Few culinary traditions capture the heart (and stomach) of America quite like Tex-Mex. This beloved fusion cuisine marries traditional Mexican flavors with Texan boldness, creating dishes that have become staples across the country. From sizzling fajitas to cheese-smothered enchiladas, Tex-Mex offers comfort food that satisfies our deepest cravings for spice, cheese, and all things delicious.
In this mouthwatering journey, we’ll count down the top 10 Tex-Mex entrees, ranking them from merely good to absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a Tex-Mex aficionado or a curious newcomer, this guide will have you planning your next fiesta faster than you can say “más tequila, por favor.”
The Origins of Tex-Mex: A Brief History
Before diving into our rankings, let’s take a moment to appreciate how Tex-Mex came to be. This distinctive cuisine emerged in the late 19th century along the Texas-Mexico border, where Mexican dishes began to incorporate local Texan ingredients and cooking methods. What started as home cooking among Tejano families evolved into a commercial cuisine in the early 20th century, particularly in San Antonio, which is often considered the birthplace of Tex-Mex as we know it today.
The cuisine gained nationwide popularity in the 1970s, introducing Americans to chili con carne, nachos, and fajitas. Today, Tex-Mex has become so embedded in American food culture that many people don’t even realize they’re enjoying a fusion cuisine when they bite into a crunchy taco or scoop up guacamole with tortilla chips.
What Makes Tex-Mex Unique?
Tex-Mex stands apart from traditional Mexican cuisine in several key ways. It typically features more beef (rather than pork or chicken), generous amounts of cheese (often yellow cheese rather than white Mexican varieties), wheat flour tortillas alongside corn ones, and a heavier hand with cumin. You’ll also find a greater emphasis on ingredients like black beans, canned vegetables, and yellow onions – items that were more readily available to Texan cooks than authentic Mexican ingredients when the cuisine was developing.
Another hallmark of Tex-Mex is its adaptability. The cuisine continues to evolve, incorporating new influences while maintaining its comforting, satisfying essence that keeps us coming back for more.
10. Tostadas: The Crispy Foundation
Starting our countdown at number ten are tostadas – crispy, flat tortillas topped with layers of refried beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and various toppings. While delicious, tostadas earn their place at number ten primarily because they can be messy to eat and sometimes lack the depth of flavor found in other Tex-Mex entrees.
That said, a well-made tostada offers a satisfying crunch and serves as an excellent canvas for showcasing quality ingredients. The contrast between the crisp tortilla and soft toppings creates a textural experience that can be quite enjoyable, especially when finished with a dollop of guacamole and a squeeze of lime.
Best Way to Enjoy Tostadas
For the best tostada experience, look for versions that feature freshly fried corn tortillas rather than pre-packaged shells. The difference in flavor and texture is remarkable. Also, don’t shy away from adding a variety of toppings – the beauty of tostadas lies in their versatility and ability to showcase multiple flavors in a single bite.
9. Quesadillas: Simple Yet Satisfying
The humble quesadilla lands at number nine on our list. At its most basic, a quesadilla consists of cheese melted between two tortillas, often with additional fillings like chicken, beef, or vegetables. While seemingly simple, a well-executed quesadilla delivers that perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, melted interior that makes it a perennial favorite.
Quesadillas rank lower on our list not because they lack deliciousness, but because they often serve as an appetizer rather than a main course. However, when transformed into a substantial entree with generous fillings and served with sides of rice and beans, quesadillas can certainly hold their own among Tex-Mex classics.
Elevating the Quesadilla
The secret to an outstanding quesadilla lies in the quality of cheese (a mixture of monterey jack and cheddar works beautifully) and the addition of unexpected ingredients. Try incorporating caramelized onions, roasted poblano peppers, or even thinly sliced apples for a sweet-savory contrast that elevates this simple dish to new heights.
8. Chalupas: The Underrated Gem
Coming in at number eight are chalupas – fried tortilla bases topped with beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Similar to tostadas but typically smaller and with slightly different toppings, chalupas offer a perfect two-bite experience that balances crunch, spice, and satisfaction.
What makes chalupas special is the slightly puffed nature of the tortilla base, which creates a shallow bowl effect that cradles the toppings more effectively than a flat tostada. This structural advantage means less mess and more flavor in each bite, earning chalupas their spot above tostadas in our ranking.
Regional Variations
Depending on where you enjoy your chalupas, you might encounter significant variations. In some Tex-Mex establishments, chalupas feature a softer shell that’s more pliable than crisp. Others serve them with a distinctive red chile sauce that sets them apart from similar dishes. These regional differences make chalupas an interesting entry in the Tex-Mex canon worth exploring in different restaurants.
7. Tamales: Labor of Love
Tamales secure the seventh position in our ranking. These bundles of masa (corn dough) filled with seasoned meat, cheese, or vegetables, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed, represent one of the most traditional items on our list. The labor-intensive process of making tamales has turned them into special occasion food in many families, often prepared in large batches during holiday gatherings.
What makes a great Tex-Mex tamale is the perfect ratio of masa to filling, with the dough remaining moist and flavorful rather than dry or crumbly. The best versions feature masa that’s been whipped with lard until light and fluffy, surrounding generous portions of well-seasoned filling.
Tamales Beyond the Basics
While pork tamales with red chile sauce remain the classic choice, the versatility of tamales allows for countless variations. Sweet tamales filled with fruit, chocolate, or cinnamon-sugar offer a delightful dessert option, while vegetarian versions stuffed with cheese and roasted poblanos provide a satisfying alternative to meat-filled varieties.
6. Burritos: Portable Perfection
Reaching the middle of our countdown, burritos claim the sixth spot with their portable, customizable format. These flour tortilla-wrapped packages typically contain some combination of meat, beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables, creating a complete meal in a convenient hand-held form.
The Tex-Mex burrito differs from its California counterpart by focusing more on meat and cheese than rice and beans. You’ll often find them “wet” (covered in sauce) or “smothered” (topped with chile con queso), transforming them from finger food to knife-and-fork affairs that showcase the bold flavors characteristic of Tex-Mex cuisine.
The Art of Burrito Rolling
A perfectly constructed burrito maintains its structural integrity while delivering a balanced bite of all ingredients. This requires strategic layering – rice and beans first (to absorb sauces), followed by meat, then cheese and vegetables – and proper rolling technique that tucks in the ends to prevent filling from escaping. When done right, each bite offers the perfect proportion of flavors and textures.
5. Chimichangas: Decadent Indulgence
Breaking into our top five is the chimichanga – essentially a deep-fried burrito that transforms a familiar favorite into something spectacularly indulgent. Legend has it that chimichangas were invented accidentally when a burrito was dropped into a fryer, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the savory fillings inside.
What elevates a chimichanga above a standard burrito is that magical transformation that occurs during frying. The tortilla becomes crisp and slightly bubbly while the interior ingredients meld together in a way that simply doesn’t happen with an unfried burrito. Topped with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, a chimichanga represents Tex-Mex at its most unabashedly decadent.
Worth the Calories
While certainly not the healthiest option on our list, chimichangas earn their place through sheer deliciousness. The best versions achieve the perfect balance – crisp without being greasy, substantial without being heavy. When you’re in the mood to indulge, few Tex-Mex options deliver satisfaction quite like a well-executed chimichanga.
4. Nachos: The Ultimate Shareable
Nachos secure the fourth position in our ranking, proving that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most satisfying results. At their most basic, nachos consist of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapeños, but they’ve evolved into elaborate creations loaded with beans, meat, guacamole, sour cream, and various salsas.
What makes nachos so irresistible is their perfect balance of textures and flavors – the salty crunch of the chips, the creamy richness of cheese and toppings, and the bright acidity of pickled jalapeños. When constructed properly, with each chip adequately covered in toppings, nachos deliver a different experience with every bite.
From Bar Snack to Main Course
While nachos began as a simple appetizer created by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya for hungry customers at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, they’ve evolved into substantial entrees that can satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The key to great nachos lies in layering – building multiple levels of chips and toppings ensures that even the chips at the bottom receive their fair share of delicious additions.
3. Enchiladas: Saucy Sophistication
Taking the bronze medal in our Tex-Mex countdown are enchiladas – corn tortillas wrapped around various fillings, covered in sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly. What distinguishes enchiladas from burritos or chimichangas is their emphasis on the sauce, which can range from chile con carne to verde to mole, each creating a distinctly different experience.
The best enchiladas feature tortillas that have been lightly fried before being filled and rolled, giving them enough structure to hold up to the sauce without becoming soggy. When done right, enchiladas offer a perfect harmony of flavors – the earthiness of corn tortillas, the richness of filling, the complexity of sauce, and the gooey satisfaction of melted cheese.
Sauce Makes the Difference
Perhaps no other Tex-Mex dish showcases regional variations as clearly as enchiladas. In West Texas, you might find them topped with a beef gravy-like chile con carne, while San Antonio-style enchiladas often feature a bright red chile sauce. The cheese enchilada with chile con carne represents perhaps the most iconic Tex-Mex dish, appearing on combination plates across the state since the early days of Tex-Mex restaurants.
2. Chili Con Carne: The Texas Classic
Nearly claiming the top spot, chili con carne lands at number two in our ranking. This hearty stew of beef, chiles, tomatoes, and spices holds a special place in Tex-Mex history, having been named the official state dish of Texas in 1977. Traditional Texas chili contains no beans – a point of fierce pride among chili purists – focusing instead on tender chunks of beef in a rich, spicy sauce thickened with masa harina.
What makes great chili so irresistible is its depth of flavor, achieved through long, slow cooking that allows the spices to bloom and the meat to become meltingly tender. The best versions balance heat with complexity, incorporating ingredients like chocolate, coffee, or beer to add dimension to the flavor profile.
Beyond the Bowl
While delicious on its own, chili con carne also serves as the foundation for numerous other Tex-Mex favorites. It tops enchiladas, fills tamales, smothers burritos, and transforms ordinary tortilla chips into chili cheese nachos. This versatility, combined with its rich history and bold flavor, earns chili its elevated position in our ranking.
1. Fajitas: The Sizzling Champion
Claiming the crown as the most irresistible Tex-Mex entree are fajitas – marinated, grilled skirt steak (or other proteins) served on a sizzling platter with onions and peppers, accompanied by warm tortillas and various toppings. Few dining experiences match the multisensory thrill of fajitas arriving at your table, announcing themselves with their distinctive sizzle and aromatic steam before you’ve even taken a bite.
What makes fajitas special is their interactive nature – each diner constructs their perfect combination of meat, vegetables, and toppings, customizing every bite to their preference. This personalization, combined with the theatrical presentation and exceptional flavor, elevates fajitas above all other contenders.
From Humble Origins to Restaurant Superstar
Fajitas began as humble ranch food, with Mexican vaqueros in South Texas making creative use of a tough, inexpensive cut of beef (skirt steak) by marinating it to tenderness and cooking it over an open flame. The dish remained relatively unknown outside ranching communities until the 1970s, when Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo began serving “tacos al carbon” at her Houston restaurant, Ninfa’s. The dish quickly caught on, evolving into the sizzling sensation we know today.
The Perfect Fajita
The secret to transcendent fajitas lies in proper marination (typically including lime juice, garlic, and spices), precise cooking to medium-rare, and proper resting before slicing against the grain. When these elements come together, the result is tender, flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with charred vegetables, fresh salsa, guacamole, and warm tortillas. It’s a combination that’s earned fajitas their place at the pinnacle of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Whether you agree with our rankings or have your own favorites, one thing is certain – Tex-Mex cuisine offers a wealth of delicious options that continue to evolve while honoring their cultural roots. From the humble tostada to the sizzling fajita, each dish tells a story of cultural exchange, innovation, and the universal language of satisfying, flavorful food. ¡Buen provecho!
