Nacho Average Dinner: 13 Tex-Mex Dishes That Are Way Better Than Corny Jokes

Do you think Tex-Mex is all about the same old nachos and tacos? Think again. Here are some of the tastiest, most satisfying dishes that speak volumes about this cuisine’s rich heritage. Every single one is thoughtfully prepared, bringing something new and exciting to the table. These are nacho average dinner, and certainly better than corny jokes.

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

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Think about sizzling off the grill with a flavor twist that laughs in the face of ordinary side dishes. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs come with that charred goodness, coated in a blend of spices that gives every bite a zingy kick. It’s a fresh take on corn that turns it into the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Birria Tacos

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

When you’re craving something with a depth of flavor, Birria Tacos has got you covered. Slow-cooked till tender, the meat is then stuffed into tortillas that are dipped in the consomé and grilled to perfection. Every bite is a juicy, savory treat, rich with the spices and heartiness of traditional birria.
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos

Chicken Tinga

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

There’s something about Chicken Tinga that just screams ‘comfort food.’ It’s the dish that turns the volume up on shredded chicken, simmering it in a tomato-chipotle sauce until each strand is bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings a hearty warmth to any table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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.

These Smoked Pork Belly Tacos ride into town with a smoky flavor that’s bold without being overpowering. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, the pork belly is the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth hero of this dish. Topped with fresh fixings, every taco is a mini fiesta of textures and tastes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Baked Spanish Rice

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

Who says rice has to be a boring side? Baked Spanish Rice turns your average grain into a fiesta in your mouth, packed with veggies and a hint of spice. It’s the perfect companion to any Tex-Mex main, soaking up flavors and adding its own robust charm. It adds a vibrant pop of color and taste to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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

If Chicken Tinga got a crunchy upgrade, it would come out as Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Piling all that saucy, spicy chicken on a crispy tostada base is nothing short of genius. Add a swipe of refried beans and a sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Arroz Verde

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

Looking to add a green twist to your meal? Arroz Verde is where it’s at. It has rice that gets its vibrant color and fresh flavor from a blend of peppers and herbs. It’s a side dish that refuses to sit quietly next to your main, bringing a lively lift to the whole meal. It’s a subtle way to sneak more veggies onto your plate.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Tacos Dorados

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

Crunchy, filled, and golden, Tacos Dorados are everything good about Tex-Mex in one bite. These fried tacos are packed with your choice of filling, sealing in all the juicy goodness under a crispy shell. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for dipping into your favorite salsa or guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

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

For those looking to lighten up their meal without losing out on flavor, Mexican Cauliflower Rice steps up to the plate. This dish swaps out traditional rice for riced cauliflower, seasoned with a Tex-Mex spice blend that packs a punch. It’s a low-carb option that still delivers high on taste.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Birria Pizza

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

Pizza night meets Tex-Mex flair with Birria Pizza, a fusion that’s as delicious as it sounds. Spread with rich birria, cheese, and all the right toppings on a crispy crust, it’s a game-changer. This pie is a testament to the power of creative cooking, blending two food worlds into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Forget everything you thought you knew about salads. Mexican Street Corn Salad brings all the beloved flavors of grilled corn, creamy sauce, and cheese into a dish that’s both refreshing and decadent. It’s a side that stands up to any main, with a taste that’s as bold as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Make the most out of your leftovers with Leftover Steak Quesadilla, a genius way to bring yesterday’s steak back to life. Stuffed with melty cheese and some flavorful seasonings, every piece is a rich, gooey treat. It’s the ultimate comfort food that makes sure nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Serving up a slice of Texan pride with every tender, marinated bite is Texas-Style Carne Asada. Chargrilled to perfection, it’s a mouthwatering main that’s simple yet incredibly tasty. This dish is a celebration of good, honest flavors, featuring classic seasoning and the unmistakable char of the grill.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

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