Tex-Mex food is all about bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and satisfying meals that are perfect for busy days or casual get-togethers. These easy Tex-Mex recipes will help you make delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tex-Mex recipes are known for their bold flavors, combining elements of Mexican and American cuisines. Using simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the tasty, vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex anytime you want.
In this roundup, we’ve put together some simple and delicious Tex-Mex recipes that will add extra flavor to your dishes. From Fresh Corn Salsa, Taco Casserole, Tex-Mex Lunch Bowl, Ground Beef Taco Meat, to Chicken Fajita Marinade, you’ll find a Tex-Mex to suit any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tex-Mex dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Many Tex-Mex dishes, like seasoned meat or grilled veggies, can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and heat up.
How can I make my Tex-Mex meals healthier?
You can swap in healthier ingredients like whole wheat tortillas, lean proteins (chicken or turkey), or use more veggies like bell peppers and spinach. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter touch.
What are some must-have ingredients for Tex-Mex cooking?
Some essential ingredients include tortillas, cheese, salsa, beans, sour cream, ground beef or chicken, chili powder, cumin, and fresh toppings like cilantro and lime.
Can I freeze Tex-Mex meals for later?
Yes! Many Tex-Mex meals like burritos, enchiladas, and seasoned meats freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them properly to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll be ready for a quick meal later.
Tips on How To Make Easy Tex Mex Recipes
- Use Store-Bought Essentials: Save time by picking up pre-made salsa, guacamole, and tortillas. These ingredients are quick to grab and can make a big difference in flavor without extra prep work.
- Keep it Fresh: Fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime, and diced tomatoes can instantly brighten up any dish and add that extra pop of flavor.
- Mix & Match Proteins: Don’t be afraid to switch things up with your proteins. Ground beef, chicken, shrimp, or even beans can all be used in tacos, burritos, and fajitas for variety.
- Layer Flavors: Build layers of flavor by adding different textures. Try combining crispy tacos with creamy avocado, or spicy fajitas with a cool sour cream drizzle.
- Prep Ahead: Some Tex-Mex ingredients, like grilled chicken or seasoned beef, can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. This way, all you need to do is assemble when it’s time to eat.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For that perfect, crispy texture on quesadillas or fajitas, a cast-iron skillet does wonders, giving your dishes an authentic, restaurant-style feel.
- Customize to Taste: Tex-Mex is all about making the dish your own. Don’t hesitate to adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
30 Easy Tex-Mex Recipes
1. Fresh Corn Salsa
Fresh Corn Salsa is a simple Tex Mex appetizer, condiment, or side dish that’s made with fresh corn, jalapeños, and a few other simple ingredients. Fresh Corn Salsa is delicious in its simplicity. It only takes a few minutes to throw this recipe together, and it doesn’t require any cooking, which makes it perfect for whipping up on hot summer days.
Get the full recipe from: I Heart Eating
2. Taco Casserole
Best taco casserole recipe! This flavorful casserole is made with pantry staples, and the recipe includes vegetarian and freezer meal directions. Taco casserole is a quick and easy dinner recipe. This casserole takes about 30 minutes to make, and it’s made with pantry staple ingredients. Taco casserole also freezes well.
Get the full recipe from: I Heart Eating
3. Tex Mex Lunch Bowl
Whether you’re trying to rustle up a new meal for the family or just need to whip up a healthy and delicious lunch for yourself, this Tex Mex Lunch Bowl promises to hit the spot. It’s spicy, packed with delicious veggies, and boasts a high-protein content that will keep you full for hours. It’s an easy meal to prepare for the week.
Get the full recipe from: Simply Stacie
4. Tex-Mex Spinach Dip
Tex-Mex Spinach Dip is a delicious twist on the classic! This Crockpot appetizer is made with everything you love about hot spinach dip plus salsa, Colby Jack cheese, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. This Tex-Mex Spinach dip is not too spicy, but has loads of flavor. It’s great with tortilla chips or fresh veggies to dip to keep it low carb.
Get the full recipe from: Simply Stacie
5. Quick & Easy Warm Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
This Warm Mexican Corn Salad recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and simple to make. Serve as a side or as a topper with all your favorite Mexican recipes. This Warm Mexican Corn Salad recipe is packed with corn, bell peppers, zucchini, and spices for a bold and tasty flavor, and comes together quickly in under 30 minutes and is super simple to make.
Get the full recipe from: Erhardts Eat
6. Easy Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe
Get ready to become addicted to this Restaurant Style Salsa recipe! This easy salsa is made in the blender and ready in only 10 minutes. This blender salsa is ready in only 10 minutes and uses canned whole tomatoes, Arbol chilies, fresh jalapeno, cilantro, limes, an onion along with some spices. The salsa is thin and watery, but can easily be made more chunky and has a nice medium-hot spice level.
Get the full recipe from: Erhardts Eat
7. Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos are a quick and easy Tex-Mex dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a flavorful salsa verde sauce using an Instant Pot. The shredded chicken is then piled onto warm tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings. This dish can also be enjoyed in burritos, salads, or simply on its own. The convenience of the Instant Pot makes this recipe a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
Get the full recipe from: Wondermom Wannabe
8. The Best Tex Mex Chicken Soup Recipe
This Tex Mex Chicken Soup is a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for fall. It includes a secret ingredient that lends a wonderful creaminess and mild sweetness to offset the spices. It contains fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. These nutrients can help with gut health, vision, eye health, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Get the full recipe from: Wondermom Wannabe
9. Quick & Easy Beef Taco Salad for Taco Tuesday!
This Beef Taco Salad is light, delicious, full of flavor, and easy to make. Making a taco salad for Taco Tuesday is a great alternative to your weekly dinner menu. This salad will also work great for those warm summer days when you don’t want to be using the oven. It’s time to ditch the taco meal kit and make this yummy beef taco salad instead!
Get the full recipe from: The Purple Pumpkin Blog
10. Ground Beef Taco Meat
Easy, delicious and perfect for all your taco needs, this mouthwatering 20-minute Ground Beef Taco Meat is made with lean ground beef, tomato sauce, and seasoned with homemade taco seasoning. Ready in just 20 minutes, this super versatile ground beef is mixed with taco seasoning and pureed tomatoes and loves being added to taco salads, taco pasta, and even taco soup.
Get the full recipe from: The Forked Spoon
11. Black Bean Corn Salsa (10 Minute Prep!)
This black bean and corn salsa comes together fast, is so simple to make and is delicious for a bbq. Serve it as a dip with crunchy chips, or as a side with your favorite Mexican-inspired dish. This super easy black bean and corn salsa is such a crowd-pleaser. Kids who like black beans will love this tasty salsa, but adults gobble it up at a BBQ or on taco night too!
Get the full recipe from: On My Kid's Plate
12. 7 Layer Dip Cups
These 7 layer dip cups are packed to the brim with 7 layers of your favorite taco toppings: refried beans, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, olives, onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos. It’s the perfect party dip! This Tex-Mex inspired dip recipe is the perfect party appetizer. The layers of ingredients pair beautifully together. The dip is flavorful, hearty, and great for feeding a crowd.
Get the full recipe from: Crayons and Cravings
13. Cowboy Caviar
This cowboy caviar is a fresh and flavorful dip loaded with beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and more. It’s easy to prepare and makes a wonderful appetizer, party, or pot-luck recipe. For anyone who adores Tex-Mex cuisine, this cowboy caviar recipe is a must-try. Freshly cut colorful veggies give this mix of beans a beautiful pop of color and a bright personality. It’s crisp, sweet, and downright delicious!
Get the full recipe from: Crayons and Cravings
14. Easy Ground Beef Wet Burrito Recipe
Smothered in homemade red enchilada sauce, this Wet Burrito Recipe is filling, hearty, and the perfect dinner. It is easy to put together and ready in just over an hour, it doesn’t get any better! If you love Tex-Mex Mexican food but want to try making it at home, try this Wet Burrito Recipe. Whatever you want to call it, this great recipe is a knockout every time.
Get the full recipe from: This Silly Girl's Kitchen
15. Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Recipe
With its smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy taste, this chicken tinga is a staple in Mexican cuisine and has become a favorite in many homes. It’s seriously yummy! It’s perfect for those days when you want something packed with flavor but easy to make. The spices in this dish are so mouth-watering, you would hardly believe it. This flavorful Mexican dish is slow cooking and amazing. It’s hard to wait for dinner to come!
Get the full recipe from: This Silly Girl's Kitchen
16. Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad – Favourite Summer Recipe
This Tex Mex chicken pasta salad is so delicious. It’s a southwest pasta salad with chicken offering the best of all worlds. This is a flavorful dinner salad just bursting with color and flavor! You can use rotini noodles or any shape you like such as penne, macaroni or bowtie. Choose from canned green chillies or a green chilli salsa. Any kind of cheese works here too. A Mexican blend would be great in this Tex Mex chicken pasta salad. Sharp cheddar would also be good.
Get the full recipe from: Xoxo Bella
17. Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls
Slow cooker Tex Mex quinoa taco bowls boast the most amazing flavours. It’s a colourful vegan southwest inspired taco bowl packed with south of the border character. A crockpot is your friend for this quinoa slow cooker recipe. This crockpot Mexican quinoa recipe is a great addition to the weeknight dinner menu. It’s easy to customize this recipe by adding your favourite toppings or adding protein.
Get the full recipe from: Xoxo Bella
18. Mexican Street Corn Tacos
These Mexican Street Corn Tacos make a quick and easy vegetarian meal for taco night. It only takes 5 minutes to cook the street corn filling and another minute to mix together a delicious creamy cilantro topping, making this dinner ready to eat in only 10 minutes! Mexican Street Corn Tacos are a flavorful variation of chicken tacos, steak tacos or beef tacos. This is a great recipe for vegetarian taco lovers, but still one that will please every palate.
Get the full recipe from: Tasty Oven
19. Seven Layer Taco Dip
Serve this classic Seven Layer Taco Dip at your next fiesta. This no bake party dip has all the Mexican flavors…including guacamole. It’s easy to make (only 15 minutes needed!) and no baking necessary. This is a cold dip. No need to bake it or heat it through. Simply serve with a large bowl of tortilla chips and watch it disappear. Your family, friends and guests will love it.
Get the full recipe from: Tastes of Lizzy T
20. Easy Chicken Chimichangas
A popular tex-mex recipe…Easy Chicken Chimichangas! These deep fried burritos have a crunchy, golden brown shell. This easy 30-minute recipe uses leftover chicken. You can really put anything you’d like into a chimichanga. Your choice of meat and veggies. We add rice, black beans, cheese, spices and salsa. It's a quick dinner idea that we all love!
Get the full recipe from: Tastes of Lizzy T
21. Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Fajitas (Allergy-Free, Paleo)
Delicious and easy Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Fajitas, healthy and baked in the oven. Just sliced spiced rubbed chicken, bell peppers, and onions! An allergy-free and paleo Tex-Mex recipe you can make for dinner or prep ahead of time for quick lunches and meals throughout the week! These easy gluten-free skillet chicken fajitas are perfect for the whole family to enjoy on a busy night…not just for lunches the next day!
Get the full recipe from: Strength and Sunshine
22. Easy 4 Layer Dip
This recipe for 4 Layer Dip has to be one of the easiest dips to make - period! Whether you're looking for something for football season, or a tasty snack for family game night, this layered guacamole dip is for you! Just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes prep time. Luscious sour cream, decadent guacamole, flavorful salsa, and shredded cheese make for the most delicious cold dip.
Get the full recipe from: Dash for Dinner
23. Layered Cream Cheese and Salsa Dip
This easy cream cheese and salsa dip uses just 5 ingredients and features 3 layers of delicious dipping. It can be served cold as a layered nacho dip, or baked until hot and bubbly - your choice! This easy layered cream cheese and salsa dip is SO incredibly easy to make. It's the perfect last-minute appetizer or potluck offering, and it's always a hit at parties.
Get the full recipe from: Dash for Dinner
24. Mexican Shredded Beef
With just four ingredients you can make Mexican Shredded Beef in your slow cooker and have pulled beef for dinner tonight. Turn it into beef tacos, a pulled beef bowl with rice and toppings and more. Slow cooker Mexican shredded beef gets its flavor from simple ingredients. Beef slowly cooks into delicious tenderness. Salsa, taco seasoning and tomato paste combine to season the beef chuck roast.
Get the full recipe from: Swirls of Flavor
25. Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Mexican Corn Salad Recipe combines fresh corn kernels, jalapeno, scallion and spice. Add fresh lime and cojito cheese and every spoonful is bursting with flavor. Elotes, the traditional Mexican street food, is corn on the cob that’s charred on the grill giving it a smoky flavor. So grab a spoon and savor the complex flavors of our version of Mexican street corn salad.
Get the full recipe from: Swirls of Flavor
26. Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe
Let the slow cooker do all the work for you with these Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos! Perfect for dinner and the leftovers are great for quesadillas, burritos, taco salads and more!
This meal or the leftovers are great for taco salad, burritos, tostadas, nachos or quesadillas! It's also great when used in a breakfast recipe with some eggs.
Get the full recipe from: Hot Eats and Cool Reads
27. Mexican Impossible Pie
Mexican Impossible Pie is a savory, crustless pie that combines the flavors of a traditional Mexican casserole with the ease of a simple pie. Made with ingredients like eggs, cheese, cornmeal, milk, and a mix of seasonings such as chili powder and cumin. It "magically" forms a crust as it bakes. The result is a flavorful, hearty dish with a slightly creamy texture and a golden, baked top. Often enjoyed as a main dish, it can be served warm for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the full recipe from: Noshing with the Nolands
28. Easy Beef Taco Salad
This Easy Beef Taco Salad is perfect at any time of the year with its crisp lettuce, delicious beef topping, cheese, and condiments. Everyone can build a salad as they want to. This makes an excellent back-to-school dinner when you are trying to get a meal on the table, homework started, or after-school activities worked into the schedule.
Get the full recipe from: Noshing with the Nolands
29. Chicken Fajita Marinade
This chicken fajita marinade is a blend of olive oil, lime juice and spices, all mixed together to form the perfect flavoring for zesty fajitas. You can also use this marinade to make Mexican style chicken for burritos, nachos, tacos and more! You can’t go wrong with a good marinade! Whether you choose to grill, pan sear or bake your fajitas, the results will be perfect each and every time.
Get the full recipe from: Dinner at the Zoo
30. How to Make Steak Fajitas
Learn how to make fajitas with steak, just like your favorite Mexican restaurant! Find out what type of steak is best and how to season the beef for a delicious flavor. The flavor comes from the steak strips being rubbed with fajita seasoning that has spices including cumin, paprika and chili powder. It has just the right amount of spice.
Get the full recipe from: Tastes of Lizzy T
Final Thought on Easy Tex-Mex Recipes
Easy Tex-Mex recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy bold, tasty meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can make all kinds of delicious dishes that everyone will love. From tacos to fajitas, these recipes are perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Tex-Mex recipes make it simple to enjoy flavorful, satisfying meals without the fuss. With just a few ingredients and quick prep, you can create a variety of tasty dishes everyone will love.
