Outdoing restaurant favorites isn’t easy, but these 17 Tex-Mex picks manage to pull it off every time. Each one is a reminder that homemade meals can be just as exciting as the ones served with tortilla chips in a basket. They’re crowd-pleasers that leave no room for complaints—or leftovers. The best part? No waiting for a table or deciphering a menu in dim lighting.
Pico de Gallo
Often, a fresh kick is all you need to bring a dish to life. Kids have rated this over any store-bought version because it packs a punch without overpowering the taste of the main meal. It’s quick to whip up and has become a must-have on our family table, proving that sometimes simple really is best. This Pico de Gallo brings a burst of freshness any day.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Mexican Rice
You might think rice is just a side dish, but wait until you try this version. It’s turned into a star dish by my kids, preferring it over any restaurant side rice. Full of flavor and pairs well with almost anything, it’s a staple in our Tex-Mex nights. Mexican Rice has shown us the magic of turning the ordinary into extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Who knew corn could steal the show? This dish turned a simple veggie into a main attraction at our dinner table, winning over the kids’ votes against dining out. Perfect for those looking for something a bit different, it’s been a game-changer. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs have introduced us to a whole new way to enjoy corn.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Pineapple Salsa
If you’re in for a surprise, this twist on a classic salsa will do the trick. Sweet meets savory here, creating a unique combo that my kids now crave more than their favorite restaurant appetizers. Not your average salsa, it’s a refreshing change from the usual. Pineapple Salsa has become the unexpected hit at our gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Ever thought chicken could melt in your mouth? This dish proves it’s possible, making it a family favorite over many restaurant main courses. It’s not just about the tenderness, but the depth of flavor that makes it a repeat request for dinner. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken has easily topped our list of comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Birria de Res
Here’s something for those who love a good, hearty stew. It has outshined even the most loved restaurant stews, according to my kids. Lending a comforting warmth and rich taste, it’s a testament to how home cooking can beat eating out. Birria de Res has become a much-anticipated dish on chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Ever wonder how to give leftovers a second life? This recipe has turned leftover steak into an exciting meal that the kids prefer over fast food tacos. It’s amazing how a simple twist can transform something ordinary into a family favorite. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos have shown us the joy of reinventing meals.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Texas-Style Carne Asada
Grilling takes a delicious turn with this mouthwatering dish, which has won over the hearts of my kids, making them forget about their usual restaurant orders. It’s the kind of meal that makes our home feel like the best place to dine. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, Texas-Style Carne Asada has become a highlight of our family BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Smoked Jalapenos
Snack time has been revolutionized in our house with a dish that’s as exciting as it is simple. They bring a smoky kick that the kids can’t get enough of, making them a perfect side or snack. Smoked Jalapenos have crowned themselves as a fiery favorite, outdoing any restaurant’s similar offerings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos
Taco Casserole
Imagine all the taco goodness baked into one delicious casserole; that’s exactly what this recipe does. It’s become a favorite, with my kids voting it above all other taco nights out. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, Taco Casserole has made family dinners something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish brings the tenderness and flavors of carnitas right to our table, making it a preferred choice over dining out. This allows for a customizable feast that keeps everyone happy and satisfied. This Slow Cooker Carnitas Board has made our weekend meals a time of excitement.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Food Processor Salsa
Who knew that a food processor could churn out something this good? This version has overtaken any jarred salsa in popularity in our house. It’s fresh, quick, and packed with flavor, making it a hit. Food Processor Salsa is our go-to for an instant flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Transforming last night’s steak into today’s crave-worthy quesadilla, this recipe has found favor with my kitchen critics, voting it over many a restaurant offering. It’s a testament to the power of the quesadilla to make leftovers exciting again. Leftover Steak Quesadilla has become a resourceful and delicious way to enjoy steak a second time.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Adding a twist to the classic guacamole, this recipe incorporates grilled corn for an unbeatable combination. It’s become more than just a dip; it’s a necessity for any family gathering, chosen over any outside version. Grilled Corn Guacamole brings a smoky sweetness that’s become a new family tradition.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Forget fast food — this homemade gem has swayed my kids’ allegiance with its incredible flavors. It replicates and enhances the familiar joy of a beloved burrito, making it a new home favorite. This Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito has proven that homemade can indeed surpass the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Dutch oven Carnitas
There’s something about slow-cooking in a Dutch oven that brings out incredible flavors, as proven by this dish. It’s a method that’s stolen the spotlight from many restaurant meals, offering tender, flavorful bites every time. Dutch oven Carnitas have become a mouthwatering staple for our festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Dutch oven Carnitas
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Not just your typical ground beef, this dish turns a simple ingredient into a flavorful masterpiece. It’s won rave reviews from my kids, placing it above many restaurant versions of ground beef dishes. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef has shown us the versatility and delicious potential of ground beef with a Tex-Mex twist.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef