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13 Insanely Delicious Tex-Mex Favorites to Spice Up Your Dinner Routine

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If you’re stuck in a dinner rut and craving something with a bit more zing, it’s time to dive into the vibrant world of Tex-Mex cuisine. Imagine the sizzle of fajitas, the heartiness of tortilla soup, and the comfort of cheesy enchiladas — all from your own kitchen.

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

These 13 insanely delicious Tex-Mex favorites are here to rescue your meal plans and inject some much-needed spice into your nightly dinners. From slow-cooked barbacoa that falls apart at the touch of a fork to quick and zesty pickled jalapeños that add a kick to any dish, these recipes are not only mouthwatering but also simple enough to whip up any night of the week, not just for Taco Tuesday.

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Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Forget the fuss on Taco Tuesday with these effortlessly tasty crock pot chicken tacos, where honey meets lime for a zestful twist. They simmer to perfection, ready to stuff into warm tortillas for a laid-back dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Carnitas

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

Transform pork into a fiesta of flavor with air fryer carnitas, where the air fryer works its magic to deliver delicious meat with that coveted crispy finish. Wrap it up in soft tortillas with a squeeze of lime, and your weeknights just got a lot more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Chicken Tortilla Soup

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

Embrace the warmth of a classic Chick-fil-A favorite with this homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup. Every spoonful brims with the familiar, soul-soothing taste, making it a comforting staple for those brisk autumn evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chile Relleno Casserole

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

Savor the flavors of Mexico with a Chile Relleno Casserole, layering fresh chiles and cheese for a gooey, heartwarming dish. It’s a low-effort, high-reward meal that brings a touch of Tex-Mex nostalgia right to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Plate of chicken fajitas with chicken, red bell peppers and onion.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sizzle up some Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas for a meal that’s as colorful as autumn leaves. Juicy chicken and crisp veggies meld together in under 15 minutes, proving that quick and easy can still be incredibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Taco Rice Skillet

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

Dive into the simplicity of a Taco Rice Skillet, a one-pot wonder that turns basic ingredients into a flavor-packed dinner. It’s all the taco goodness you crave, cooked with fluffy rice, ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

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

Make Barbacoa in your slow cooker for a tantalizingly delicious meal. Serve this versatile dish in tortillas or make a burrito bowl. And when you use the slow cooker the meal practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Quick Pickled Jalapenos

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

Add a tangy kick by whipping up some quick pickled jalapeños. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have the perfect condiment to add a spicy zing to tacos, nachos, burgers or even sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Jalapenos

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

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

Who needs Taco Bell when you can DIY their Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at home? Whip up these spicy, cheesy delights in minutes for a side that’ll have everyone enjoying the cheesy goodness of crispy potaotes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Walking Taco Casserole

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

Combine the fun of a walking taco with the homey comfort of a casserole for all the flavor with less mess. This dish is a layered wonder, full of beef, cheese, veggies, and the irresistible crunch of Fritos, sure to be a hit for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Bowl of Mexican rice on a wooden cutting board.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting with this foolproof Mexican Rice recipe. It’s the perfect companion to your favorite Tex-Mex mains, delivering fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice every time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Enchiladas

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

Shake up your Taco Tuesday with air fryer enchiladas, a creative twist that brings new life to leftover chicken. These speedy roll-ups are a crisp, cheesy dream straight out of the air fryer basket.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Fish Tacos

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

Quick and healthy, Instant Pot fish tacos are a game-changer, proving frozen fish can still be fabulous. Serve up these tilapia-filled tacos for a fresh, flavorful meal that’s table-ready in half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos

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Tex mex favorites spice up taco tuesday.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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