10+ Texan Recipes to Savor and Share

Texan recipes are known for their bold flavors and hearty ingredients that reflect the spirit of Texas. These dishes often bring people together, making them a central part of gatherings and celebrations.

From comfort foods to festive treats, there’s a wide variety of meals that capture the essence of Texas culture.

In this article, you will explore popular Texan recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for something classic to satisfy a crowd or a unique dish to try, you’ll find the perfect recipe to add to your collection.

1) Chicken-Fried Steak

Chicken-fried steak is a beloved Texan dish. It features a tenderized beef cutlet that is breaded and fried until crispy. This dish is often served with creamy gravy, making it a hearty meal.

To make chicken-fried steak, you’ll need a few ingredients. The beef is usually a cube steak or top round. The key is to get the breading just right for that crunchy texture.

You can enjoy this dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with mashed potatoes or green beans.

Ingredients

• 2 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Tenderize the steaks with a meat mallet.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each steak in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
5. Fry each steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Serve hot with gravy.

2) Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that many people love. This chocolate cake is baked in a large jelly roll pan, making it perfect for gatherings. The cake is moist and rich, topped with a warm chocolate frosting that adds a sweet finish.

To make the cake, you’ll need simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs. The icing is just as easy, combining butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar for a fudgy taste.

This cake serves well at parties or family get-togethers. It’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover craving something sweet.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Boil water and mix it with oil, then add to the dry ingredients. Stir well.
4. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. For the frosting, melt butter and cocoa in a pot. Remove from heat, then add milk and powdered sugar.
7. Pour frosting over warm cake and spread evenly. Enjoy!

3) Frito Pie

Frito Pie is a beloved Texan dish. It’s a hearty mix of crunchy Fritos, savory chili, and melty cheese. This dish is perfect for game days or family gatherings.

To make it, you start with a base of Fritos. Top them with chili, usually made from ground beef and spices. After adding the chili, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top and some diced onions for extra flavor.

You can customize it to your taste. Some prefer adding jalapeños for a spicy kick. Others enjoy a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Fritos® Corn Chips
• 6 ounces (1/2 can) chili (no beans)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer Fritos on a baking dish.
3. Pour chili over the Fritos.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese and diced onions on top.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

4) Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a fresh and tasty dip perfect for any gathering. It’s quick to make and packed with flavorful ingredients. You can whip it up in under 15 minutes!

This dip combines black-eyed peas, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, and onions. You can enjoy it with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.

To make it even tastier, add a zesty dressing. Many people use Italian dressing to enhance the flavors. It’s a dish that everyone loves!

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
2. Stir until everything is combined well.
3. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite dish.

5) German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert with rich chocolate flavor. This cake is known for its layers and smooth coconut-pecan frosting. It’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat at home.

You start by making a chocolate cake. The cake is moist and fluffy, offering a great base for the topping. The frosting adds a delicious twist with its nutty and sweet taste.

To make it, use quality ingredients and follow the steps closely. You will enjoy the combination of chocolate and coconut in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• ½ cup (115g) butter
• 4 oz (113g) German sweet chocolate
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups (120g) shredded coconut
• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
4. Add eggs, vanilla, and melted chocolate, mixing well.
5. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the mixture.
6. Stir in buttermilk until smooth.
7. Pour batter into greased cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
8. Let cool before frosting with coconut-pecan frosting.

6) Carnitas Tamale Pie

Carnitas tamale pie is a delicious twist on traditional tamales. This dish combines seasoned pork with a fluffy cornmeal topping. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

You start by cooking boneless pork shoulder with spices and salsa. While the pork is cooking, mix together your cornmeal, flour, and sugar. This will form the base of your pie.

Once the pork is shredded, spread it in a baking dish. Add cheese on top, and pour your cornmeal mixture over everything. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Cooked carnitas (pulled pork)
• Cheese (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Stir in the oil until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Spread the carnitas in a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the carnitas.
6. Pour the cornmeal mixture on top.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

7) Texas-Style Chili

Texas-style chili is a hearty dish that’s perfect for any gathering. It features tender chunks of beef cooked with a rich mix of spices. This chili is known for its bold flavors and warmth.

To make it, you’ll need a good quality cut of meat. Many recipes call for ground beef or braised beef. You can customize it with various peppers for heat.

Beans are often left out in traditional Texas chili, keeping the focus on the meat and spices. Feel free to add toppings like shredded cheese or diced onions for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, chopped
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add spices, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8) Everyday Beef Barbacoa

Everyday Beef Barbacoa is a delicious and simple dish perfect for any meal. It features tender, flavorful beef cooked slowly to bring out the best taste.

To make this dish, you can use beef chuck roast or beef cheek. The combination of orange juice and lime juice adds a refreshing zing.

You’ll also need chipotle peppers for a bit of spice. Cooking this in a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare and ensures the meat is juicy.

Ingredients

• 3-5 lbs beef chuck roast or beef cheek
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ⅓ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Sear the beef on all sides.
3. Place the beef in a slow cooker.
4. Add orange juice, lime juice, beef broth, and chipotle peppers.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C).
6. Shred the beef and serve as desired.

9) Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a delightful Tex-Mex breakfast. It features fried tortillas topped with eggs and a flavorful sauce. This dish is easy to make and packed with taste.

To start, use corn tortillas and lightly fry them until they’re crisp. Then, add refried beans on top.

Fry some eggs to your liking and place them on the beans. Finally, smother everything in a homemade ranchero salsa.

You can make the salsa with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This adds yummy flavors to your meal.

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans
• Eggs
• Salsa (onions, bell peppers, tomatoes)
• Olive oil
• Cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Fry the corn tortillas in olive oil until crisp.
2. Heat the refried beans on low.
3. Cook the eggs to your preference (sunny-side up or over easy).
4. Prepare the ranchero salsa by sautéing onions and bell peppers.
5. Assemble by layering beans, eggs, and salsa on the tortillas. Enjoy!

10) King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken is a classic Texan dish that’s full of flavor. This casserole combines shredded chicken, creamy soups, and spicy green chiles all layered between corn tortillas. It’s a hearty meal that everyone will love.

You can customize it with your favorite veggies or add more cheese on top for extra richness. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces)
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the soups, tomatoes, and sour cream.
3. In a baking dish, layer tortillas, chicken, veggies, and the soup mixture.
4. Add cheese on top and repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Enjoy!