Easy Tex-Mex Recipes for Beginners

Tex-Mex cuisine is all about simplicity, fun, and delicious flavors. Whether you're looking to whip up a quick meal or dive into traditional recipes, there's something for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most popular Tex-Mex dishes, from classic chicken tacos to comforting Mexican pasta, and even a beloved family recipe from the iconic restaurant chain, El Chico.

1. Chicken Tacos

Chicken Tacos are a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine. They're simple, fun to make, and perfect for a quick dinner or a party spread. Here's a straightforward recipe to get you started.

Ingredients: Chicken breast Taco seasoning Soft or hard taco shells Lettuce Cheese Salsa Optional: diced tomatoes, cilantro

Instructions: Cook the chicken breast and season it with taco seasoning. Serve the seasoned chicken in soft or hard taco shells. Top with chopped lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Add any additional toppings like diced tomatoes and cilantro for extra flavor.

2. Mexican Pasta

While not a traditional Mexican dish, Mexican Pasta is a fun, easy, and delicious way to add a Tex-Mex twist to your pasta repertoire. Here's a simple recipe to enjoy with your family and friends.

Ingredients: Oil Ground beef Pepper Onion Garlic Corn Tomato sauce Salsa Beef broth Pasta Coriander Black beans

Instructions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet and cook the ground beef, draining excess fat and setting it aside. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan and sauté bell pepper and onion for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the cooked beef, corn, pasta, sauce, salsa, and beef broth. Bring to a boil. Cover the pan and reduce heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is cooked through. Serve immediately with fresh chopped cilantro.

3. Street Tacos

Street Tacos are another classic Tex-Mex dish. You can use any protein you like, from chicken to pork, fish, or shrimp. Here's a simple recipe to create your own street taco experience at home.

Ingredients: Protein of choice (cooked and seasoned) Onion, finely chopped Cilantro, finely chopped Queso fresco, crumbled

Steps: Cook the protein of your choice: Cube your protein well or shred it if it's already cooked. Season it according to your taste: salt, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder (ancho or chipotle). Chop a bit of onion and cilantro, and crumble some queso fresco. Heat the corn tortillas in a towel, foil, or paper towel. Place two tortillas on a plate, add a generous amount of your seasoned protein, some onion, cilantro, and crumbled queso. Top with salsa or hot sauce of your choice.

4. El Chico Chicken Enchiladas

For those seeking a truly traditional Tex-Mex experience, El Chico's Chicken Enchiladas in Sour Cream Sauce are a must-try. Here's a homemade version of this delicious dish, inspired by a family recipe.

Ingredients: Chicken breast, cooked and shredded Sour cream Enchilada sauce Corn tortillas Cheese Crumbled queso fresco Cilantro, chopped

Steps: Cook the chicken breast and shred it. In a large pan, mix shredded chicken with sour cream and enchilada sauce. Heat corn tortillas in a pan or microwave. Place a tortilla on a plate, add a good spoonful of the chicken mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and top with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. Cover with another tortilla and heat in the microwave or pan. Serve with additional salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.

These recipes are just a starting point for your Tex-Mex journey. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!