If taco night’s starting to feel like a rerun, these 19 Tex-Mex dishes are here to shake things up. Each one delivers something unexpected, proving that Tex-Mex is more than just tacos and burritos. There’s something to suit every appetite—whether it’s big, small, or “just here for the guac.” Get ready to retire the same old taco routine because this menu will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pineapple Salsa
Fresh and tangy, Pineapple Salsa is the perfect balance for spicy or savory dishes. The sweet pineapple adds a refreshing twist to your taco night, cutting through the richness of grilled meats. This salsa can add a fun flair to any taco, quesadilla, or salad. Serve it up and enjoy the tropical vibes, making your Tex-Mex night feel like a getaway.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Smoked Queso
The smoky kick will have everyone reaching for more, making it an easy favorite for taco night or any party. Smoked Queso takes the classic queso dip to a whole new level. Infused with a smoky flavor from the grill, this dip is creamy, indulgent, and hard to resist. It’s the perfect appetizer or side to go along with any taco spread.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Who knew guac could get even better with just a little fire and some extra care? Grilled Corn Guacamole is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. The smoky, charred flavor of the corn adds a depth that takes guacamole to the next level. Pair it with your chips or use it to top off tacos; it’s versatile and full of flavor. Grilled Corn Guacamole will quickly become the star of any spread, making it the perfect addition to your next Tex-Mex night.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Stock up, and you’ll never skip breakfast again. Freezer Breakfast Burritos make mornings easy and delicious with just the right balance of hearty fillings. These burritos are perfect for meal prep, so you’ve always got a quick, satisfying option ready to go. Whether you’re on the go or sitting down for a weekend breakfast, they’ll make your day start off right.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
A great option for a party or taco night with friends, where everyone can build their own perfect bite. Slow Cooker Carnitas Board is a family-style way to enjoy all the flavors of carnitas in one place. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you prepare the perfect toppings and sides. This board brings a variety of textures and flavors, with tender carnitas leading the charge.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Whether serving it at a party or for a cozy night in, this margarita will impress and refresh at the same time. Smoked Blackberry Margarita brings a smoky-sweet twist to the classic margarita. This drink combines the tartness of blackberries with a rich, smoky undertone, giving your drink an extra layer of flavor. It’s the perfect pairing for grilled meats, tacos, or any Tex-Mex dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Food Processor Salsa
This salsa brings all the freshness and flavor you want, without hours of prep time. Food Processor Salsa is the quickest way to get fresh, vibrant salsa without all the chopping. Just toss everything in a food processor and blend it up for a tangy, flavorful dip or topping. The best part? It’s easy to make, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking. Your tacos (or chips) will never be the same.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Don’t let that leftover steak go to waste—turn it into a delicious Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s the perfect way to repurpose your steak, with crispy tortillas and melted cheese bringing everything together. A quesadilla that’s rich in flavor and super simple to make, it’s sure to become your go-to for any leftover meat. Trust us, after trying this, you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Prepare to wow your guests with the smoky, savory flavors that take al pastor to the next level. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor brings a tender, juicy chicken with just the right amount of smoky flavor. It’s a great twist on the traditional al pastor, with the smoker adding depth and complexity to each bite. This dish will make a statement on any taco night, pairing perfectly with a variety of toppings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Fried Tomatillos
Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, Fried Tomatillos are a tasty addition to your Tex-Mex spread. They bring a tangy, earthy flavor that complements tacos, salsas, or dips. These fried bites are simple to make but packed with flavor and texture, making them a great snack or side dish. Add them to your taco night, and you’ll have guests coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Dutch Oven Carnitas
Slow-cooked to perfection, Dutch Oven Carnitas are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. This dish will change the way you think about tacos, offering melt-in-your-mouth meat that works in just about anything. With minimal effort, you get a hearty and flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or any Tex-Mex creation. Don’t let the slow cooking process fool you—this carnitas will be gone before you even finish serving.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Texas-Style Carne Asada
If you’re craving a bold, flavorful dish, Texas-Style Carne Asada is the one you need. It’s a hearty, satisfying option that brings a smoky, savory richness to the table. Whether served in tacos, on a platter, or in a salad, it’s a versatile star. Get ready to have your taco night transformed when this dish makes its debut; it’s sure to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
You won’t believe how something so simple can taste so good when combined with the right toppings. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos take advantage of your extra steak, turning it into a filling and satisfying meal. Packed with flavor and wrapped in soft tortillas, these tacos are easy to make and perfect for using up leftovers. No more boring, plain meals—this is taco night at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Guacamole Snack Board
Who knew guac could become the star of the show? Guacamole Snack Board is a fun, interactive way to enjoy everyone’s favorite dip. Pile it high with chips, veggies, and your favorite extras, and let everyone dig in. This board is perfect for parties, game days, or any casual get-together. With plenty of options to pair with the guacamole, it’s a snack everyone can customize to their liking.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Thanks to the air fryer, they come out crispy without the extra oil, making them both tasty and convenient. Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a lighter, quicker way to enjoy crispy, savory bites. These empanadas have a golden, crispy exterior with a delicious filling inside that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, these are ideal for anyone craving a handheld, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Perfect for taco nights, BBQs, or any outdoor gathering, they’re easy to make and great to share. Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo take grilled steak to a whole new level. These skewers are packed with flavor and a smoky, tangy kick from the mojo rojo sauce. Serve them as an appetizer or use them as the star of the meal—either way, they’re sure to get plenty of attention.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Cream of Jalapeno Soup
Creamy, spicy, and comforting, Cream of Jalapeno Soup is a great way to spice up any meal. This soup brings a rich, velvety texture with a kick of heat that’s not overpowering. It pairs perfectly with tacos or can stand on its own as a starter. A little heat with a lot of flavor—this soup is perfect for those who like their Tex-Mex on the spicy side.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Great for a quick dinner or a fun twist on your usual quesadillas, these will definitely stand out at taco night. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are a crispy, melty bliss that everyone will love. The smoky chicken and gooey cheese make for a perfect combination that’s sure to satisfy. Every bite offers that rich al pastor flavor in a handheld, crispy form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
The perfect side dish or snack to compliment your Tex-Mex spread. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are a fun, creative take on the traditional elote, served in bite-sized portions. With a slight smokiness and char from the grill, these corn ribs bring the perfect amount of crunch and flavor in each bite. Serve them up at your next taco night and watch them disappear faster than you can say “corn ribs.”
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs