Home » Trending » 19 Fiesta-Worthy Tex-Mex That’ll Have Empty Plates Coming Back For More

19 Fiesta-Worthy Tex-Mex That’ll Have Empty Plates Coming Back For More

If you’re looking to spice up your meal routine, look no further. These 19 Tex-Mex options are made to make your taste buds do a happy dance. We’re talking crispy tacos, gooey quesadillas, and enough salsa to keep things interesting. With plates so tasty, you might need a second one just to prove you weren’t imagining how good it was.

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

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.

Grilled to perfection, they’re smoky and slightly charred with a crisp bite. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs take your standard corn on the cob to the next level. These corn ribs pack all the flavor of traditional elote but in a fun, shareable way. It’s a creative twist on a classic side that won’t last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of the fast-food classic, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl brings that familiar taste right to your kitchen. The layers of flavors in this bowl make it feel like you’ve ordered out, but you’ll have it in your hands much quicker. It’s hearty enough for a meal yet light enough for a snack. Every bite is a satisfying combination of fresh and savory ingredients that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Easy Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice with a slice of lime on a black bowl.
Easy Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This rice pairs well with tacos, fajitas, or even on its own with a drizzle of sauce. Easy Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish for any Tex-Mex meal. It’s light, fluffy, and just the right amount of flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that always seems to disappear fast when served, and no one’s ever left wishing for more complexity.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice

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.

If you’re after big, bold flavors, Texas-Style Carne Asada is the way to go. The steak is tender, juicy, and cooked just right, offering a satisfying experience in every bite. Whether you’re using it for tacos, burritos, or just enjoying it on its own, the smoky, savory flavors will have everyone reaching for more. It’s a no-fail option that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

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

A Slow Cooker Carnitas Board is the ultimate way to serve up a crowd-pleasing feast. The slow-cooked pork is tender, flavorful, and practically melts in your mouth. Set it out with all the fixings, and let everyone build their own plate, creating their perfect combination. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy a meal without skimping on flavor or fun.
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.

With a few pulses, you’ll have a homemade salsa ready to go, and it won’t last long. Food Processor Salsa is the perfect way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to any meal. The texture is just right, not too chunky, and not too smooth. It’s versatile enough to pair with chips, tacos, or grilled meats, making it the go-to dip for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Don’t throw away that leftover steak—turn it into a Leftover Steak Quesadilla! It’s an easy way to reimagine last night’s dinner into something new and exciting. With just the right amount of meltiness and crispy edges, every bite will have you wishing you made extra steak the first time around. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look forward to leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Pineapple Salsa

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

This salsa will have you looking for new ways to serve it, and it’s so good that everyone will ask for the recipe. Pineapple Salsa brings a sweet twist to your usual salsa routine. It’s refreshing, light, and a great complement to grilled meats or seafood. The natural sweetness balances out the heat and adds a touch of summer to any meal.
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.

Whether you’re serving it in tacos or mixing it into a bowl, it’s the base of a satisfying, flavorful meal. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is your go-to filling for tacos, burritos, and beyond. It’s packed with savory, well-balanced flavors that make any Tex-Mex dish a hit. Easy to make, it’s perfect for meal prep and great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Breakfast Burritos in a plastic bag on a wooden table.
Freezer Breakfast Burritos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Once you taste how good these are, you’ll wish you’d made more. Freezer Breakfast Burritos are the answer to your busy mornings. These grab-and-go burritos are packed with everything you need for a filling breakfast, and they freeze perfectly for later. They’re a fantastic way to make breakfast easy without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

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.

When you’re craving something simple yet full of flavor, Mexican Rice has you covered. It’s a versatile side that complements almost anything, from fajitas to enchiladas. The flavors are rich enough to stand on their own but not overpowering. It’s quick to make, and even quicker to disappear when it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Blackberry Margarita with smoke coming out the top of the glass.
Smoked Blackberry Margarita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A fun, refreshing drink that’s anything but ordinary, making it a crowd favorite. Smoked Blackberry Margarita brings a smoky-sweet twist to your typical margarita. It’s the perfect drink for anyone looking to add a bit of complexity to their cocktail lineup. The blackberries offer a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the smoky finish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Grilled Corn Guacamole

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

For those who like to think outside the avocado, Grilled Corn Guacamole is a game-changer. The smoky grilled corn adds a depth of flavor that transforms the classic guacamole. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and new, making it a great conversation starter at any gathering. Don’t be surprised when the bowl empties faster than you can refill it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

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.

It’s simple, satisfying, and just the right touch for any fiesta spread. Pico de Gallo is that fresh, tangy topping that just works with everything. Whether you’re scooping it up with chips or spooning it over tacos, it’s the burst of freshness every Tex-Mex meal needs. This dish brings a balanced mix of texture and flavor, without being too much of anything.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for tacos or burritos, it’s a savory, mouthwatering dish that always disappears fast. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is a smoky spin on a classic favorite. The tender, juicy chicken takes on a whole new level of flavor with the slow-smoking process. If you’ve never tried smoked chicken in this style, prepare to be impressed.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Mexican Black Beans

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

A humble side dish that has a way of stealing the show every time. Mexican Black Beans have a simple yet flavorful side that pairs with almost anything. These beans are hearty enough to be a main, but versatile enough to complement any dish. The savory flavors blend perfectly with rice, tacos, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These skewers are perfect for a casual dinner or a barbecue with friends. Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are a show-stopping dish that adds a smoky depth to your grilling routine. The steak is tender, juicy, and perfectly charred, while the mojo rojo sauce brings an irresistible tang. Serve them with a side of rice or guacamole for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A dish that’s both comforting and exciting, keeping everyone coming back for more. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are a winning combination of smoky, savory chicken and crispy, cheesy goodness. The unique flavors of al pastor add an exciting twist to the traditional quesadilla. Once you take a bite, the crispy tortilla and melty cheese create the perfect balance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Smoked Jalapenos

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

Great on their own or tossed into a dish for added flavor and heat. Smoked Jalapenos brings a smoky, bold kick to any Tex-Mex spread. These peppers are perfect for anyone who likes a little heat without going overboard. The smoky flavor adds depth, and the subtle char keeps the crunch intact. Serve them up with a side of ranch or dip for extra cooling.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

By

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.