Tex Mex Cooking Recipes & Food Ideas

April 23, 2026
Tex Mex Cooking Recipes & Food Ideas
Dive into deliciousness with these Tex Mex cooking recipes and food ideas. Whether you’re a solo chef, couple, or busy family, with Old El Paso, you can create most of these mouth-watering dishes at home in under an hour! Perfect for almost any occasion, these Tex Mex delights are sure to spice up your mid-week dinners.

What Is Tex Mex?

Tex Mex cuisine blends flavours from Texas in the USA and Mexico to create a unique flavour profile. Tex Mex dishes typically include ingredients like cheese, beans, sour cream, guacamole, meats, and tortillas, seasoned with spices like cumin and chilli powder, resulting in dishes that are satisfying and packed with flavour – plus, they’re often great for sharing and special occasions too!

Quick And Easy Tex Mex Recipes

When you're short on time but still want a delicious meal, these quick and easy Tex Mex recipes are the ultimate go-to that can be whipped up in no time. From fajitas to tacos with a twist, there are endless Tex Mex recipes to keep your weeknights and weekends fun and varied.

Char-grilled Steak Fajita Tacos

Enjoy a new way to feast on a steak with this Char-grilled Steak Fajita Tacos recipe. The epitome of Tex Mex it pairs succulent steak coated in our tasty Smoky BBQ Fajita Seasoning Mix with Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Flour Tortillas. Easy to hold and ready in just 30 minutes, this Tex Mex fusion is an ideal meal for the whole family!
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Tex Mex Burritos

These Tex Mex burritos are an excellent weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and super filling. Jam-packed with beans, meat, potatoes, chillies and a tasty topping of our Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa and cheese, they’ll be ready to dish up in just 50 minutes and are mouth-watering with a dollop of sour cream.
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Celebrating With Tex Mex

Tex Mex cuisine is also ideal for outdoor gatherings, parties, and summer barbecues - offering a range of dishes and recipes that are sure to impress your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started.

hearty beef bean chilli burritos

Beef Burritos

A classic, Beef Burritos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With our 15 minute recipe, you’ll have your guests' hunger satisfied in no time, with plenty time left to enjoy and socialise. Marinated in our mouth-watering Beef and Bean Chilli Burrito Kit seasoning, they’re sure to become a staple.
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Black Bean and Corn Tortilla Cups

Black Bean and Corn Tortilla Cups

Perfect as an appetiser or smaller serve, these Bean and Corn Tortilla Cups can be cooked up in just 45 minutes and can easily be prepared the day before. Plus, you can even add a moreish seafood twist by adding strips of smoked salmon and prawns.
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Tex Mex for Family Gatherings

Tex Mex meals are great for gatherings too, offering dishes that everyone can enjoy. Here are some tantalising Tex Mex recipes for your next family gathering. They may take longer to bake compared to some of the other recipes in our list, but they’re sure to save you time on cleaning up and provide plenty of portions!

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole

A one-dish dinner, this recipe takes 1 hour and 45 minutes in total but can serve six people and saves you time scrubbing pots so you can relax once the gathering is over. Featuring chicken, onion, peppers, and rice, it’s a delicious meal that’s more than easy to prepare.
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Cheesy Mexican Lasagne

Cheesy Mexican Lasagne

Another Tex Mex recipe with slightly more cook time but plenty of portions, our Cheesy Mexican Lasagne can serve up to eight people. It’s a must-try for any lasagne fan, offering a zesty-taco flavoured alternative that’ll leave you and your guests craving more.
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Sides To Serve  With Tex Mex Recipes

When it comes to sides, there are plenty of options to accompany your Tex Mex dishes such as:
  • Cheese: From creamy queso to sharp cheddar, a side of extra grated cheese is great for guests who may want to add more.
  • Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, and refried beans are all classics in Mexican cuisine but can also make excellent sides.
  • Guacamole: Guacamole is yet another classic side dish often served with Tex Mex dishes. We’ve even developed our own Tex Mex Guacamole recipe!
  • Sour Cream: A side of sour cream is perfect for balancing spice and adding oomph to your dishes.
  • Nachos & Fries: You can never go wrong with a generous side of nachos or fries when it comes to Tex Mex! Check out our Spiced Sweet Potato Fries recipe or Cheese Bean and Sweetcorn Nachos.

Tips For Making Tex Mex Meals At Home

Making delicious Tex Mex meals at home is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate meats in advance to save time during busy weekdays.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference in the taste of your dishes.
  • Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make each meal your own.

Tex Mex Meals In No Time

Tex Mex cooking is a fantastic way to bring people together and with these easy Tex Mex recipes and food ideas you can create these vibrant dishes at home in moments - making weeknight dinners a breeze! So why not turn up the volume on your next meal and Make Some Noise with these tasty recipe ideas.  

FAQs

  • What is Tex Mex food and cuisine?
    Tex Mex food and cuisine is a blend of Mexican and American culinary traditions, featuring bold flavours and hearty ingredients like cheese, beans, and spices
  • What's the difference between Tex Mex and Mexican?
    The difference between Tex Mex and Mexican food is that Tex Mex is not Mexican alone. Tex Mex dishes are a fusion of flavours and ingredients typical of Texas in the USA and Mexico, combined to create dishes that mix the best parts of both.
  • What are some easy Tex Mex recipes?
    Easy Tex Mex recipes include fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos. These dishes can be quickly prepared using our meal kits, tortillas and sauces!
  • Can I make vegetarian Tex Mex recipes?
    Yes, you can make vegetarian Tex Mex recipes such as quesadillas filled with sautéed veggies and cheese or bean and veggie tacos.
  • What are some popular Tex Mex cooking recipes?
    Popular Tex Mex cooking recipes include chicken fajitas, beef burritos, and meat or vegetarian quesadillas. These dishes are flavourful and easy to prepare.