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31 Tex-Mex Dinners So Flavorful, You’ll Start Keeping Hot Sauce on Standby

Unleash the full fiesta of flavor with our lineup of 31 Tex-Mex dinners that are so irresistibly delicious, you’ll find yourself reaching for the hot sauce before you even take the first bite! From sizzling and savory fajitas to mouthwatering and cheesy enchiladas, our menu is guaranteed to shake up your dinner routine and have you savoring every spicy, zesty, and cheesy bite. Say adiós to bland and boring meals and get ready to bring the heat to your kitchen with our tex-mex dinners that are so flavorful, you’ll start keeping hot sauce on standby.

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

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

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

The key to a good meal is variety, and Slow Cooker Carnitas Board brings plenty of it. Tender, seasoned meat sits at the center, surrounded by just the right mix of fresh, crunchy, and spicy toppings. Whether piled high in a tortilla or enjoyed straight from the board, every bite delivers smoky, juicy perfection. It’s the kind of spread that turns any gathering into an event, and leftovers—if there are any—don’t stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

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.

A good steak needs bold seasoning, and Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo get it just right. Perfectly grilled with a bit of char, these skewers bring deep, smoky flavor with just enough heat to keep things interesting. The sauce takes it to another level, soaking into the meat and balancing every bite with a mix of spice and tang. Whether served straight from the grill or loaded onto a plate, this is the kind of steak that doesn’t need a second invitation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

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 good margarita balances bold flavors, and this one does it with smoky depth and a little fruit-forward kick. Smoked Blackberry Margarita isn’t just a drink; it’s a conversation starter, a perfect mix of fire and freshness in a glass. The smokiness lingers just enough to keep things interesting, while the tart and sweet flavors take turns stealing the spotlight. Whether it’s paired with spicy food or enjoyed on its own, it doesn’t just quench thirst—it makes an impression.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

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Tacos Dorados

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

Crunchy on the outside, packed with flavor on the inside, Tacos Dorados bring the best kind of contrast to every bite. These golden, crispy tacos hold a perfectly seasoned filling that stays juicy under that crisp shell. Each bite has just the right amount of crunch before the bold, savory flavors take over. Whether dipped, topped, or eaten straight from the plate, they refuse to be ignored. There’s a reason these are always a favorite—once you start, stopping isn’t easy.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Easy Mexican Rice

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

Simple doesn’t mean boring, and Easy Mexican Rice proves that every time it hits the plate. Each fluffy grain is coated in just the right amount of seasoning, creating a dish that stands on its own or makes everything around it better. The rich color hints at the bold flavors hiding in every spoonful, making it impossible to skip. Whether served as a side or used to soak up all the extra sauce, it’s the kind of rice that never gets left behind.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice

Guacamole Snack Board

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

Fresh, creamy, and loaded with options, Guacamole Snack Board takes a classic and turns it into an event. The guacamole itself is smooth with just the right amount of texture, delivering that signature mix of richness and bold seasoning. Surrounding it are crispy, crunchy, and spicy add-ons that make every bite different. Whether scooped, spread, or piled high, it’s the kind of snack that keeps the party going.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

A closeup shot of two tacos filled with smoked pork belly and vegetables.
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich, smoky, and perfectly crisped, Smoked Pork Belly Tacos deliver bite after bite of pure flavor. The pork belly is slow-smoked until tender, then finished with just the right amount of char for texture and depth. Each taco balances the richness of the meat with the right mix of fresh, spicy, and tangy elements. They’re the kind of tacos that don’t just disappear—they’re talked about long after the plate is empty.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

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

Mornings don’t always allow for a full meal, but Freezer Breakfast Burritos make sure flavor isn’t sacrificed. Packed with bold, satisfying ingredients, they’re hearty enough to keep you full without slowing you down. Each bite delivers a mix of rich, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped in a perfectly toasted tortilla. Whether grabbed on the go or heated up for a sit-down meal, these burritos prove that convenience doesn’t have to be bland.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fall-apart tender and packed with flavor, Dutch Oven Carnitas bring slow-cooked perfection to the table. The meat is juicy, deeply seasoned, and crisped up just enough to add that perfect bite of texture. Whether piled into tortillas or stacked on a plate, every bite is a mix of crispy, juicy, and bold flavors. It’s the kind of meal that smells as good as it tastes and disappears just as fast.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If a dip could have personality, Creamy Jalapeño Dip would be the one that keeps things interesting. It’s smooth and rich with just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more. The balance between creamy and spicy makes it a must-have for chips, tacos, or anything that needs an extra kick. It’s bold without being overwhelming and dangerously easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Big flavor wrapped up in one neat package, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito delivers everything you’d want in a Tex-Mex bite. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken meets layers of texture and spice, all tucked into a soft tortilla. Every bite brings a little crunch, a little heat, and a whole lot of flavor balance. It’s fast-food-inspired but made even better, proving that homemade versions always win.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When a side dish refuses to be ignored, you get Baked Spanish Rice. It’s hearty, well-seasoned, and carries just the right amount of bold flavor to stand on its own. Every spoonful brings rich, deep seasoning with a texture that stays fluffy but satisfying. Whether paired with other dishes or enjoyed solo, this is the kind of rice that won’t sit untouched.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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

Crunchy, golden pockets of flavor, Air Fryer Beef Empanadas bring big taste with minimal effort. The outer layer is crisp but sturdy, giving way to a rich, well-seasoned filling that’s impossible to ignore. Each bite is packed with just the right balance of spice and savoriness, making them perfect for dipping, sharing, or just eating straight from the plate. Whether served as a snack or a full meal, these empanadas disappear fast.
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.

Slow-cooked, deeply seasoned, and impossible to forget, Birria de Res is a dish that delivers. The meat is fall-apart tender, infused with layers of smoky, rich flavor that soak into every bite. The broth, packed with bold seasoning, is just as important—perfect for dipping, sipping, or drenching over everything. Whether eaten on its own or stuffed into tacos, this is the kind of meal that makes an impression and leaves you wondering why you didn’t make more.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

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.

Packed with flavor in every bite, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl brings fast food-style convenience with homemade quality. Juicy chicken meets bold seasoning, fresh toppings, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of bowl that doesn’t just fill you up—it makes sure every bite counts. Whether eaten straight from the bowl or wrapped up in a tortilla, it’s the kind of meal that doesn’t get old.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy on the outside, slightly tangy on the inside, Fried Tomatillos bring a new kind of crunch. The tartness of the tomatillo balances out the crispy coating, making every bite pop with flavor. They work as a side, a topping, or just something to snack on straight from the plate. Either way, they don’t last long once they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet meets heat in the best way possible with Mango Habanero Salsa. The fruitiness keeps things fresh while the spice makes sure you don’t forget what you’re eating. It’s the kind of salsa that starts out mild but finishes with just the right level of kick. Whether used as a dip, a topping, or something to wake up a dish, it brings the perfect balance of bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

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.

The smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors of Smoked Chicken Al Pastor make it a standout. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, absorbing just the right amount of smoky depth while staying juicy. Every bite is packed with layers of bold seasoning that work together without overpowering. Whether stuffed into tacos or plated up with rice, this dish proves that smoky and spicy were meant to be together.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright, bold, and full of contrasting textures, Texas Corn Succotash brings a little something extra to the table. The mix of sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a perfect side that never feels like an afterthought. Every bite combines a bit of crunch, a touch of heat, and enough seasoning to keep things interesting. Whether served next to grilled meats or eaten straight from the spoon, it’s a dish that doesn’t sit untouched for long.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with deep, rich flavor, Chicken Tinga Tostadas know how to stand out. The shredded chicken is perfectly seasoned, sitting atop a crispy tostada that adds just the right amount of crunch. Toppings add freshness, spice, and balance, making each bite a full experience. This isn’t just a tostada—it’s a bold, flavor-packed bite that demands attention.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A little sweet, a little spicy, and completely addictive, Ginger Spice Cookies bring the perfect mix of warmth and crunch. The spice blend is bold without being overpowering, creating a cookie that’s crisp on the edges and soft in the middle. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or just a second helping. One bite, and stopping at just one is nearly impossible.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

When leftovers turn into something this good, they don’t stay leftovers for long. Leftover Steak Quesadilla takes perfectly seasoned, juicy steak and layers it between crispy, golden tortillas. The result is a cheesy, savory, and slightly smoky bite that’s hard to put down. Whether dipped, topped, or eaten as is, this quesadilla makes the most of what’s left in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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.

Juicy, seasoned, and incredibly versatile, Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a must-have in any Tex-Mex lineup. Every bite is infused with deep, bold flavors that make it perfect for tacos, burritos, or just spooning straight from the pan. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with just the right amount of spice. No matter how it’s served, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Pineapple Salsa

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

Sweet and spicy in the best way, Pineapple Salsa delivers bright, tropical flavors with a little kick. The sweetness balances out the heat, making every bite fresh and bold. It’s perfect for topping grilled meats, scooping up with chips, or just eating by the spoonful. The mix of textures and flavors keeps things interesting until the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turning leftovers into something special, Leftover Steak Soft Tacos bring big flavor without the extra work. Juicy, well-seasoned steak is tucked into warm tortillas, with just the right toppings to bring out the best in every bite. The combination of textures and flavors makes each taco feel fresh and new. It’s proof that leftovers don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Smoked Queso

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

The best kind of queso is the one that brings layers of smoky, melty goodness, and Smoked Queso delivers exactly that. Rich, velvety cheese is infused with bold flavors, making every dip something worth repeating. The smokiness adds depth, making it more than just another cheese dip—it’s an experience. Whether scooped up with chips or drizzled over everything in sight, this queso refuses to be ignored.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

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

Juicy, tender, and packed with bold seasoning, Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken is a meal that delivers. The slow roasting process allows every bite to soak up deep, smoky flavors while staying incredibly moist. Whether shredded into tacos, piled onto rice, or eaten straight from the pan, this chicken refuses to be boring. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma long before it hits the plate.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Smoked Jalapeños

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

Bold, fiery, and loaded with deep, smoky flavor, Smoked Jalapeños are a game-changer. The heat level sneaks up, balanced by a rich smokiness that keeps things from being one-note. Whether eaten on their own or added to other dishes, they bring just the right amount of spice. They may be small, but they don’t go unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeños

Food Processor Salsa

Homemade salsa on a black plate with tortilla chips.
Food Processor Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh, bold, and packed with just the right amount of heat, Food Processor Salsa proves that simple can still be flavorful. It’s smooth but textured, delivering a perfect balance of spice and tanginess in every scoop. Whether eaten with chips or poured over tacos, it’s the kind of salsa that makes everything better. Once it’s on the table, it won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa

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.

Creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavors, Mexican Street Corn Soup takes a classic and turns it into a spoon-worthy dish. The mix of textures keeps it interesting, while the balance of seasoning makes every bite count. Whether served as a side or the main event, it’s comforting and unforgettable. One bowl is never enough.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Black Beans

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

Rich, hearty, and perfectly seasoned, Mexican Black Beans make the perfect side or standalone dish. They’re packed with deep, bold flavors that soak into every bite. Whether served alongside rice, in tacos, or straight from the spoon, they never feel like an afterthought. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

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