17 Tex-Mex recipes straight from El Paso

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Bringing the rich, bold flavors of El Paso’s Tex-Mex cuisine to your table, these recipes are prepared to deliver all the warmth and comfort you expect. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these dishes give you a taste of Texas right at home. Each one adds a bit of southwestern flair to familiar favorites, making any meal feel a bit more exciting.

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

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

Bringing El Paso’s vibrant street food scene to your table, Mexican Street Corn Salad blends traditional flavors in a fresh format. This dish offers a blend of textures that complement any main course. With each spoonful, you’ll be transported to a bustling Tex-Mex fiesta. It’s hearty enough for those brisk fall evenings yet refreshing for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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 relish a bit of heat, Chile de Arbol Salsa delivers a punch. Straight from the heart of El Paso, this salsa presents an authentic kick to your favorite dishes. Perfect for a cozy night in or for spicing up your meal prep, it’s a must-try for any spice enthusiast. Share it at your next potluck and watch it disappear before the night ends.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reimagine the classic Caesar with Tex-Mex Caesar Salad, a dish that infuses Southwestern flair into every bite. Ideal for complementing a variety of meals, this salad is a refreshing choice as the season changes. It’s packed with dynamic flavors that will liven up your dinner rotation. Enjoy a unique twist on a staple salad next time you crave something with a Tex-Mex touch.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Breakfast Burritos in a plastic bag on a wooden table.
Freezer Breakfast Burritos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Breakfast on the go gets a Tex-Mex upgrade with Freezer Breakfast Burritos, a staple in El Paso kitchens. These burritos are a make-ahead miracle, ensuring a no-fuss start to chilly fall mornings. They’re also a crowd-pleaser at brunch or a laid-back family breakfast on the weekend. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing the flavors of the Southwest.
Get the Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Blackberry Margarita with smoke coming out the top of the glass.
Smoked Blackberry Margarita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

From the comfort of your home, experience the fusion of sweet and smoky with Smoked Blackberry Margarita. This cocktail is a perfect blend of El Paso’s spirited essence and the fall’s bountiful harvest. Ideal for winding down on a crisp autumn evening, it’s an imaginative take on a classic favorite. Surprise your guests with this creative concoction at your next social gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With every mouthful of Smoked Chicken Al Pastor, you’ll enjoy the depth of flavor that smoking imparts. This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its juicy, tender bite that’s well-suited for a fall family dinner. It brings the rich traditions of El Paso cuisine right to your doorstep. Invite friends over and treat them to a Tex-Mex night they won’t forget.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

El Paso’s home cooking shines with Dutch Oven Carnitas, offering a fork-tender treat in each serving. Perfect for when the weather cools down, it provides a comforting meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s sure to become a go-to for weekend cookouts or cozy family meals. Gather around the table and share the warmth of this Tex-Mex classic.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Smoked Jalapeños

Smoked Jalapenos in 2 cast iron pans.
Smoked Jalapeños. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your appetizer game with Smoked Jalapeños, a bold and fiery favorite from the heart of El Paso. These little bites of heat add the perfect touch of smoke for an autumnal feast. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or looking for a snack with flair, they’re the talk of any event. Bask in the smoky aroma as you treat your guests to a true Tex-Mex experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeños

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy the hearty flair of Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken, a staple that effortlessly captures the essence of El Paso’s culinary scene. This dish is comforting and ideal for any meal where you want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s a no-brainer for a Sunday family dinner, radiating warmth and flavor that complements the season. Settle in for a delicious meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Birria Pizza

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

When classic Italian meets Tex-Mex, you get Birria Pizza, an unconventional fusion that’ll become a new weekend favorite. This creation is a conversation starter, perfect for game day or a casual dinner with friends. As the leaves start to fall, surprise your palate with this bold pizza that’s anything but ordinary. Gather your loved ones and experience a slice of El Paso’s innovative spirit.
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

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

El Paso’s take on healthy eating is embodied in Mexican Cauliflower Rice, a dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. This is a light yet satisfying option for those cooler fall evenings when you want something hearty but not heavy. It pairs beautifully with a range of Tex-Mex entrees. Enjoy a guiltless side that will keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

A platter of pork carnitas board on a wooden table.
Slow Cooker Carnitas Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embrace the ease of Slow Cooker Carnitas Board, a hassle-free way to bring El Paso’s warmth to your kitchen. This dish is a focal point for any social gathering, providing diverse tastes and textures. As the temperatures drop, it’s the ideal centerpiece for a laid-back meal with friends and family. Share stories and build your own tacos on a crisp evening with this delicious spread.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas Board

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Birria de Res draws from El Paso’s rich traditions, offering a stew that’s brimming with flavor and perfect for the fall season. Nothing beats gathering around a simmering pot of birria, sharing stories, and creating memories. This dish is notorious for bringing people together and serves as a hearty refuge from the chilly weather. Make room for this beloved classic at your dining table and watch as it quickly becomes a seasonal highlight.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your snacking routine with Creamy Jalapeño Dip, which promises to add a kick to your favorite chips or veggies. Directly from El Paso kitchens, this dip serves as a great conversation starter at parties. As the leaves turn, indulge in this creamy spread that offers just the right amount of heat. Your get-together will be remembered for its warmth, both in ambiance and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeño Dip

Baked Spanish Rice

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

Baked Spanish Rice is a versatile side that complements any main dish with its straightforward yet rich flavor profile. As the nights get longer, enjoy this cozy addition to your meal that’s a true reflection of El Paso’s comfort cooking. It’s fuss-free, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. This rice will undoubtedly secure its place as a staple in your fall menu rotation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Gather your family for a flavor-packed meal with Taco Casserole, an El Paso specialty that’s a breeze to make. This one-dish wonder is the ultimate comfort food as temperatures begin to dip. It’s a guaranteed hit for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend feast. Relish in the ease of this Tex-Mex favorite that’s built to please any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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

Chicken Tinga Tostadas bring the bold flavors of El Paso to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick meal or a festive gathering, they strike a delicious balance between crunchy and tender. As autumn winds blow, serve these up for a light yet satisfying meal that won’t disappoint. Experience the joy of simple ingredients turned extraordinary with this regional gem.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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