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17 Ways To Make Tex-Mex The Star Of Your Dinner Table

Tex-Mex dishes bring bold flavors and comforting meals to your table with ease. This collection offers creative ways to make it the centerpiece of your dinner, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Ideal for the colder months, these recipes bring a warm and satisfying twist to your usual meal rotation.

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

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.

A cozy dinner table is incomplete without a side that brings warmth and comfort, and Mexican Rice is just the dish for that. Its fluffy texture and aromatic flavor make it an irreplaceable addition to any Tex-Mex meal. Pair it with your favorite meat or vegetables, and you have a complete meal that will keep you full and content.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

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.

Freshness in every bite, Pico de Gallo adds a refreshing touch to your Tex-Mex feast. It’s the ideal complement to the bold flavors found in tacos, burritos, and nachos, enhancing each bite without overpowering. Its simple preparation allows the natural flavors to shine through, making it a must-have for any get-together. Serving this will surely bring a fresh perspective to your dinner offerings.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

Transform corn into a show-stopping side with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. This dish turns a familiar vegetable into an exciting, flavorful experience that’s both fun to make and eat. Its charred edges and smoky taste make it an unforgettable part of any meal. Wrap up your dinner with this unique take on a classic favorite, ensuring smiles all around the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re aiming for a dish that combines easy cooking with explosive flavor, Chicken Tinga is your go-to. It’s the backbone of many memorable tacos and tostadas, blending spices, tomato, and chicken in perfect harmony. This dish offers a comforting warmth, ideal for those cooler evenings when you crave something heartening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-It Tostada on a plate with hot sauce in a bottle.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a playful twist on a traditional dish, Cheez-Its Tostada merges childhood nostalgia with adult sophistication. It’s a conversation starter, bringing an unexpected crunch and flavor to the table. This dish serves as a reminder that food can be fun and innovative while still rooted in tradition. Crossing the finish line of your meal with this ingenious creation guarantees a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

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.

Nothing says hearty dining like a well-marinated Texas-Style Carne Asada. The robust flavors and tender meat provide a fulfilling centerpiece for any Tex-Mex dinner. It’s a dish that demands attention, creating a focal point for gatherings. Sharing this meal around the table not only feeds the body but also the spirit of camaraderie and family.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

The comforting aroma of Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken has a way of bringing everyone to the table. Its tender meat, infused with a blend of spices, falls right off the bone. Ideal for a laid-back dinner, it allows you time to enjoy with loved ones while it cooks to perfection. This dish assures a heartwarming end to any day, filled with flavors and ease.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Smoked Queso

Smoked queso in a black pot.
Smoked Queso. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your appetizer game with Smoked Queso, a creamy, smoky dip that’s impossible to resist. It pairs perfectly with chips or fresh vegetables, adding a rich, indulgent start to your feast. This dish is all about sharing, making it a favorite for communal dining. The joy of dipping into this queso together promises a cozy and welcoming atmosphere around your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

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

Freezer Breakfast Burritos offers a Tex-Mex twist to start your day right, but they’re also perfect for a casual dinner. These make-ahead meals are packed with flavor and ready whenever you need a quick, fulfilling bite. They prove that breakfast for dinner is not only acceptable but also delicious and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

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.

Brighten up your table with Tomatillo Pico de Gallo, a vibrant twist on the classic. This version adds a tangy spark to your dishes, making it an exciting addition to meats and tortilla-based foods. Its refreshing taste is a welcome contrast to the hearty flavors typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. Integrating this into your meal lineup is sure to inject a dose of freshness into your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Pineapple Salsa

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

Pineapple Salsa is your ticket to a sweet and spicy flavor adventure. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats or fish, offering a tropical twist that surprises and pleases. The combination of sweetness from the pineapple and the kick from the spices creates a harmonious balance. This salsa is a brilliant way to mix up your usual Tex-Mex night with something a little different.
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.

You’re bringing a versatile powerhouse to your dinner table with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. It’s the foundation for countless dishes, from tacos to casseroles, making it a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire. Its rich seasoning and hearty texture make every meal feel like a special occasion. This dish epitomizes comfort food, wrapping you in warmth with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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.

Experience the rich, succulent flavors of Birria de Res, a stew that encapsulates traditional cooking at its best. This slowly simmered dish transforms beef into a tender, flavor-packed feast, ideal for sharing on any occasion. It’s a soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for when you need a bit of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tacos Dorados bring crunch and satisfaction to your Tex-Mex dinner like no other. These crispy tacos, filled and then fried to golden perfection, are a pleasure both to make and eat. They offer a delicious contrast of textures, with the exterior providing a satisfying snap with each bite. Ending your day with these is a surefire way to add a burst of joy to your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Chile de Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol Salsa on wooden board with chips and chilies nearby.
Chile de Arbol Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking to introduce a bit of heat to your dishes, Chile de Arbol Salsa has you covered. This salsa is not for the faint-hearted, delivering a spicy kick that complements a variety of Tex-Mex dishes. It’s perfect for those who love to add a bit more excitement to their meals. This fiery addition guarantees a lively conversation starter at your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Taco Casserole

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

Taco Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining all your favorite taco elements into one delicious bake. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone at the table finds something to love. It’s the ultimate in convenience and taste, ideal for warming up on a chilly evening. Bringing this casserole to the table promises a hearty meal that leaves everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

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 simple yet profoundly flavorful side, Mexican Black Beans are unbeatable. They bring depth to any meal, offering a creamy texture that complements both meat and vegetable dishes. This is a must-have for any Tex-Mex dinner, providing nutrition as well as taste. It’s a humble dish that stands tall in flavor and comfort, making it a staple for your culinary lineup.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

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