If you’re craving bold Tex-Mex without leaving your house, these 19 recipes have you covered. Each one brings that classic cantina vibe—big portions, great textures, and just the right kick. Whether you like things mild or with enough heat to make you rethink your life choices, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to eat like you’re parked in a booth with a basket of chips that somehow never runs out.
Mexican Rice
If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that brings a bit of the cantina vibe to your table, Mexican Rice is your go-to. It’s simple but packs a punch, making it a favorite for those who want a no-nonsense option. Perfect with almost any main, it’s as versatile as it is delicious. You’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Texas Cowboy Stew
Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty meal that feels like a warm welcome home, no matter where you’re from. It’s chuck full of richness and depth, making each spoonful an experience in itself. Ideal for those evenings when you want comfort without the fuss, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser. This stew shows you can have it all – simplicity, richness, and a heap of personality.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Stew
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Bring a bit of the street food scene to your dining table with Mexican Street Corn Salad. This dish is lively and offers a fresh twist on traditional sides. It complements any Tex-Mex main dish with aplomb, proving that salads need not be boring. Every bite is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
When leftovers become the star of the show, Leftover Steak Quesadilla comes into play. It transforms yesterday’s meal into today’s highlight, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Perfect for a quick fix that doesn’t skimp on taste, it’s as practical as it is satisfying. This quesadilla proves that second-day meals can be just as exciting as when they were first made.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Texas-Style Carne Asada
For those who love a good grill session, Texas-Style Carne Asada is the ultimate choice. It brings the flavors of Texas right to your backyard, making any meal an occasion. It’s about getting those charred edges and tender insides just right. This recipe celebrates the art of grilling, making it a must-try for enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Smoked Jalapenos
If you’re seeking something to kick up the heat in your meal, try out Smoked Jalapenos. The process involves smoking the jalapenos until they have just the right amount of char. This smoking method imparts a rich, smoky character that upgrades these peppers beyond their raw, spicy nature. They work wonderfully as a standalone snack or as an addition to enhance other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Next time you find yourself with steak leftovers, Leftover Steak Soft Tacos are a quick and smart choice. This dish transforms your remaining steak into a fresh and enjoyable new meal. You simply stuff the soft tacos and serve them up for a quick lunch or dinner. The result is a reinvention of meal leftovers into something exciting and new.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
For a meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas, opt for Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. This dish is slow-cooked, allowing the herbs and spices to fully permeate the chicken, resulting in tender and juicy meat. It is a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or when you have guests over. Additionally, this recipe ensures you get consistently delicious results every time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Pico de Gallo
There’s something straightforward yet irresistible about Pico de Gallo. This fresh, no-cook salsa combines raw ingredients to create a crunchy and refreshing dip or topping. It pairs exceptionally well with chips or as a garnish for various Tex-Mex favorites. Often served freshly made, it offers a burst of brightness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Pineapple Salsa
When you want to add a sweet twist to the usual salsas, Pineapple Salsa is the go-to option. This salsa blends sweetness and heat, providing a perfect balance that complements seafood dishes particularly well. It’s also great as a chip dip at any gathering inside. The juicy, sweet elements of pineapple make every bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Baked Spanish Rice
Baked Spanish Rice offers a hassle-free method of preparing a flavorful side that goes well with almost any main dish. Baking the rice ensures that it’s fluffy and uniformly cooked, with each grain infused with a pleasant mix of spices and tomato. Served straight from the oven, it retains its perfect texture. This method of preparation is both simple and foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
For a versatile staple in Tex-Mex cooking, consider preparing Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This dish provides a succulent base for tacos, burritos, or as an enticing layer in layered dishes. It cooks up quickly, offering a practical weeknight meal solution. The rich, meaty dish also pairs well with traditional Mexican condiments and sides.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Birria de Res
Birria de Res is a rich and hearty dish known for its robust and addictive broth. The meat, traditionally goat or beef, is slow-cooked till tender, absorbing a blend of spices and chiles. Typically served in bowls with a side of tortillas, it invites you to dip and enjoy every element. The combination of textures and tastes in this dish creates a complete and indulgent meal.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Taco Casserole
If you love tacos and want to feed a crowd, Taco Casserole is an excellent solution. This one-dish wonder combines all the beloved elements of traditional tacos in a baked, layered form. It’s perfect for a family dinner and makes for easy cleanup. Enjoyed by all ages, it ensures no one leaves the table hungry.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Arroz Verde
In Arroz Verde, rice is infused with a puree of greens and chilies, creating a vibrant side dish. It complements a variety of main courses by adding a subtle kick and a pop of color. This dish not only looks appealing but also provides a gentle depth of taste. It’s a simple way to make a dinner plate more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Mexican Black Beans
These beans are simmered with a hint of spice and a touch of herbs, offering a comforting side or main dish. Mexican Black Beans are both nourishing and filling, making them a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They’re also flexible, serving well atop rice or wrapped in a burrito. This dish is a staple in any recipe collection for its simplicity and hearty nature.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Creamy Jalapeno Dip is perfect for those who appreciate a smooth texture with a spicy kick. This dip combines creamy elements with the sharp bite of jalapeno peppers. It’s ideal for dipping tortilla chips or vegetable sticks. The balance of creaminess and spiciness makes this dip a popular choice during any indoor occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
For an indulgent twist on classic tacos, consider Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. The process of smoking the pork belly adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to match. These tacos combine juicy meat with fresh garnishes, wrapped in a soft tortilla. They’re a hit at any indoor gathering, pleasing guests who crave something rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs present a fun and interactive way to enjoy corn. Each piece is sliced to resemble a rib, then grilled to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn. This dish is typically seasoned with a mix of creamy coating and spices, which complements the sweet, charred corn. It’s a playful side that works well with any grilled meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs