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15 Tex-Mex Recipes to Make Your Kitchen More Popular Than The Drive-Through

Step up your cooking game with these 15 Tex-Mex recipes that’ll make your kitchen the new go-to spot for family dinners. These recipes turn average nights into something special. Skip the greasy takeout and say goodbye to lukewarm drive-through orders. These dishes are quick, simple, and will make your taste buds wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. You’ll be the hero of the week—no cape required, just a spatula.

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. 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.

Get ready to wow your guests with this unexpected twist on your average corn on the cob. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs offer a new way to enjoy one of the most popular street foods. The corn is grilled to perfection and seasoned to create the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory. It’s a fun and shareable side dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You won’t look at Caesar the same way again. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is the perfect twist on a classic salad with a bit of a kick. It combines the creamy dressing you love with a bold Tex-Mex flair, making it a great side dish or main course. With a little crunch, spice, and everything nice, it’s a salad that everyone will enjoy. It’s the perfect way to add a little flair to your usual salad rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

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.

Skip the heavy marinades and go for something quick, easy, and seriously flavorful. Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are packed with bold flavors that will make your grilling game stronger than ever. The steak is tender, juicy, and full of smoky goodness, while the sauce adds a tangy, spicy punch. Whether you’re having a casual cookout or a big family meal, these skewers are the perfect addition to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Pineapple Salsa

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

Skip the usual and give your meals a little tropical twist that everyone will love. Pineapple Salsa brings a sweet and savory contrast that works with pretty much any Tex-Mex dish. It’s the perfect topping for tacos or grilled meats, adding a burst of flavor with every bite. This salsa balances heat with sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe takes traditional empanadas and makes them even better with a healthier spin. Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and perfect for any meal or snack. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, thanks to the air fryer. You can fill them with whatever you like, and they cook up fast without all the extra oil. They’ll quickly become your new go-to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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.

Once you serve it up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Birria de Res is a flavorful, hearty beef stew that’s perfect for tacos or as a comforting meal on its own. The slow-cooked beef gives off rich, deep flavors, while the broth adds a tangy kick. This dish can be a showstopper at any dinner, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

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.

It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is the foundation for so many Tex-Mex dishes, and for good reason. It’s versatile, flavorful, and cooks up quickly for busy nights. This beef can be used in tacos, burritos, or just served as a simple, hearty meal. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a must-have in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re entertaining or just want a snack that’s both easy and delicious, Guacamole Snack Board is the answer. It takes the classic guacamole and pairs it with all the right sides for dipping. This recipe adds a fun, customizable element to your spread, letting everyone choose what they want to dip. Skip the boring chips and get creative with your snacks. It’ll be a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

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.

No more bland store-bought versions—this one will have everyone asking for the recipe. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is a game-changer if you’re looking for something with a smoky, fresh flavor. This salsa pairs perfectly with any Tex-Mex dish, bringing that extra kick you’ve been craving. It’s easy to make and stores well, so you can keep it on hand for those busy days.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

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.

If you want to make a fresh and tangy addition to your meals, Tomatillo Pico de Gallo is the way to go. This mix is perfect for tacos, nachos, or just as a snack with chips. It’s light but full of flavor, and the tanginess will hit just right. You won’t need to reach for that jar of salsa again. It’s that good, and it’s made fresh in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo 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.

It’ll be the new go-to for any Tex-Mex night. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor takes your typical chicken to a whole new level. It’s a perfect blend of smoky flavor and tender meat that can’t be beaten. Whether you’re serving it up with tacos or a burrito, this dish makes a bold statement at the table. Skip the drive-through and impress your family with this simple yet flavorful recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Taco Casserole

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

This recipe brings all the flavors of Tex-Mex into a simple, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s sure to become a regular in your meal plan. Taco Casserole is your favorite taco filling baked up in a convenient, all-in-one dish. It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and perfect for serving a crowd. Skip the mess of assembling individual tacos and get everything in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy, rich soup with all the flavors you love from street corn, in a bowl. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and creaminess that will warm you up and satisfy your cravings. This soup is an easy way to bring a little something special to dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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

It’s an easy dish to prepare, yet feels like a special treat. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are the perfect combination of crispy and juicy in every bite. The smoky chicken gives a unique twist to your standard quesadilla. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal everyone will ask for again. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Mexican Black Beans

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

Mexican Black Beans add a hearty, flavorful base to any Tex-Mex meal. They’re quick, easy, and make a perfect side dish or topping for your tacos and burritos. This recipe gives you all the right flavors without the hassle. Skip the canned beans and enjoy a homemade version that’s bursting with flavor. Trust us, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

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