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Make Every Bite Count With 19 Tex-Mex Family Pleasers

Family dinners get an exciting twist with these hearty Tex-Mex recipes designed to please everyone around the table. Each dish offers a great balance of ease and flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a quick meal solution, these recipes keep the focus on enjoying time together while serving up something everyone will love.

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 staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, Mexican Rice brings a hearty and comforting presence to your dinner table. This dish offers a fulfilling base that complements any main course with its rich and aromatic flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that ensures no one leaves the table hungry. Gather your family and share the warmth that this Mexican Rice provides on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl with cherry tomatoes and green peppers on the side.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dish that’s both simple and brimming with flavor, Chicken Tinga is an unbeatable option. Its tender, shredded texture makes it versatile for tacos, tostadas, or even as a protein-rich topping for salads. Each bite is a testament to authentic Tex-Mex culinary traditions, sure to be a hit at your next family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the vibrant and fulfilling taste of Mexican Street Corn Salad during your family gatherings. This dish combines the beloved flavors of traditional street corn in a convenient salad form, ideal for easy serving and sharing. It’s a great side dish that offers both color and flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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.

Fresh and tangy, Tomatillo Pico de Gallo offers a unique twist on a classic salsa. Its refreshing bite brightens up dishes and can be scooped onto nearly anything that needs a flavor lift. Ideal for cozy indoor taco nights, it brings a burst of freshness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

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.

Prepare for the sumptuous, slow-cooked flavors of Birria de Res, a comforting stew that is packed with warmth. Ideal for those extra chilly nights, it can be enjoyed as is or used as a filling for tacos. Let this dish be the centerpiece of your next family dinner, offering sustenance and warmth from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Cheez-Its Tostada

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

Transform snack time into a memorable meal with Cheez-Its Tostada, an inventive take on classic Tex-Mex. This quirky dish adds a fun crunch to the dinner circuit, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter. Perfect for when you want to shake things up at mealtime. On a cold evening, gather around the table for this as it is as amusing as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Four pieces of Air Fryer Beef Empanadas on a black rectangular slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Indulge in the crispy, flaky crust of Air Fryer Beef Empanadas without the hassle of traditional frying. These pockets of joy are an ideal snack or meal, brimming with a hearty beef filling. Quick to prepare, they make a convenient addition to your weeknight menu rotation. Share these warm empanadas with loved ones as the perfect antidote to a cold day’s weather.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Texas Cowboy Stew

A pot filled with a Texas Cowboy stew is being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Texas Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

When the cold winds blow, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Texas Cowboy Stew to provide comfort. This robust stew combines hearty ingredients in a flavorful broth, making it a one-pot wonder. It’s a surefire hit that’s bound to become a favorite during the colder months. Spoon into this stew and let the cozy vibes take over your winter evening.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Stew

Smoked Jalapenos

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

Liven up your dishes with the smoky kick of Smoked Jalapenos. These peppers add a subtle heat that can warm you up from the inside, perfect as a garnish or integrated into recipes. When you’re looking to spice up your dinner lineup, Smoked Jalapenos are your go-to. Enjoy the warmth they bring to every meal on those nippy nights.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

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

Stock up for those brisk mornings with Freezer Breakfast Burritos. They provide a quick, hearty start to any day, filled with flavor that keeps you satisfied until lunch. Ideal for busy families, these burritos can be heated up in a flash, ensuring a warm and enjoyable breakfast even on the chilliest mornings. Cozy up with a breakfast burrito to start your day right.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Smoked Blackberry Margarita

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

Warm your spirits with a twist on a classic cocktail, Smoked Blackberry Margarita. It’s a drink that can turn any dinner into a special occasion, offering a balance of smoky and sweet. Perfect for winding down after a busy day or sipping alongside your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. When the night is clear and cold, this margarita is a perfect companion.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Baked Spanish Rice

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

Baked Spanish Rice is a fuss-free side that bakes to perfection in the oven. Its fluffy texture and flavorful essence make it a reliable companion to any Tex-Mex entree. It’s an especially good choice for large family dinners where time and oven space are at a premium. As temperatures drop, warm up with this baked treat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Texas Corn Succotash

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

A colorful blend that brightens any meal is Texas Corn Succotash. Offering a mix of textures and flavors, it’s a side dish that can easily steal the spotlight. It tastefully complements various mains, balancing out spicier offerings with its milder profile. During the colder months, this succotash brings a touch of warmth to your home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Taco Casserole

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

Taco Casserole is a comfort food fusion that’s guaranteed to be a highlight of any meal plan. It’s easy to assemble, and the oven does most of the work, allowing you more time to relax. A definite winner for those who love the taco flavor profile in a hearty casserole form. Enjoy the cozy comfort it brings to dinner on a frosty evening.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

A closeup of Vegan Mexican Rice with tomatoes in the background.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a lighter take on a traditional side, perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful, low-carb option with Mexican Cauliflower Rice. Each forkful is packed with taste, proving healthy options don’t have to be boring. It’s a dish that’s as good for you as it is good to eat. Warm up your dinner spread with this Mexican Cauliflower Rice when the weather is less than forgiving.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

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.

Spice up your meals with Chile de Arbol Salsa, known for its fiery kick. This salsa can be used to top off nearly any dish that could use a bit of heat and flavor. It beats the chill by adding a spicy touch to your favorite Tex-Mex creations. Embrace a bit of heat with this salsa to keep the cold at bay.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pico de Gallo is a classic fresh salsa that instantly enhances the dishes it accompanies. Its fresh, diced ingredients offer a crisp compliment to heavier meals, making every bite count. Serve it up during family movie nights or as a starter for your next dinner. When the temperatures fall, Pico de Gallo is a refreshing addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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

Transform your mealtime with Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas, oozing with cheese and packed with flavor. They’re simple to put together and are a hit with diners of all ages. Whether it’s dinner or a late-night snack, these quesadillas are always a good idea. They provide the perfect cozy fix that’s both hearty and utterly enjoyable during cooler weather.
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.

A bowl of Mexican Black Beans can be the heartwarming side you’ve been looking for. They pair excellently with rice or can stand alone with their full-bodied flavor. Beans are a traditional staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, loved for their versatility and comfort-food status. On a windy, cold night, enjoy these beans for their satisfying simplicity and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

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