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17 Tex-Mex Dishes That Prove Dinner Doesn’t Have to Be Boring When You Crave Flavor

Who says dinner needs to be predictable when Tex-Mex is on the table? With 17 bold dishes ready to shake things up, there’s no chance of monotony sneaking onto your plate. Each recipe packs just the right punch to make dinner the most exciting part of your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these meals deliver on flavor without overcomplicating things.

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.

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.

Sometimes, what a meal needs is a reliable side that holds its own. Mexican Rice is that trusty companion, enhancing any plate with its robust presence. It’s the companion that makes sure your flavorful mains don’t go solo. And best of all, it’s as filling as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

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.

If you fancy something hearty, look no further. Picture a warm, filling bowl that’s perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family. Texas Cowboy Stew combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a satisfying meal. Nothing spells ‘home’ like a dish that brings together everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Stew

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Think of a dish that brings the color and excitement of a festival to your plate. Mexican Street Corn Salad does just that – it’s a vibrant celebration of taste that perks up any meal. It’s perfect for those who want a side that’s just as lively as the main act. Share it at your next gathering and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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.

Craving a fast-food favorite but want to stay in? Create the magic at home with a Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. This dish lets you control the flavor and freshness, injecting that much-loved fast-food flair into your own kitchen. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a casual yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Mango Habanero Salsa

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

Add a bit of fire to your feast with a side that’s anything but mild. Mango Habanero Salsa is a lively addition to your table, offering up a contrast that’s both sweet and heat. It’s perfect for those who love their dishes with a kick, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Don’t just sit there, get your chips ready.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Texas Corn Succotash

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

For a twist on tradition, why not lend your meal a Southern influence? Texas Corn Succotash infuses your dining experience with a touch of down-home comfort. It’s a blend that ties together different textures and tastes to complete any meal. Perfect for those who dig a meal with roots as deep as its flavors.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Leftovers in the fridge can be the beginning of something fantastic. Whip up a Leftover Steak Quesadilla and watch yesterday’s meal transform into today’s star. It’s a clever way to create a new eating experience from what you already have. Plus, it’s proof that second chances in the kitchen can yield some pretty amazing results.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Tacos Dorados

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

Crispy on the outside, filled with flavor on the inside, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. Tacos Dorados are fried to perfection, creating an irresistible crunch with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a festive occasion. It’s no wonder they’re a staple when it comes to feeding a group and making it memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Dutch Oven Carnitas

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

Imagine a dish slow-cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor. Dutch Oven Carnitas is that dish, bringing a traditional cooking method to the modern table. Gather around the pot and let each forkful remind you of the power of patience in cooking. It’s ideal for those who aren’t afraid to take their time in pursuit of a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

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.

Sometimes, it’s the smoky flavor that makes a dish unforgettable. Smoked Pork Belly Tacos pack that punch, redefining the humble taco with a rich and full-bodied taste. It’s the sort of dish that doesn’t just feed you, it transports you to a place where every meal is an experience. For taco enthusiasts looking for that extra oomph, this is your calling.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Food Processor Salsa

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

Who knew convenience could taste so good? With a Food Processor Salsa, you’re moments away from a homemade condiment that upgrades any dish. It’s all about the freshness and speed, proving that great flavors don’t need to be complicated. A bit of whirr in the kitchen and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

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

Picture a meal that cooks itself as you go about your day – a feast ready to greet you when you’re back home. Slow Cooker Carnitas Board is a fuss-free way to serve up flavors that have taken their time to develop. It’s perfect for gatherings where the food needs to impress without the host being tied to the kitchen. The aroma alone will welcome you at the door.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Swap out the ordinary dip for something with a char-grilled twist. Grilled Corn Guacamole takes a classic favorite and adds a smoky note to its creamy base. It’s a companion to your chips that’s just as welcome at a solo snack time as it is at a full-on fiesta. Show your avocados some love with a side that’s both familiar and new.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

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.

There’s comfort in a dish that’s versatile enough to be the star or the supporting act. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is that dish – easy enough for weekday meals, yet full of possibilities. It’s a building block for countless recipes, ready to take on the flavors you’re in the mood for. A perfect pick for those who fancy some hearty, comforting fare.
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.

Jazz up your meal with a side that’s bursting with a tropical twist. Pineapple Salsa brings a sweet and tangy profile to your plate, offering a refreshing break from traditional sides. It pairs beauty with flavor, making every spoonful a bright spot in your meal. Get ready to give your chips something to celebrate.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa

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.

Fire up the grill and get ready for a flavor fiesta. Texas-Style Carne Asada is all about the bold char, the smoke, and the satisfaction of perfectly grilled meat. Whether you’re wrapping it in tortillas or serving it up with sides, this is a dish that promises a memorable mealtime. Gather your friends, grab your apron, and let’s grill.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

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.

Don’t settle for ordinary when you can have a side that stands out. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs take a beloved street food and give it a twist that’s hard to resist. It’s all about that straight-off-the-grill flavor, elevating a backyard staple to something special. Great for those who love taking their grilling game up a notch.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

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