Taco time! 37 unbeatable Tex-mex favorites to spice up your weeknights

Photo of author

| Published:

If the mere mention of tacos gets your mouth watering and you’re always on the hunt for that next flavor explosion, you’re in for a treat. What we’ve rustled up is nothing short of a flavor fiesta: 37 unbeatable dishes for your weeknight dinners.

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

From sizzling enchiladas to irresistible nachos and more, our list is packed with recipes that are both delicious and easy to whip up. So, dive into a world of zesty delights with this Tex-Mex extravaganza.

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Who needs Chipotle when you have this gem? Tender, flavor-loaded barbacoa right at home. Let the slow cooker do its magic, while you take the credit!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chile Relleno Casserole

Dive into this Chile Relleno Casserole, packed with genuine Mexican zest from fresh chiles and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. A low-effort masterpiece that’ll make you the weeknight dinner champ!
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Air Fryer Churros dipped in chocolate.
Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Churros

Get ready to dip and dunk! These Air Fryer Churros are the real deal. Crisp on the outside, soft inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness. No deep-frying hassle! A dessert win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Yellow bowl with guacamole with avocado, and jalapenos next to it.
4 Ingredient Guacamole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

4 Ingredient Guacamole

Four ingredients, and you’re in guacamole heaven. Tomatoes, zesty chilies, and zingy lime come together to add a kick to your chip-dipping game!
Get the Recipe: 4 Ingredient Guacamole

Bowl of green rice on a cutting board with cilantro in the background.
Instant Pot Green Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Green Rice

A real game-changer for those weeknight dinners. Flavorful green rice whipped up effortlessly in your Instant Pot. An instant side-dish win!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Green Rice

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole

Meet your new fun weeknight fave! Layers of beef, cheese, veggies, and those crave-worthy Fritos all in one dish. The classic walking taco gets a casserole twist.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Jar of pickled jalapenos on a cutting board with a pepper next to it.
Pickled Jalapenos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pickled Jalapenos

Boost your meals with these zesty pickled jalapenos. Made in a snap, they’re the perfect sidekick to tacos, sandwiches, or anything needing a spicy lift!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet

Hungry? In 20 minutes, this one-dish wonder delivers a hearty, flavor-packed meal. Weeknight dinners just got a taco-rice upgrade!
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Nacho fries covered with beans and cheese.
Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Crispy, spicy fries topped with all the goodies? Yes, please! This homemade version nails the Taco Bell classic. Perfect for those snack-attack moments!
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Nacho Fries Supreme

Three tacos made from air fryer carnitas on a plate with onions, cilantro and lime.
Crispy Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy Air Fryer Carnitas

Revolutionize taco night! Marinated pork air-fried to perfection: juicy inside, crispy edges. Get those tortillas ready; these carnitas are next level!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Carnitas

Brown bowl with Mexican rice on a wooden cutting board with cilantro and lime.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Say goodbye to bland rice. This Instant Pot marvel delivers vibrant, flavorful Mexican rice, making it the ultimate companion for any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Rice

https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/air-fryer-tuna-melt.jpg
Pickled Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pickled Onions

Elevate your dish game with these vibrant, tangy pickled onions. A game-changer that adds zing to any meal and is ready in a flash!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Margarita glass with blueberry margarita topped with lime and a skewer of blueberries.
Blueberry Margarita. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blueberry Margarita

Sip back and relax! This blueberry margarita is a refreshing blend of summer flavors. Simple, delightful, and the perfect weeknight treat.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Margarita

Scooping up air fryer nachos topped with cheese, sour cream, tomtao and green onions.
Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Nachos

Nachos got an air fryer upgrade! Layers of crunchy chips, juicy pork, beans, and gooey cheese. Everything you crave, minus the oven wait!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

A stress-free delight! Let the crock pot work its magic on this chicken, seasoned with honey and lime. Taco Tuesday never tasted so good!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Craving that Taco Bell goodness? Dive into these crispy, spicy potatoes smothered in rich nacho cheese. A snack-time hero!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Instant pot shredded chicken tacos on a plate.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Simplicity meets flavor. Chicken + salsa in the Instant Pot = a versatile, 3-ingredient wonder. Perfect for bowls, tacos, and beyond!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Plate of air fryer enchiladas topped with lots of cheese.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Why not switch up your Taco Tuesday game? These air fryer enchiladas, crafted from leftover chicken, are a dynamite twist on the usual fare. Super quick, super tasty!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Copycat recipe: Cheesy corn tortillas with tomatoes and cheese on a plate.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Craving that Taco Bell magic? Whip up this iconic Mexican pizza right at home. It’s loaded with all the goods: meat, beans, and cheese. Whether oven-baked or air-fried, this one’s a win!
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Fish tacos on a plate in tortillas with coriander and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Fish Tacos

Time crunch? No sweat! Get a flavor-packed fish taco meal on your table in a jiffy, even with frozen fish. Healthy, speedy, and ridiculously good!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fish Tacos

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Love Chick-fil-A? Dive into this soup that nails their signature tortilla taste. Pure comfort in a bowl!
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Plate with shrimp, onions, red bell peppers and yellow bell peppers for fajitas.
Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas

Meet your new weeknight savior! These air fryer shrimp fajitas boast tender shrimp and a veggie medley. In just 20 min, you’ve got a show-stopping dinner!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Bite into these crispy taquitos, stuffed with chicken, beans, cheese, and salsa. The perfect snack or light dinner, and don’t forget those dips!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

All aboard the flavor train! This one-pan beef wonder, spiced with taco seasoning, is your ticket to a satisfying, speedy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Blackened Cod Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened Cod Tacos

Give your taste buds a treat with these blackened cod tacos. They’re layered with fresh toppings and charred tortillas for that perfect bite. Every time!
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

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

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Get ready for a burst of zest! This street corn salad is a fiesta of flavors, anytime of the year. Dive in and savor the goodness!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Corn and bean soup in a blue bowl.
Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup

Dive into this luscious soup where corn and beans take center stage! It’s that unbeatable combo of creamy richness and spicy kick that’ll warm up your weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Corn And Bean Soup

Keto Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips on a dark napkin.
Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips

Hold up, cheese and bacon on nachos chips? And they’re gluten-free? Yep, you’ve found the ultimate snack for every craving, and trust me, they’re a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips

Sliced Tajín Grilled Chicken sits on a white plate surrounded by Tajín seasoning, a sliced lime, a white linen, and a small glass of beer.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Hey there, summer vibes! Chile and lime team up to give your chicken that zesty punch. Grilled to perfection, it’s the Tex-Mex favorite you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Cream of Jalapeno Soup in two bowls.
Cream of Jalapeno Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Creamy with a kick! This soup combines the best of both worlds: smooth texture and jalapeno heat. It’s a bowl of pure comfort!
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Stack of Mexican corn cakes on a white plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes

Ever tried corn cakes in an air fryer? They’re crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for when you want a Tex-Mex twist to your sides!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Litlle House Big Alaska.

Enchilada Meatballs

Meatballs with an enchilada twist? Genius! These are the bomb for hassle-free dinners. Warning: They might just become a staple in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Camarones a la diabla on a white plate with lime wedges.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones a la Diabla

Spice up your shrimp game! With a chile-infused sauce, these shrimps bring the fire and flavor to any dinner table. Easy and oh-so-scrumptious!
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

One cheese enchilada and rice and beans on a plate.
Cheese Enchiladas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Cheese Enchiladas

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Authentically Tex-Mex, these enchiladas will melt in your mouth and warm your soul. Dinner goals, right?
Get the Recipe: Cheese Enchiladas

Image shows dessert nachos on a plate topped with fruit and whipped cream.
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dessert Nachos

Sweeten the deal with these nachos! Cinnamon, fruit, and a touch of hot fudge, they’re a delightful twist on the classic. Unconventional, but unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos

Image shows a corn chip with Chicken enchilada dip on it and the full container behind it.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Got leftovers? Transform ’em into this divine dip. It’s cheesy, it’s chicken-y, and it’s bound to be the star of your next gathering. Dig in!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Surf meets turf in the yummiest way! This sheet pan wonder serves up steak and shrimp in a sizzle that’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.