11 Weeknight Tex-Mex Dinners for Autumn

autumn tex mex dinner ideas

Spicy Chicken Tacos With Avocado Lime Crema

spicy chicken tacos recipe

Spicy Chicken Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema are a flavorful Tex-Mex dish, perfect for cozy autumn dinners. These tacos feature tender, succulent chicken seasoned with bold spices, served in warm tortillas and topped with a creamy, zesty avocado lime sauce. These delectable tacos are a delightful way to embrace the fall season with a touch of spice!

Ingredients Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 pound
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Taco seasoning 2 tablespoons
Tortillas 8 small
Avocado 1 large
Sour cream ½ cup
Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, taco seasoning, and diced chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. While chicken is cooking, blend the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth to make the crema.
  4. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
  5. Assemble the tacos by placing chicken on the tortillas, adding a drizzle of avocado lime crema, and garnishing with chopped cilantro.
  6. Serve and enjoy your spicy chicken tacos!
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Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce

hearty beef enchiladas recipe

Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce are a comforting and hearty Tex-Mex dish that brings warmth and flavor to your autumn dinners. These enchiladas feature tender ground beef wrapped in corn tortillas, smothered with a rich and spicy red enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this dish is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef 1 pound
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 tablespoon
Corn tortillas 8
Red enchilada sauce 2 cups
Shredded cheese 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground beef, cumin, and chili powder, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. To assemble the enchiladas, place a portion of the beef mixture in each corn tortilla, rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down in a baking dish.
  4. Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy your Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce!
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Cheesy Tex-Mex Casserole

cheesy tex mex casserole recipe

Cheesy Tex-Mex Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines layers of seasoned ground meat, pasta, black beans, corn, and plenty of melty cheese, all baked to perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for feeding a family during chilly autumn evenings and offers all the comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in one pan.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef 1 pound
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Bell pepper, diced 1 (any color)
Taco seasoning 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
Pasta (elbow or penne) 2 cups (uncooked)
Black beans, drained 1 can (15 oz)
Corn, frozen or canned 1 cup
Diced tomatoes, canned 1 can (15 oz)
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, cooking until the meat is browned.
  3. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix until well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, topping with shredded cheese.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro, serve hot, and enjoy your Cheesy Tex-Mex Casserole!
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Shrimp Quesadillas With Cilantro Pesto

shrimp quesadillas with pesto
Ingredients Quantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Taco seasoning 1 tablespoon
Flour tortillas 4 large
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) 2 cups
Cilantro, fresh 1 cup (packed)
Garlic, minced 1 clove
Olive oil (for pesto) 1/4 cup
Lime juice 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté shrimp with taco seasoning until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine cilantro, garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to make cilantro pesto.
  3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with a layer of cheese, add the cooked shrimp, then drizzle some cilantro pesto on top.
  4. Top with another tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden, then flip and cook the other side until melted and crispy.
  5. Repeat for remaining tortillas, slice into wedges, and serve with extra cilantro pesto on the side. Enjoy your Shrimp Quesadillas!
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Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

hearty vegetarian chili recipe

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for autumn nights. Packed with protein-rich black beans and a variety of vegetables, this chili is not only healthy but also provides a comfort-food experience that warms you up as the temperatures drop. Serve it with cornbread or fresh tortillas for a complete meal!

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion, chopped 1 large
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Bell pepper, chopped 1 large
Carrot, diced 1 large
Celery, diced 1 stalk
Canned black beans, drained 2 cans (15 oz each)
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (28 oz)
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Oregano 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld flavors.
  4. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Vegetarian Black Bean Chili!
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Chicken Fajitas With Peppers and Onions

sizzling tex mex chicken fajitas

Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions are a zesty, colorful dish that embodies the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Perfect for a cozy autumn dinner, this dish combines tender strips of marinated chicken with sautéed bell peppers and onions, served sizzling hot and wrapped in warm tortillas. It’s a great way to bring family and friends together around the table!

Ingredients Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 pound
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Bell peppers, sliced 2 (varied colors)
Onion, sliced 1 large
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Oregano 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Tortillas (flour or corn) 8
Lime wedges For serving
Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Slice the chicken into thin strips and marinate in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet, toss with the veggies, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  5. Serve hot with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Chicken Fajitas!
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Southwest Quinoa Salad

vibrant southwest quinoa salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that brings a festive Tex-Mex vibe to your autumn table. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing, this salad is not only colorful but also satisfying. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main meal, making it a versatile choice for cozy evenings with family and friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked quinoa 1 cup
Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz)
Corn (canned or frozen) 1 cup
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Red bell pepper, diced 1
Red onion, finely chopped 1/2 medium
Avocado, diced 1
Fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup
Lime juice 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Cumin 1/2 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
  4. Add fresh cilantro and mix again before serving. Enjoy your Southwest Quinoa Salad!
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Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers

stuffed peppers tex mex style

Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and hearty dish perfect for autumn dinners. These vibrant peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, beans, and aromatic spices, then topped with melted cheese for a comforting meal that embodies the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Serve them warm from the oven with a drizzle of salsa or a dollop of sour cream for a cozy gathering with family and friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4 large
Ground beef or turkey 1 lb
Cooked rice 1 cup
Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz)
Diced tomatoes (canned) 1 can (14.5 oz)
Chili powder 1 tablespoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) 1 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add ground meat and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  6. Top each pepper with shredded cheese, then cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy your Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers!
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Chorizo and Potato Tacos

chorizo potato taco delight

Chorizo and Potato Tacos are a fantastic way to warm up on a chilly autumn evening. These flavorful tacos combine spicy chorizo with tender potatoes, creating a satisfying and comforting dish that showcases the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, these tacos can be topped with your favorite accompaniments like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients Quantity
Chorizo sausage 1 lb
Potatoes (peeled and diced) 2 medium
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Onion (diced) 1 medium
Corn tortillas 8-10
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish) Optional
Avocado (for topping) Optional

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced potatoes. Cook until tender and slightly crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
  3. Crumble the chorizo into the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
  6. Fill each tortilla with the chorizo and potato mixture, and top with fresh cilantro and avocado if desired.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy your Chorizo and Potato Tacos!
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Enchilada Soup With Tortilla Strips

hearty enchilada soup recipe

Enchilada Soup with Tortilla Strips is a cozy, hearty dish that combines the rich, comforting flavors of enchiladas in a soup form. Perfect for warming up on a crisp autumn evening, this soup is loaded with tender pieces of shredded chicken or beef, black beans, corn, and a delicious broth spiced with chili and cumin. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and your choice of garnishes, it’s a perfect Tex-Mex dinner choice for the fall.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion (diced) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Red bell pepper (diced) 1
Green bell pepper (diced) 1
Chicken or beef broth 4 cups
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices) 1 (14.5 oz) can
Canned black beans (rinsed) 1 (15 oz) can
Corn (frozen or canned) 1 cup
Cooked shredded chicken or beef 2 cups
Enchilada sauce 1 cup
Chili powder 2 teaspoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Corn tortillas (cut into strips) 4-6
Optional toppings (cheese, avocado, cilantro) As desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
  2. Stir in the chicken or beef broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded meat, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
  3. Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, fry the tortilla strips until crispy and golden; set aside.
  4. Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve the soup hot in bowls topped with crispy tortilla strips and any additional toppings of your choice. Enjoy your Enchilada Soup with Tortilla Strips!

Loaded Nachos With All the Fixings

loaded nachos with toppings

Loaded Nachos with All the Fixings is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines crunchy tortilla chips with a heap of savory toppings for a perfect Tex-Mex treat. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a fun family dinner, these nachos can be customized with a variety of toppings including cheese, seasoned beef, beans, jalapeños, and fresh pico de gallo, making them perfect for any autumn occasion.

Ingredients Quantity
Tortilla chips 1 large bag
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) 2 cups
Ground beef (cooked and seasoned) 1 pound
Canned black beans (rinsed) 1 (15 oz) can
Jalapeños (sliced) 1 small jar or to taste
Fresh pico de gallo 1 cup
Sour cream 1 cup
Guacamole 1 cup
Fresh cilantro (chopped) For garnish
Olive oil (for the meat) 1 tablespoon
Chili powder (for seasoning) 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef with chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
  3. On a large baking sheet, spread tortilla chips evenly and layer with cooked beef, black beans, and shredded cheese.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Remove from the oven and top with jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy your Loaded Nachos with All the Fixings!

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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.