Tex-Mex is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and this list of 31 recipes proves it. Think layers of flavor, hearty textures, and just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting. These aren’t just meals; they’re party starters. Whether you’re a tortilla devotee or a cheese fanatic, there’s something here to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Bonus: leftovers might spark a breakfast battle.
Arroz Verde
Bring a burst of flavor to the table with Arroz Verde, a rice dish that’s anything but ordinary. This flavorful, vibrant green rice works well as a main dish or a side, offering a fresh, savory profile that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. It’s an easy way to add color and variety to your weeknight dinners. Make it once, and you’ll want it every week.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
If you’re looking for a taco that stands out, Smoked Pork Belly Tacos are the answer. These tacos are packed with rich, smoky flavors that elevate taco night to new heights. The perfect balance of tenderness and crunch, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. They’re a great option when you want to impress your guests or indulge in a treat for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Turn yesterday’s steak into something new and exciting with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s an easy, quick meal that takes your leftovers and turns them into a cheesy, crispy delight. This recipe is perfect for when you want to avoid waste while still having a satisfying meal. If you love quesadillas and want a new spin, this is the one to try.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Make sure to keep this one in your regular snack rotation—it’s that good. Creamy Jalapeno Dip is your new go-to when you need a dip that adds flavor without overwhelming. Perfect for movie nights or casual get-togethers, this dip offers just the right amount of kick with its creamy base. It pairs perfectly with chips, veggies, or even drizzled over tacos.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Baked Spanish Rice
You’ll love how it complements everything from grilled meats to taco night. Baked Spanish Rice takes your usual rice game up a notch with its bold, savory flavor. Ideal as a side dish or a standalone meal, this rice cooks to perfection every time. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a great option for busy nights or big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Smoked Jalapeños
If you love a smoky, spicy kick, Smoked Jalapeños should be your next go-to snack. These smoky bites bring a deep, rich flavor that’s perfect for adding a twist to tacos, dips, or just enjoying on their own. Their intense flavor makes them a great addition to any Tex-Mex meal or for a snack that stands on its own. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeños
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
For those nights when you want fast food flavors without the drive-thru, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is the perfect solution. This dish brings all the elements you love about the Taco Bell favorite and makes it at home with just a few simple steps. Whether you’re dining alone or serving a group, this bowl is customizable and can satisfy anyone’s cravings. You won’t believe how easy it is.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Texas Corn Succotash
Your family or guests won’t stop coming back for seconds. Texas Corn Succotash is a hearty, flavorful side that brings a touch of Southern comfort to any meal. With a perfect mix of textures and a delicious blend of flavors, this dish pairs wonderfully with meats, seafood, or any Tex-Mex dish. It’s quick to make and adds a bit of everything—sweet, savory, and a touch of spice.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Need an easy yet impressive meal? Slow Cooker Carnitas Board has you covered. The carnitas slow-cook to tender perfection, ready to be served up with your favorite tortillas and toppings. It’s a fun, interactive meal that brings everyone together for taco night. Ideal for large gatherings or casual dinners, this dish is the definition of convenience.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
For a quick and flavorful meal, Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a go-to. This dish is versatile enough to be used in tacos, burritos, or served over rice. With its savory spices and hearty texture, it’s a great option for any weeknight dinner. No matter how you serve it, this beef is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Take your leftover steak to the next level with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Simply load your steak into soft tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a fresh meal in no time. These tacos make the most out of your leftovers, turning them into something special. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they’ll never feel like “leftovers” again.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Mango Habanero Salsa
Take your salsa game to the next level with Mango Habanero Salsa. This vibrant mix of sweet and spicy flavors adds a bold kick to your tacos, chips, or even grilled meats. The sweet mango balances the heat of the habanero, making it the perfect salsa for anyone who loves a little adventure in their food. Be warned: once you try it, you’ll want it on everything.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
When you’re craving a grilled meal with bold flavors, Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are the perfect choice. These skewers are packed with juicy steak marinated in a tangy, smoky sauce that brings out the best in the meat. They’re perfect for any BBQ or weeknight dinner. Serve with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that will impress every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Pineapple Salsa
Add a sweet and spicy twist to your meal with Pineapple Salsa, the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and bold heat. This salsa is versatile enough to pair with tacos, grilled meats, or just to dip chips into. The freshness of the pineapple adds a fun pop of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
If you’re looking for a smoky twist on a classic favorite, Smoked Chicken Al Pastor will be your new go-to. The chicken absorbs the smoky flavors from the grill while marinating in spices that make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for tacos or bowls, it’s a dish that brings bold flavors to the table. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Birria de Res
For a comforting, flavorful meal, Birria de Res is the answer. This slow-cooked beef is packed with deep, rich flavors that make it perfect for tacos, burritos, or even enjoyed with a side of broth. The tender meat and savory spices come together to create a dish that’s hard to forget. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Food Processor Salsa
You’ll never need store-bought again. Food Processor Salsa makes fresh salsa in a flash with all the bold flavors you love. This recipe takes advantage of the food processor to quickly chop and blend ingredients for the perfect chunky salsa. Great for chips, tacos, or topping grilled meats, this salsa is quick, simple, and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa
Easy Mexican Rice
If you’re looking for a quick side that pairs with anything, Easy Mexican Rice is the solution. This rice is flavorful and simple to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. It’s the kind of dish that completes your meal without taking over. A must-have for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Tacos Dorados
These tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Tacos Dorados are the crispy, golden delight that will make taco night feel extra special. These tacos are fried until they’re perfectly crunchy, creating a satisfying contrast to the savory filling inside. Whether you’re using chicken, beef, or something else, the crispy shell is the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Get crispy, golden empanadas without the deep frying with Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. These little pockets of flavor are packed with seasoned beef and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They’re the perfect snack or meal for when you want something quick and satisfying. Perfectly crispy, every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
It’s the perfect dish for a laid-back meal that still impresses. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken brings tender, flavorful chicken to the table with minimal effort. Slow roasting ensures the chicken absorbs all the spices and marinades, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bird. Serve it with sides or in tacos for a delicious, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Smoked Queso
Looking for a dip that’ll take your party to the next level? Smoked Queso is the answer. The smoky flavor adds depth to the creamy cheese, making it perfect for dipping chips, tacos, or anything you want to smother in cheese. It’s a quick and easy dip that everyone will rave about. You’ll want to make extra—this one goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso
Guacamole Snack Board
A snack board that will keep people coming back for more. Guacamole Snack Board is the perfect way to serve up everyone’s favorite dip. Loaded with creamy guacamole and a variety of dippable sides, it’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy Tex-Mex flavors. Great for parties or casual snacking, this board brings everything you need to the table.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board
Fried Tomatillos
With their unique flavor and satisfying crunch, these fried tomatillos are sure to become your new favorite appetizer. Fried Tomatillos are the crispy, tangy treat you didn’t know you needed. These little bites pack a punch with their crispy exterior and tangy inside. They’re perfect for snacking, dipping, or topping off your favorite tacos.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Freezer Breakfast Burritos
When you need breakfast on the go, Freezer Breakfast Burritos are the answer. Packed with everything you love in a breakfast burrito, they’re easy to make ahead and store for busy mornings. Simply heat and go, and you’ve got a satisfying breakfast ready in no time. A great way to start your day without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Smoked Blackberry Margarita
For a refreshing twist on the classic, try Smoked Blackberry Margarita. The smoky flavor enhances the sweet blackberries, creating a unique drink that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, this margarita is a standout. A fun and flavorful way to spice up your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Dutch Oven Carnitas
A crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Dutch Oven Carnitas bring out the best in tender, slow-cooked pork, making it the perfect filling for tacos or burritos. The Dutch oven creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. This simple, hands-off recipe produces meat that’s bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Ginger Spice Cookies
Once you try one, you’ll be reaching for more. Ginger Spice Cookies offer the perfect blend of spice and sweetness in a chewy, satisfying cookie. These cookies are a great way to end a Tex-Mex meal or enjoy as a treat on their own. The warmth of ginger and the depth of flavor make them a perfect pairing for a cup of coffee or milk.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
It’s the perfect balance of juicy chicken, flavorful sauces, and fresh toppings. Craving Taco Bell’s famous chicken burrito? Make your own with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. This homemade version captures all the flavors you love and takes just a few steps to create. Once you try it, you won’t miss the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Mexican Street Corn Soup
A bowl of this soup is the perfect way to enjoy street corn in a whole new way. Mexican Street Corn Soup brings the beloved flavors of elote straight to your bowl. This creamy, comforting soup captures the sweetness of corn and the smokiness of grilled flavors. Perfect for cooler evenings or as a starter for a Tex-Mex meal, it’s a dish that’s both cozy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Mexican Black Beans
Simple yet delicious, Mexican Black Beans are a perfect side dish to round out any Tex-Mex meal. These beans have a rich, savory flavor that complements everything from grilled meats to rice. They’re versatile, easy to make, and a great addition to your regular meal rotation. Whether as a topping for tacos or just served alongside, these beans never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans