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Family-Favorite Tex-Mex Dishes: 17 Recipes Worth Memorizing

Tex-Mex isn’t just food; it’s a mood, and these 17 recipes know how to set the right tone. Packed with personality and full of crowd-pleasing options, these dishes are begging to be added to the family recipe. Think hearty, comforting meals that have everyone wondering why they didn’t cook this sooner. With something for everyone, it’s like a kitchen party waiting to happen.

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

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.

Everybody enjoys a fresh addition to their meals and Pico de Gallo offers just that. It’s ideal for bringing a pop of color and flavor to any family gathering. With its fresh chopped ingredients, it adds a perfect crunch to your favorite dishes. Whip this up in a snap for a last-minute snack or as a complement to your main courses.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

If you’re looking to add a classic staple to your meal, look no further than Mexican Rice. This dish brings the comforting presence of seasoned rice to the table, without overshadowing your main entrees. It’s a simple yet essential side that pairs with a variety of Tex-Mex favorites. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is a solid base for creating unforgettable food memories.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

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.

For those who love to fire up the grill, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are a fantastic choice. Grilling these ribs brings out a smoky flavor that’s both homey and inviting to everyone around the table. This dish can stand alone as a snack or accompany your favorite Tex-Mex meals. It’s a fun and hands-on way to enjoy corn with a tasty twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

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.

Want to impress everyone with a hearty meal? Grill up some Texas-Style Carne Asada and watch your family’s eyes light up. This dish is all about bold flavors and the joy of slicing into a beautifully charred piece of meat. It’s the highlight of any barbecue and brings everyone together for a feast.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take the beloved flavors of corn on the cob and mix them into a vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of kick for those who like a little excitement in their salad bowl. This dish serves as a fresh and bright side that balances out heavier main courses. Plus, it’s always a hit at potlucks and family picnics.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Gotta love a recipe that makes the most out of last night’s dinner like a Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It reinvents your steak into a cheesy, toasty, and utterly comforting meal. Not only does it minimize waste, but it also provides a quick and delicious option for lunch or dinner. Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Pineapple Salsa

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

When you want a fruity twist to your dishes, Pineapple Salsa is your go-to. It’s a sweet and tangy companion that livens up your grilled meats or taco nights. Don’t let its simplicity fool you; this salsa packs a flavorful punch. It’s also an eye-catching addition that’ll dress up your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa

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.

Looking for a dish that’s both warming and rich in tradition? Birria de Res is a beloved stew that delivers on deep, complex flavors. It’s a comforting bowl that’s perfect for cool evenings or when you’re craving something hearty. Plus, it’s bound to become a requested favorite for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a truly versatile side, you can’t go wrong with Mexican Black Beans. They’re tender, well-seasoned, and work with just about anything you can think of. Whether you’re filling burritos or topping nachos, these beans are the cornerstone of countless meals. They’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

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.

You can create countless dishes with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This is a flavorful foundation for tacos, nachos, and burritos, packed with flavor that upgrades any meal. It’s quick to cook and always a hit with the crowd. Plus, it makes for amazing leftovers – if you’re lucky enough to have any!
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Tomatillo pico de gallo in a black dish surrounded by tortilla chips.
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Switch it up with Tomatillo Pico de Gallo, a vibrant alternative to the traditional. It brings fresh tangy note to your snack time and meals. This salsa shines bright, both in taste and appearance, alongside your Tex-Mex favorites. It’s a refreshing option for those who enjoy a little variety on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience a harmonious blend of flavors with Texas Corn Succotash. This mix of corn, peppers, and onions produces a dish full of texture and color that’s perfect for any family feast. It’s not just tasty, but also brings a bounty of colors to your table. It’s a great way to include a variety of veggies in one side dish.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Taco Casserole

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

Who doesn’t love the convenience and comfort of a hearty casserole? With Taco Casserole, you get all the flavors of taco night baked into one dish. This is a definite crowd-pleaser and a great option for feeding a large group. It’s also extremely customizable, so you can make it just how your family likes it.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa in a black pan with tortilla chips in a second pan.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a warm, rustic flavor to your meals with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. By roasting the ingredients, this salsa gains a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved any other way. It’s a step up from the classic salsa and pairs wonderfully with chips or as a topping on meats. This will surely become a sought-after addition to many of your meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde rice in a black pan with tomatoes and herbs.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brighten up your meal with the light and fluffy Arroz Verde. This green rice is a wonderful side that’s as pretty as it is tasty. It complements heavier dishes by adding a touch of freshness to your plate. It’ll quickly become an everyday favorite for its ease and lovely color.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who crave a balance of sweet and heat, Mango Habanero Salsa is a sure bet. This salsa is a tropical treat that offers a kick to liven up your dishes. It pairs well with fish, chicken, or just a simple bowl of chips. It’s a bold flavor choice that’s sure to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring some excitement to your tabletop with a batch of Chicken Tinga Tostadas. They’re loaded with a slightly spicy, smoky flavor that makes for a perfect bite every time. It’s a playful hand-held meal that will have everyone talking. This dish is not only filling but also an interactive way to enjoy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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