Drop the Tortillas! These 19 Tex-Mex Dishes Are Better Than Plain Tacos

Photo of author

| Published:

Drop the Tortillas! These 19 Tex-Mex Dishes Are Better Than Plain Tacos

Are you ready to try something new for dinner? Move beyond the usual tacos and explore 19 unique Tex-Mex dishes that offer exciting flavors and new experiences. Each dish is prepared with a unique twist that might just become your new favorite way to enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine. Get ready to enjoy a variety of dishes that go beyond the common taco night.

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving a bit more kick in your meal, our chicken tinga will surely hit the spot. It’s packed with flavors that blend perfectly for a memorable dining experience. This recipe stands out as a perfect filling for tacos but easily becomes the star of any dish. You’ll find it hard to go back to plain tacos after giving this a try.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Forget what you knew about boring side dishes; our Mexican street corn salad is here to steal the show. With a combination of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, it brings a refreshing twist to any meal. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking to spice up your dinner table. This salad proves that sides can be just as exciting as the main course.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde rice in a black pan with tomatoes and herbs.
Arroz Verde. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever thought rice could be the most exciting part of your meal? Our arroz verde will change your mind. This dish brings a burst of color and flavor to your plate, making it impossible to resist. It’s a splendid way to incorporate some greens into your diet without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reminiscent of a warm hug from the South, our Texas corn succotash is comfort food at its finest. It combines simplicity with hearty flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect alongside any Tex-Mex entree, it brings a touch of homeliness to every bite. This is one recipe that shows just how joyful simple cooking can be.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Birria Tacos

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

Let’s talk about transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. Our birria tacos do just that, taking the rich and savory stewed meat and using it to fill soft, warm tortillas. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. These tacos prove that traditional flavors can be enjoyed in new and exciting ways.
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ready for a flavor adventure? Our mango habanero salsa is a vibrant, spicy-sweet delight that’s impossible to forget. It’s the ultimate companion to chips, grilled meats, or even as a bold taco topping. Dive into this if you’re looking to add an exciting twist to your meals – it promises a unique taste experience.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

A closeup shot of two tacos filled with smoked pork belly and vegetables.
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said tacos need to be plain? Our smoked pork belly tacos are anything but. The smoky flavor of the pork paired with fresh toppings creates a combination that’s both innovative and irresistibly delicious. It’s a fresh take on tacos that will leave you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Birria Pizza

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

Ever think of combining Italian and Mexican cuisines? Our birria pizza does this beautifully, topping a crispy crust with tender, spiced meat, cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro. It’s an innovative recipe that brings a new level of excitement to pizza night. This dish is a testament to the magic that happens when two cultures meet in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

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.

For those who love a good kick of heat, our chile de arbol salsa is a must-try. It’s a fiery addition to any dish, bringing bold flavors that demand attention. Whether you use it as a dip or a sauce, it promises to boost your meal. This salsa is proof that sometimes, a little heat is all you need to liven up your food.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

A closeup of Vegan Mexican Rice with tomatoes in the background.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a lighter alternative to traditional rice? Our Mexican cauliflower rice is a flavorful, low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with almost any main, making it a staple in healthy dining. This recipe redefines what healthy eating can look like – flavor-packed and utterly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-It Tostada on a plate with hot sauce in a bottle.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ready for a quirky twist on a classic? Our Cheez-Its tostada layers familiar flavors in a fun new way, using the snack cracker as a base for vibrant toppings. It’s a playful dish that brings a smile and is perfect for casual gatherings. This recipe proves that creativity in the kitchen can lead to deliciously unexpected results.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Guacamole Snack Board

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

Say goodbye to the hassle of choosing just one appetizer. Our guacamole snack board offers a variety of textures and flavors, centered around the creamy, rich taste of avocado. It’s an ideal pick for parties or a family night in, where everyone can find something they love. This board turns snack time into a mini feast.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Pico de Gallo

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

Fresh and vibrant, our pico de gallo adds a splash of color and zest to any meal. It’s a simple mix of fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Whether it’s served with chips or as a topping, it’s a refreshing choice. This recipe is a reminder of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re a fan of crunch, our tacos dorados are a game changer. Filled and then fried to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. They’re a golden twist on the traditional taco, making them an instant favorite at the dinner table. This dish is proof that sometimes, a little crunch can go a long way in making a meal memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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

Our chicken tinga tostadas bring a world of flavor in a crispy package. The spiced chicken, paired with fresh toppings on a crunchy base, creates a mouth-watering combination. It’s an inviting way to enjoy the richness of chicken tinga in a form that’s perfect for sharing. These tostadas make it easy to turn any gathering into a flavor fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Fried Tomatillos

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

Craving something crispy but with a tangy twist? Our fried tomatillos are just the ticket. Wrapped in a golden batter, these tangy treats are a delightful way to start any meal. They’re a testament to how frying can transform a simple ingredient into a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Escape the mundane with our baked Spanish rice, a dish that infuses every bite with warmth and spice. It’s a comforting side that pairs beautifully with any Tex-Mex main, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. The oven-baked method ensures each grain is perfectly tender. This dish shows that comfort can indeed come in a rice bowl.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Cream of Jalapeno Soup

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

If you’re in the mood for something warming and slightly spicy, our cream of jalapeno soup is here to satisfy. The creamy texture and heat from the peppers create a soothing but exciting eating experience. It’s a bowl of comfort that packs just enough punch to keep things interesting. This soup is a cozy way to spice up your meal times.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Our Baja fish tacos bring the essence of the coast right to your plate. The light, flaky fish wrapped in a soft tortilla and topped with crisp slaw offers a refreshing take on the classic taco. It’s a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. These tacos invite you to savor the vibrant flavors of Baja with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Leave a Comment

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