At 33 Tex-Mex, the meals speak for themselves—loud enough to quiet any complaints. It’s the kind of food that makes kids too busy eating to debate bedtime. Plates packed with flavor and portions just right, even picky eaters can’t resist cleaning their plates. No bribery required—just a fork and a chance.
Chicken Tinga
This dish is an easy way to put a flavorful spin on your typical chicken dinner and keep the whole family satisfied. Chicken Tinga is a flavorful, shredded chicken dish that’s perfect for tacos, tostadas, or even on its own. The smoky, spicy flavor is balanced with a rich sauce that brings out the best in the tender chicken. Kids will enjoy the mild heat and juicy texture, and it’s versatile enough to use in a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Perfect side for any Tex-Mex meal and works well with everything from tacos to grilled meats. Mexican Street Corn Salad brings the flavors of street corn into a fresh, easy-to-eat salad form. It’s a great way to enjoy the beloved corn on the cob without the mess, and the kids will be all over it. This salad combines a tangy dressing with crispy corn, creating a crunchy, creamy bite that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Don’t let leftover steak go to waste—turn it into a delicious Leftover Steak Quesadilla. This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and texture, with the crispy tortilla wrapping up juicy steak. The kids will happily grab a slice, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. It’s the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something everyone will enjoy without any complaints. Once you try it, this will become your go-to for steak leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
If you’re craving something familiar and satisfying, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito is your go-to. This burrito is loaded with flavor and wraps up everything you love about a classic burrito, minus the drive-thru line. It’s a quick, filling meal that the whole family can enjoy. The kids will ask for it by name, and it’s easy to make, meaning dinner is done without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Smoked Jalapeños
This versatile dish turns up the flavor in an unexpected way without overwhelming anyone at the table. Smoked Jalapeños are an easy way to add depth and bold flavor to any dish. Whether used as a topping for tacos, as part of a salad, or even just as a snack, they offer a smoky kick that everyone will enjoy. Kids may hesitate at first, but the mild heat and smoky flavor make them surprisingly approachable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeños
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Perfect for busy nights when you want something that’s both filling and quick. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl brings the same great taste you love from Taco Bell but made at home. With all the flavors you crave, it’s a customizable dish that works for everyone, whether they like it light or loaded. The kids will love choosing their toppings, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Dutch Oven Carnitas
It’s easy to make and always a hit, especially with kids who love hearty, flavorful meals. Dutch Oven Carnitas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering tender, slow-cooked pork that melts in your mouth. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion, and the whole family will enjoy it. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or just on its own, the flavor and tenderness of this dish are hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Give your leftover steak a second life with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. These soft tacos are filled with tender steak and can be topped however you like, making them a hit with every eater. Even the picky ones will go for these—tender steak wrapped in a warm tortilla is hard to resist. This dish is a simple, satisfying way to make leftovers feel like a fresh, exciting meal.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board is perfect for family dinners, offering a variety of toppings so everyone can make their own perfect meal. With tender, flavorful carnitas as the star of the board, kids and adults alike will love creating their own taco or burrito combinations. This meal works great for busy evenings, and clean-up is a breeze. It’s a fun way to enjoy dinner together without the stress of making separate plates.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board
Pineapple Salsa
If you’re looking for a sweet and tangy twist, Pineapple Salsa is a perfect addition to any meal. This refreshing salsa pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, or even as a side dish. Kids love the sweet, fruity flavor, and it’s easy to make in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect way to add something new to your usual Tex-Mex spread and everyone will be reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
A great go-to when you need something hearty that everyone will enjoy without the hassle of complicated prep. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a versatile base for countless meals. From tacos to burritos to nachos, it’s a quick and easy option that will please everyone. The flavor-packed beef is always a hit, and even picky eaters won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Easy Mexican Rice
This rice is the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare. Easy Mexican Rice is the perfect side to almost any Tex-Mex dish. It’s a great addition to tacos, burritos, or even on its own as a simple yet satisfying dish. The kids will ask for extra servings, making it a great way to fill up without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Food Processor Salsa
This salsa brings a refreshing kick to the table, making it the perfect complement to any Tex-Mex dish. Food Processor Salsa is a fresh, easy-to-make dip that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether served with chips or used as a topping for tacos and burritos, it’s a family favorite. The kids will love how fresh and vibrant the salsa tastes, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Food Processor Salsa
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor, Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken is the answer. This dish combines the richness of slow-cooked chicken with bold, savory flavors that make every bite memorable. It’s perfect for serving with rice, beans, or tortillas, and the kids will gladly take seconds. The best part? It’s a no-fuss dish that lets the slow cooking process do all the work for you.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Smoked Queso
This dip is the perfect addition to any Tex-Mex meal, adding depth and flavor without much effort. Smoked Queso takes a classic dip and adds a smoky, rich flavor that makes it irresistible. Whether served with chips, veggies, or tacos, this queso will quickly become a favorite. The kids will love how cheesy it is, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso
Birria de Res
Whether served in tacos or just as a stew, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Birria de Res is a slow-cooked beef stew that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any Tex-Mex meal. This dish offers tender beef that practically falls apart and a depth of flavor that’s unmatched. Kids will love the juicy beef, while adults will appreciate the complexity of the broth.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res
Freezer Breakfast Burritos
It’s the perfect solution for mornings that need to be quick but still delicious. Freezer Breakfast Burritos are perfect for busy mornings when you need something filling and easy. These burritos are packed with everything you need for a satisfying breakfast, and they can be made in advance and frozen for later. Kids can grab one on their way out the door, and you won’t have to worry about making breakfast in the morning rush.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
A great addition to your Tex-Mex lineup when you’re looking to try something new and flavorful. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor brings together smoky, juicy chicken with bold flavors. This dish is a great way to put a twist on the traditional Al Pastor, with smoky chicken that pairs perfectly with tortillas or rice. The kids will love the tender chicken, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Fried Tomatillos
Whether served with a dip or as a topping for tacos, these tomatillos will quickly become a favorite at your table. Fried Tomatillos bring a crispy, tangy twist to your Tex-Mex spread. These fried treats are perfect as a snack or side dish, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Kids will love how crispy and delicious they are, and they’re easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Guacamole Snack Board
This board is great for family gatherings or casual meals where everyone can build their own plate. Guacamole Snack Board turns snack time into a fun, customizable experience. With fresh guacamole as the centerpiece, you can add chips, tortillas, and other sides to create the perfect snack spread. The kids will love the variety, and it’s easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board
Smoked Blackberry Margarita
For a fun twist on the classic margarita, try Smoked Blackberry Margarita. It offers the sweet, tangy taste of blackberries combined with a smoky finish that adds something extra to your drink. This cocktail pairs perfectly with any Tex-Mex meal, and the unique flavor will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive drink that’s easy to make and perfect for relaxing at the end of a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
The kids will enjoy the skewered steak, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are the perfect way to cook steak with bold, rich flavor. The marinade adds an extra layer of smokiness and spice that makes the steak extra tender. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Mango Habanero Salsa
This salsa adds a burst of flavor that takes any meal to the next level, and it’s a great way to spice things up without being overpowering. Mango Habanero Salsa is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, giving your dishes a refreshing yet bold kick. The sweetness of the mango pairs wonderfully with the heat from the habanero, making it ideal for tacos, chips, or grilled meats. Kids will love the sweetness, and the spice level is easily adjustable to fit everyone’s taste.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Whether you serve them with salsa or eat them on their own, these empanadas are always a hit. Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are crispy, golden pockets filled with savory beef that make for a delicious snack or meal. These empanadas cook up quickly in the air fryer, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the food. The kids will love the crunchy texture, and you’ll appreciate how simple they are to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Tacos Dorados
Perfect for any time of the week, turning simple ingredients into a delicious meal that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. Tacos Dorados are the crispy, golden version of your favorite tacos. These crunchy tacos are stuffed with flavorful fillings and fried to perfection, making them irresistible to everyone at the table. Kids will love the crunch, while adults will enjoy the savory flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
A must-have at any gathering, and it’s sure to be the first thing to disappear from the snack table. Creamy Jalapeno Dip takes your usual dip to the next level with a smooth, spicy finish. This dip is perfect for chips, veggies, or spreading on tacos and sandwiches. The mild heat from the jalapeños makes it a great option for the whole family, and the creamy texture balances the spice perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Texas Corn Succotash
The kids will love the sweetness of the corn, making it a great side dish for all ages. Texas Corn Succotash is a colorful, hearty side dish packed with vegetables that everyone will enjoy. The combination of sweet corn and other vegetables creates a great balance of flavors and textures that pair well with any Tex-Mex meal. This dish is an easy way to add some greens to the table while keeping the flavors simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
The kids will love the juicy pork, and you’ll appreciate how easy they are to make. Smoked Pork Belly Tacos bring together tender, smoky pork belly and the perfect tortilla for a satisfying bite. These tacos are a step up from your usual, offering a rich flavor and texture that will have the whole family coming back for more. Whether you add fresh toppings or eat them as is, these tacos are packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Arroz Verde
Arroz Verde is a vibrant and flavorful green rice dish that’s perfect for adding variety to any meal. The rice is cooked with fresh herbs and spices, giving it a fresh, herby taste that pairs perfectly with Tex-Mex dishes. It’s a simple dish that’s both flavorful and versatile, making it a great side to serve with chicken, beef, or even as a main dish. The kids will love the color and taste, and it’s an easy dish to prepare with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Mexican Street Corn Soup
A one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Mexican Street Corn Soup takes the flavors of street corn and turns them into a rich, comforting soup. It’s creamy and hearty, with just the right balance of sweetness from the corn and savory notes that make it stand out. This dish is perfect for cool evenings, and the kids will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Baked Spanish Rice
This baked version ensures you have a hearty, flavorful side without spending too much time in the kitchen. Baked Spanish Rice offers the perfect side to complement any Tex-Mex dish. It’s easy to prepare and has the right mix of flavors that pair well with everything from tacos to enchiladas. Kids will love the soft, savory rice, and it’s the kind of dish that works well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Cream of Jalapeño Soup
Cream of Jalapeño Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the heat of jalapeños in a creamy, comforting soup. This dish offers a nice balance of rich, smooth texture with just the right amount of heat. It’s a great option for a light dinner or a filling lunch. Even the kids, who usually shy away from spice, will find themselves loving this soup’s warmth and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeño Soup
Mexican Black Beans
They’re simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Mexican Black Beans make a great side dish or main course, thanks to their rich flavor and versatility. They’re perfect for pairing with tacos, burritos, or even a simple salad. These beans are easy to make, and even easier to eat, making them a hit with everyone. No need to bribe the kids—just serve them up, and watch them finish their plates in no time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans