish Tacos
Light, crispy, and packed with bold flavors, these tacos are always a hit. Baja Fish Tacos bring a fresh, rewarding crunch that makes them stand out from the usual taco lineup. They’re perfect for when you want something a little different but still loaded with flavor. Whether you load them up or keep things simple, they never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
If you love elote but want something even easier to eat, this is the way to go. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs take all the best parts of classic street corn and turn them into finger-friendly bites that don’t skimp on flavor. They’re smoky, bold, and perfect for snacking, whether you’re at a barbecue or just need an excuse to eat more corn. Once you start, you won’t stop.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs