Taste the Southwest: 53 Tex-Mex dishes that will blow your mind

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Looking for flavor? These Tex-Mex culinary creations, brimming with bold and tangy Southwestern flavors, offer both ease and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of ultra-spicy delights or prefer the subtler tones of mild tacos, this collection of Tex-Mex classics has something to cater to every taste preference!

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Filled with big flavors, lots of sweet grilled corn, tangy cheese and plenty of spice, this easy corn salad is always a winner! A great side dish, it’s also perfect as a main dish.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with beef, beans, veggies, and miles of cheese, this easy-peasy cornbread casserole is an easy fix in your slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love

Do your salad differently! Infused with the flavors of the Southwest, this tasty twist on a classic includes lime, chipotle, and cotija cheese!
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Love guacamole? Put this platter out for friends and family, and watch them go bonkers for it! It’s loaded with everything you need to make personalized guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Smoked Brisket Chili

An image of Smoked Brisket Chili in two bowls with cheese and chips in the background.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s no better way to revitalize leftover brisket than in this amazing chili! A kiss of smoke puts this meaty wonder over the top, and it’s such an easy fix!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Citrusy and tangy tomatillos get VIP treatment when they’re breaded and fried. Similar to fried green tomatoes, this tasty treat is delish and deliciously different!
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

An image of Roasted Tomatillo Sauce in a jar with jalapenos nearby.
Roasted Tomatillo Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infuse your Tex-Mex and Mexican favorites with flavor! This silky smooth sauce is loaded with roasted tomatillos, onions, jalapenos, and more, and boy, is it ever good!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Cream of Jalapeno Soup

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

Love jalapenos? This smooth and creamy soup is loaded with a big jalapeno flavor, and it’s so gosh darn pretty, too!
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Pico de Gallo

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

Classic pico de gallo is a must whenever you’re chowing down on south of the boarder eats, and be sure to check out my handy hack to make short work of all the chopping!
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

tomatilla pico de gallo in a cast iron container surrounded by tortilla chips.
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Citrusy, tangy, spicy, and oh-so-fabulous, this easy salsa is a tasty twist on the original! Ready in a jiffy, it goes with chips, on tacos, or wherever you’d enjoy traditional pico.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infused with a kiss of smoke, smoked chicken transforms this classic soup into a delish dish that’s full of deep, complex flavors. It’s easy to make – grab a spoon and dig in!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Birria Pizza

Birria Pizza on a pizza stone.
Birria Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This fusion favorite features birria, a slow-cooked Mexican stew and with a spicy sauce, this meaty wonder is brimming with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Oven-baked cod is the star of the show in these fun tacos that pair Southwestern flavors with California freshness.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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.

With a Texas-sized kick of flavor, this spicy salsa is best enjoyed in moderation. Super spicy and filled with great flavor, it’s perfect on tacos, burritos, and all your Tex-Mex favorites.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos on a plate with consomme.
Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Filled with tender birria stew and with a consomme for dipping, these tasty tacos are all about flavor!
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy tostadas are topped with flavor-infused shredded chicken in these meaty marvels which can be topped with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Easy Crunchy Taco Cups Recipe

Easy Crunchy Keto Taco Cups on a white board with cilantro.
Easy Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Those hard shell easy, crunchy Taco Cups are filled with Mexican flavors and taco ground beef is a perfect low-carb appetizer for your next party or get-together. Entirely gluten-free, low-carb, grain-free and perfect for diabetics, those low-carb taco cups are an ideal replacement for your taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or Tex-Mex ground beef tacos for that matter.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crunchy Taco Cups Recipe

Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Perfectly homemade and super easy Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican ground beef made out of wholesome ingredients will be your go-to dinner for every single Taco Tuesday. Entirely gluten-free, grain-free, low carb, and perfect for diabetics, our edible salad bowl is just a little extra touch to the already healthy taco salad you have been craving for.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Taco Casserole

Taco casserole with fresh vegetables.
Low Carb Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This Taco Casserole recipe with Mexican ground beef is exactly what you need right now to make an effortless, comforting and heartwarming low-carb casserole dinner for your Taco Tuesday. Entirely gluten-free, grain-free and low-carb, this diabetic-friendly ground beef casserole enriched with Mexican flavors is a perfect meal for your next Super Bowl party.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

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

This dish brings together tender potatoes smothered in a spicy, cheesy sauce, creating a rich and savory flavor combination that will leave you wanting more. It’s a versatile option for any Tex-Mex lover.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Chile Relleno Casserole

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

Transform your kitchen into a Tex-Mex haven with this delicious casserole, brimming with stuffed chiles, loads of cheese, and a rich, savory egg mixture. This dish combines the classic elements of a Chile Relleno in an easy-to-make casserole form.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Air Fryer Churros

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

Get your sweet tooth ready for these easy, airy, and delicious churros straight from your air fryer. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix and perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce, they’re an indulgent treat that’s a hit at any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Enchiladas with Chicken

Enchilada in a black casserole.
Enchiladas with Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy our delicious Enchiladas with Chicken for your perfect casserole dinner. Made with homemade enchilada seasoning, enchilada sauce, and shredded chicken wrapped in perfectly tailored tortillas, those low-carb chicken enchiladas are an easy meal you can prepare even a day in advance.
Get the Recipe: Enchiladas with Chicken

Southwest Egg Rolls

Plate of southwest egg rolls cut open to show the filling of beans, chicken, corn and cheese.
Southwest Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These crispy, mouthwatering egg rolls are a fusion of Tex-Mex ingredients like black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, all packed inside a crunchy exterior. They’re easy to make and loaded with flavor – the perfect quick fix when that Tex-Mex craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Egg Rolls

Chicken Fajita Casserole

A plate of chicken fajita casserole with a fork and limes on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This chicken fajita casserole is SO easy to put together dinner will be ready in no time at all. Serve it over polenta, or with tortillas, or even with tortilla chips. It’s gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, and perfect for dinners or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken taco soup with all the taco toppings on top of it.
Chicken Taco Soup. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Nothing is EASIER than making a big pot of creamy chicken taco soup. Put out your favorite taco toppings and you’re ready to have dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada Sauce in a glass container with a spoon on top.
Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Homemade Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce, made with just a few simple pantry staples. This gluten-free sauce is perfect for topping your enchiladas, and it’s versatile enough to elevate any dish to new heights of taste and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken tortilla soup is quick and easy, and it’s such a great way to start a meal, but it’s also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal with the chicken, beans, and corn in the soup. You’ll love this simple and tasty recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spanish Rice

Overhead image of a white bowl containing Spanish rice sitting on a wooden board.
Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spanish rice (or Mexican rice, depending on where you live) is a flavorful complement to any Mexican dish you make. It’s quick and easy to make and better than what you generally get in a restaurant, too.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This naturally gluten-free recipe is filled with protein between the quinoa and beans plus has tons of flavor with the salsa, corn, and more. This one pot meal has it all, and it’s super easy to make, too.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Image shows a white tray filled with chipotle grilled corn on the cob sitting on green grass.
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Corn on the cob is a summer staple, but take it up a notch in flavor with this chipotle grilled version. It’s easy to make and has a great wow factor that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

We all love Taco Tuesday, right? This fun recipe for a flavorful ground beef is a great way to change it up. It’s quick and easy to make – just like your usual ground beef tacos – but it tastes SO much better.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Chipotle Southwest Sauce

chipotle southwest sauce in a glass jar beside a red linen.
Chipotle Southwest Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Chipotle Southwest Sauce combines smoke and spice with creamy mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, and tart lime juice for a sauce that wakes up any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Southwest Sauce

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

A bowl of pineapple habanero salsa surrounded by cilantro, limes, and a red linen sit on a wooden cutting board.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This pineapple habanero salsa recipe uses roasted tomatoes, onion, habanero peppers, and pineapple to create a wonderfully sweet and hot condiment perfect for a dip with chips, a meal topper, or mixed into a Mexican dish.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are spicy, tangy, cheesy, and delicious. Tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and rich, melty cheese combine to make a dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Serrano Salsa with Lime

A bowl of serrano salsa is shown with limes, chips, cilantro, and a red linen.
Serrano Salsa with Lime. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This authentic spicy serrano salsa recipe has roasted serrano peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime for a tangy, delicious condiment perfect for everything from tacos to breakfast and more!
Get the Recipe: Serrano Salsa with Lime

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my favorite easy dinners. It’s loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and, of course, tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Air Fryer Taquitos

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

These Air Fryer Taquitos are loaded with shredded chicken, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and green chile salsa. With salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping, they make a great light dinner or hearty appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Overhead shot of a pot of the soup with two bowls of the soup and garnishes.
Green Chili Chicken Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Green Chili Soup from green chilis, salsa verde, shredded cooked chicken, white beans, and spices. It will definitely cure whatever ails you!
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Homemade refried beans are so much better than canned. And it’s easy to make them from scratch in the Instant Pot and only requires a few pantry staples! You can start with dried beans and have these on your table in about an hour with almost no hands-on work at all.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mango Habanero Salsa is the perfect fiery topping for fish tacos or simply for dipping. It’s spicy and sweet, and really easy to make. It’s also crazy delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Instant Pot Black Beans

Low angle shot of two bowls of Mexican black beans garnished with crumbled cheese and lime wedges.
Instant Pot Black Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Mexican Black Beans are made with dried beans and take less than an hour—no soaking needed! Perfect with tacos or burritos.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Elote

metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonn
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Super easy elote recipe for Mexican grilled corn has just 5 ingredients and it’s totally addictive. It is full of flavor and can be made in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Elote

Southwestern Hashbrown Waffles

Hashbrown waffles with a poached egg on top.
Hashbrown Waffles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These southwestern hash brown waffles are packed with green onions, ham, red pepper and topped with a spicy poached egg for a crispy delicious breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Hashbrown Waffles

Mexican Corn Salad

Blue and white bowl filled with colorful corn salad and lime wedges.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo Credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Mexican Corn Salad has all the flavors of street stall corn on the cob—sweet corn, creamy butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, diced Jalapeños, chili flakes, and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Southwestern-inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy one-pan meal everyone will love. This recipe works great for meal-prepping, the leftovers are delicious!
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salads are the perfect option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. This Santa Fe Salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Mexican Soup

Overhead shot of pot of hearty Mexcian soup.
Mexican Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken soup doesn’t need to be boring! Move over boring chicken recipes, and say hello to this flavor-packed Mexican Chicken Soup. This soup is delicious and loaded with veggies, lots of tender chicken, and a bright note from the limes!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Soup

Carne Asada Nachos

Foil Wrapped Carne Asado Nachos
Foil Wrapped Carne Asado Nachos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Perfect for the campfire, these loaded nachos are layered with all the fixings; freshly grilled carne asada smothered in cheese, and cooked in an aluminum foil pack right on the coals before being pulled high with your favorite toppings. Which also means, clean-up is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Nachos

Chorizo Tacos

Overhead shot of platter of chorizo tacos
Chorizo Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

When it comes to flavor, it’s hard to beat tacos with chorizo. It’s a spicy ground pork that makes the perfect filling topped with vibrant fresh flavors and a drizzle of lime crema that remind me of street vendors in Mexico.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Tacos

Rajas Con Crema

Overhead shot of plates with pork chops and rajas con crema
Rajas Con Crema. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Silky smooth, cheesy, creamy, and filled with tender poblanos, Rajas Con Crema is the perfect side dish to pair with so many delicious eats, and we love it with pan-seared pork chops or smoked chicken quarters! It’s an easy dish to make, and if you love the big, bold, and sassy flavors of grilled poblanos, then this dish is for you!
Get the Recipe: Rajas Con Crema

Smoked Queso

Skillet filled with chorizo and queso.
Smoked Queso. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Introducing the easiest Traeger smoked queso with chorizo recipe you can make! We wanted to know if tossing a few simple ingredients together in one pan and letting it melt on the grill really did make the best smoked queso dip. It turns out, this queso recipe stands up to the hype, making it a perfect football or party appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso

Grilled Chicken Chilaquiles Verdes

Grilled Chicken Chilaquiles Verdes
Grilled Chicken Chilaquiles Verdes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

If you are a sucker for a savory dish to dive into after a morning workout, this chilaquiles recipe is for you. It’s an incredibly exciting meal that will get you excited for brunch and leave you fueled for the whole day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Chilaquiles Verdes

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