15 Southwestern Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Updated: Dec. 10, 2020Get your taco fix without going out thanks to these Southwestern recipes inspired by Tex-Mex restaurants. The best part? Guac won't be extra.
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Inspired by: Taco Bell Fiesta Taco Salad
Everyone at our house loves this taco salad. In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota 2 / 15
Inspired by: Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky
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Inspired by: Chili's Bottomless Chips and Salsa
In the summertime, I love to make this easy, zippy homemade salsa recipe with fresh tomatoes from my garden. I even have a special pan for roasting the peppers. —Roger Stenman, Batavia, Illinois 4 / 15
Inspired by: Qdoba Loaded Tortilla Soup
The spices really liven up this filling chicken tortilla soup. I often double the recipe, freezing leftovers for future dinners or quick lunches. —Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina 5 / 15
Inspired by: Moe's Three Amigos Tacos
Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho 6 / 15
Inspired by: Baja Fresh Nachos
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas 7 / 15
Inspired by: Chipotle Steak Burrito
Slowly simmered all day, the beef is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas and add toppings for a tasty meal. —Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine 8 / 15
Inspired by: On The Border Border Bowl
We love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is ready for the table in almost no time! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana 9 / 15
Inspired by: Chili's Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
This chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste with little preparation. The leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado 10 / 15
Inspired by: Del Taco Pollo Asada Fresca Bowl
My family loves to order those gigantic takeout Tex-Mex burritos, but they can be expensive and we always have leftovers. I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the flavors they love, and that skips the tortilla. —Marquisha Turner, Aurora, Colorado 11 / 15
Inspired by: Chuy's Handmade Tortillas
I usually have to double this flour tortilla recipe because we go through them so quickly. The homemade tortillas are so tender and chewy, you’ll never use store-bought again after learning how to make tortillas. —Kristin Van Dyken, Kennewick, Washington 12 / 15
Inspired by: Moe's Famous Queso
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico 13 / 15
Inspired by: Qdoba Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast routine in a rut? Shake things up with these speedy, savory wraps. —Brenda Spann, Granger, Indiana 14 / 15
Inspired by: Chili's Fajitas
I can't remember when or where I found this oven-baked fajitas recipe, but I've used it nearly every week since. We like it with hot sauce for added spice. —Amy Trinkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 15 / 15
Inspired by: Chipotle Guacamole
Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that's too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Originally Published: May 30, 2019
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