11 Tex-Mex Fall Dinners for the Whole Family

tex mex family dinner ideas

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

spicy chicken enchiladas recipe

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and hearty Tex-Mex dish perfect for a cozy fall dinner. These enchiladas are made with tender shredded chicken, spicy enchilada sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. This recipe will warm you up on cool evenings and impress your family or guests with its bold flavors.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked chicken 2 cups
Enchilada sauce 2 cups
Flour tortillas 8-10
Shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup
Chopped onion 1/2 cup
Minced garlic 2 cloves
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Fresh cilantro For garnish
Sour cream For serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
  3. Add the cooked chicken, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt, mixing well. Stir in half of the enchilada sauce.
  4. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with a bit of cheese, and roll them up.
  5. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbling.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream. Enjoy your spicy chicken enchiladas!
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Beef and Bean Chili Con Carne

heartwarming tex mex chili recipe

Beef and Bean Chili Con Carne is a classic Tex-Mex dish that brings warmth and heartiness to your fall dinners. Packed with ground beef, kidney beans, and a robust blend of spices, this chili is sure to be a hit with family and friends. It’s not only filling but also perfect for leftovers, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef 1 pound
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Red bell pepper, chopped 1 medium
Kidney beans, drained 1 can (15 oz)
Diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz)
Tomato sauce 1 cup
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Oregano 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish
Cheddar cheese, shredded For serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
  4. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy your beef and bean chili con carne!
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Cheesy Beef Tacos

cheesy tex mex beef tacos

Cheesy Beef Tacos are a delicious and satisfying Tex-Mex dish that’s perfect for fall dinners. Bursting with flavor and topped with gooey cheese, these tacos are easy to prepare and make for a fun and interactive meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, you can customize the toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef 1 pound
Taco seasoning 1 packet (1 oz)
Water 2/3 cup
Flour tortillas 8 (soft or hard)
Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup
Lettuce, shredded 1 cup
Tomato, diced 1 medium
Sour cream For serving
Salsa For serving
Jalapeños (optional) Sliced for topping

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
  3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
  4. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and any other desired toppings.
  5. Serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side. Enjoy your cheesy beef tacos!
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Vegetarian Fajitas

vegetarian fajitas flavorful meal

Vegetarian Fajitas are a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex dish that brings together an array of colorful vegetables, making them a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying fall dinner. These sizzling fajitas are not only easy to prepare, but they also allow for plenty of customization, so you can suit everyone’s taste preferences. Serve them with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delightful meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (mixed colors) 2 large, sliced
Onion 1 medium, sliced
Zucchini 1 medium, sliced
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fajita seasoning 1 packet (1 oz)
Tortillas (flour or corn) 8
Black beans (canned, drained and rinsed) 1 can (15 oz)
Corn (canned or frozen) 1 cup
Avocado 1, sliced
Cilantro (optional) For garnish
Lime wedges For serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and zucchini. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in fajita seasoning and black beans, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
  4. Warm tortillas in another pan or microwave.
  5. Serve the vegetable mixture in warm tortillas, topping with corn, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy your delicious vegetarian fajitas!
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Chicken Tortilla Soup

hearty chicken tortilla soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and hearty Tex-Mex dish that’s perfect for chilly fall evenings. This flavorful soup features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a spicy broth, all topped with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch. It’s an easy one-pot meal that makes for a satisfying dinner, great for feeding the whole family or for meal prep!

Ingredients Quantity
Shredded cooked chicken 2 cups
Onion 1 medium, diced
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Bell pepper 1 medium, diced
Diced tomatoes (canned) 1 can (14.5 oz)
Chicken broth 4 cups
Corn (canned or frozen) 1 cup
Black beans (canned, drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Chili powder 1 tablespoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Tortilla strips For garnish
Avocado 1, diced
Lime wedges For serving
Fresh cilantro (optional) For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  2. Add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, black beans, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with tortilla strips, diced avocado, lime wedges, and cilantro as toppings. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup!
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Stuffed Bell Peppers

colorful tex mex comfort food

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and nourishing Tex-Mex dinner option that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. These delightful peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, and delicious spices, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and comforting meal. Perfect for serving family-style or for meal prepping, they are a great way to enjoy seasonal produce!

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4 large
Ground beef or turkey 1 pound
Cooked rice 1 cup
Onion 1 medium, diced
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Diced tomatoes (canned) 1 can (14.5 oz)
Taco seasoning 1 packet (or 2 tbsp)
Shredded cheese 1 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste
Fresh cilantro (optional) For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly brush them with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned, then stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese on top.
  5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers!
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Southwest Quinoa Salad

vibrant tex mex quinoa salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. This hearty salad combines protein-packed quinoa with fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and zesty lime vinaigrette, making it a wonderful option for a light dinner or meal prep. It’s not only satisfying but also brimming with colorful produce that celebrates the fall season.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup (uncooked)
Black beans 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Corn (frozen or canned) 1 cup
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup, halved
Red bell pepper 1 medium, diced
Red onion 1/2 medium, diced
Cilantro 1/4 cup, chopped
Lime juice 3 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper To taste
Avocado (optional) 1, diced

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine.
  5. Top with diced avocado if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your reviving Southwest Quinoa Salad!
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Shrimp Tostadas

crispy shrimp tortilla toppings

Shrimp Tostadas are a delightful and quick-to-make Tex-Mex dish that feature crispy tortillas topped with seasoned shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauces. This meal perfectly combines flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a festive dinner or a casual gathering. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, ensuring a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) 1 lb
Corn tortillas 8
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper To taste
Avocado (sliced) 1
Shredded lettuce 1 cup
Cherry tomatoes (halved) 1 cup
Lime wedges For serving
Cilantro (chopped) 1/4 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant.
  2. Add shrimp, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; sauté until the shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Meanwhile, toast the corn tortillas in a separate pan until crispy.
  4. Assemble by placing sautéed shrimp on each tortilla, and top with shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Tostadas!
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Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese

tex mex mac and cheese

Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese is a creative twist on the traditional comfort food. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Featuring ingredients like spicy jalapeños, tangy tomatoes, and smoky taco seasoning, Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese delivers a hearty meal that’s perfect for fall dinners when you crave something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients Quantity
Elbow macaroni 2 cups
Cheddar cheese (shredded) 2 cups
Pepper jack cheese (shredded) 1 cup
Milk 2 cups
Butter 4 tablespoons
All-purpose flour ¼ cup
Taco seasoning 2 tablespoons
Diced tomatoes (drained) 1 can (14.5 oz)
Jalapeños (sliced) 1 fresh or 1 can
Salt and pepper To taste
Fresh cilantro (chopped) For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens; stir in taco seasoning and cheeses until melted and smooth.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños to the cheese sauce, mixing well to combine.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and transfer to a baking dish if desired. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Tex-Mex Mac and Cheese!
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Pork Carnitas

savory slow cooked pork dish

Pork Carnitas is a savory dish from Mexican cuisine that features slow-cooked, tender pork shoulder that is seasoned with a blend of spices and citrus. This dish is perfect for a fall dinner as it fills the home with delightful aromas and can be served in various ways, such as in tacos, burritos, or topped on nachos. The result is juicy, flavorful meat that can easily be shared with family and friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Pork shoulder 3-4 pounds
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Orange juice 1 cup
Lime juice ½ cup
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Oregano 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Bay leaves 2

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a large Dutch oven, combine the pork shoulder with onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
  3. Cover the pot and place it in the oven, cooking for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart.
  4. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks.
  5. For crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for about 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy.
  6. Serve with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, onions, and lime. Enjoy your flavorful Pork Carnitas!

Chorizo and Potato Hash

chorizo potatoes flavorful one pan dish

Chorizo and Potato Hash is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the robust flavors of spicy chorizo with crispy, golden potatoes. Perfect for a fall dinner, this one-pan meal is not only filling but also versatile, ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s quick to prepare and will leave your kitchen smelling delightful.

Ingredients Quantity
Chorizo sausage 1 pound
Potatoes (diced) 3 cups
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Bell pepper (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook until they are tender and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Push the potatoes to the side of the skillet and add the chorizo, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the center. Cook until the chorizo is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing everything together and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Chorizo and Potato Hash!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.