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17 Authentic Tex-Mex That’ll Make Restaurant Takeout A Thing Of The Past

Replacing takeout nights with Tex-Mex perfection might just become your new habit. These recipes deliver the kind of flair that makes you forget the restaurant’s name altogether. From crispy favorites to melt-in-your-mouth classics, they pack everything you crave in a Tex-Mex meal without the delivery fee. Warning: you might start thinking your kitchen deserves five stars.

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Who says you need to go out to enjoy authentic Tex-Mex? With just your kitchen, you can whip up a side that turns any meal into a fiesta. Mexican Rice is that go-to side, perfect for pairing with your favorite dishes or enjoying all on its own. Its simplicity belies the depth of flavor it brings to the table, making takeout just an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo on a black cast iron bowl with a chips and jalapeno on the background.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Forget store-bought salsa; once you’ve tried making your own Pico de Gallo, there’s no turning back. It’s all about the fresh, bold flavors that come together without any cooking. This condiment is a must-have for elevating tacos, eggs, or even just your morning toast. It’s how you bring a bit of Tex-Mex flair into everyday meals without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine pulling apart perfectly tender pork without spending hours in the kitchen. Slow Cooker Carnitas Board allows this dream to become a reality with minimal effort. It’s an excellent way to entertain or enjoy a rich, fulfilling meal at home. Gather around the board with friends and family for a truly engaging eating experience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Food Processor Salsa

Homemade salsa on a black plate with tortilla chips.
Food Processor Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Not all heroes wear capes; some just require plugging in. This Food Processor Salsa proves that, turning a handful of ingredients into your new favorite taco companion in under a minute. It’s a game-changer for those who crave the freshness of homemade salsa but are short on time. This recipe brings a homemade touch to your meals, making it hard to justify a run for the border.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s something incredibly filling about transforming last night’s dinner into today’s lunchtime marvel. Leftover Steak Quesadilla does just that, giving steak a second life alongside melty cheese and tortillas. It’s proof that leftovers are just a stepping stone to your next delicious meal. This dish is a testament to the magic that happens when you combine simplicity with a bit of creativity.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple salsa in a skillet with tortilla chips.
Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who like a sweet twist with their savory, Pineapple Salsa is your go-to. This refreshing take on salsa mixes sweet pineapple with traditional elements, delivering a unique flavor contrast. It’s perfect for fish tacos, grilled chicken, or just scooped up with chips. It’s a simple way to bring a taste of Tex-Mex summer to your table any day of the year.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Carne Molida, the possibilities are endless whether it’s filling for tacos or topping for nachos. This versatile dish brings heartiness to any Tex-Mex meal. Enjoying this at home will certainly make you reconsider your usual takeout options. It’s a simple yet essential part of the Tex-Mex experience.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for, and Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken is a prime example. It’s about slow cooking to perfection, infusing every bite with deep, rich flavors that scream Tex-Mex. This dish transforms an ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, making it a centerpiece for any gathering. It’s proof that patience in the kitchen pays off with flavors that beat out any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who love a good stew, Birria de Res is like a warm hug from the inside. It’s a traditional dish that combines tender meat with a rich, spiced broth. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, inviting you to dip, sip, and savor every last drop. This recipe brings a classic Mexican comfort dish right to your table, no trip to the restaurant required.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ditch the taco shells for a dish that’s layered with all the Tex-Mex flavors you crave. Taco Casserole combines everything you love about tacos in an easy-to-make, family-friendly form. It’s about taking the hassle out of taco night while delivering a dish that’s a hit with both kids and adults. This casserole is the ultimate “why go out when you can stay in?” dish.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Up your guacamole game by adding a smoky twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Grilled Corn Guacamole is where the rich creaminess of avocado meets the charred sweetness of corn. It’s a side dish that steals the spotlight, proving that sometimes, it’s the simple twists that make all the difference. It’s how you turn a basic dip into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who needs fast food when you can replicate your favorites at home? This Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito is your answer to cravings, offering a homemade spin on a beloved classic. It’s about bringing that fast-food charm into your kitchen without any of the guilt. This recipe is how you make fast food fans into homemade meal believers.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Dutch oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you thought carnitas could only be done right by your local Tex-Mex joint, think again. Dutch oven Carnitas is all about achieving that perfect mix of tenderness and crispiness right in your own kitchen. It’s a hands-off approach to a dish that’s usually labor-intensive, letting you wow your guests with minimal effort. This dish proves that some of the best flavors come from the comfort of your own home.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Don’t let that leftover steak go to waste — transform it into scrumptious Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. This easy recipe makes a quick lunch or dinner and keeps your weeknight meals interesting. It’s a smart way to repurpose leftovers while keeping the family happy. Everyone can appreciate the creativity and flavor of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When it’s time to fire up the grill, Texas-Style Carne Asada is the recipe you want at your fingertips. It’s about marinating and grilling to achieve that perfect char and flavor. This dish is a testament to the art of grilling, showing off the bold flavors that make Tex-Mex cuisine stand out. It’s how you bring the steakhouse experience to your backyard.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Smoked Jalapenos

Smoked Jalapenos in 2 cast iron pans.
Smoked Jalapenos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who like to add a bit of smoke and heat to their meals, Smoked Jalapenos are a revelation. This simple but transformative technique changes everything you thought you knew about adding a kick to your dishes. They’re perfect for adding to sandwiches, salsas, or even just snacking on by themselves. It’s a small touch that adds a big impact to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Turn ordinary corn on the cob into a dish that’s anything but basic with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. This recipe takes the classic flavors of elote and presents them in a fun, finger-food form. It’s a novel way to enjoy corn, showcasing how a few spice additions can transform a simple vegetable. It’s the side dish that brings a playful twist to any Tex-Mex spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

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