Do you love food that warms your body, fills your belly and makes your heart sing? Well, then you should check out more Tex-Mex foods. Things like tacos, enchiladas and guacamole that come from the lovely state of Texas will blow your mind. A bit different from traditional Mexican food, yet completely authentic when it comes to immaculate vibes and taste, Tex-Mex will steal your heart forever. If you need some soul food, here are some Tex-Mex dishes that will brighten up every day:

Tex chili con carne

We simply feel an obligation to start from this heart-warming Tex-Mex meal that’s authentically Texan yet so much inspired by Mexico. Chili is the Lone Star state’s food icon, and thanks to many cooking competitions, it gained legendary status. Also, due to all the cook-offs, people think that chili is hard to make, but it’s actually not. Texan chili originated from chili con carne, a very simple meal. Tex-Mex enthusiasts love to push the limits of chili but the simple original Mexico-inspired variation will always be the best, especially when you feel a bit blue.

Steak fajitas

If you want to eat something Tex-Mex and can’t wait for hours until your chili is ready, opt for steak fajitas. Grab some high-quality steak meat, throw it on the grill and grill to your preferred ‘doneness’. Then slice nicely and serve with some baked or grilled peppers and onions. You can eat these alone or put them in a tortilla. Here’s a Tex-Mex expert trick for top-notch steak fajitas—make sure to make your grill as hot as the Texas sun!

Pulled pork tacos

This is probably one of the best dishes in Mexican cuisine and one of the most beloved ones in Texan and worldwide. And the best thing about tacos is that they are fun to assemble yourself and experiment with different tastes, additions and folding techniques. If you don’t know how to prepare a perfect pork belly, you can always order a taco kit to your house ahead of Taco Tuesday and create wonderful pulled pork tacos at home. These taco kits are prepared by professional chefs who use only the best ingredients, so you know you’ll get the top-notch Tex-Mex food experience while staying at home.

Refried beans

There’s something about refried beans on the side that make every Tex-Mex meal better. Traditionally, people use pinto beans, so you can get that creamy, hearty and even a bit sweet taste that warms the heart. But, you can also make a quick version with canned beans or any kind, but you won’t get that much flavor out of them. What you can do with your refried beans is stuff them into a tortilla, serve with fajitas and allow them to stand out next to enchiladas. No matter how you serve your beans, they are a must with any Tex-Mex meal if you want to relieve some of your best childhood memories of Texas or get inspired to visit the state for the first time.

Queso and chips

You know that yellow cheese dip that goes perfect with chips? Well, it’s called queso and it’s an essential part of Tex-Mex cuisine. Its sharp notes are so popular across the state that there’s no party in Texas that can go without it. When gooey cheese meets chilies, you get a bowl of goodness that fits perfectly with some chips for dipping as you watch a game at home or enjoy a good chat with your homies in a bar. For a heartier version of queso, you can add ground beef+seasoning—the results are mind-blowing.

Veggie quesadillas

Texas is a state of carnivores, but there are some excellent Tex-Mex meal options perfect for vegetarians as well, such as veggie quesadillas. These quesadillas are made with spinach, black beans, Swiss cheese and chipotles. And for the extra enjoyment while you eat, make your tortillas extra crispy by using plenty of oil and moving the quesadillas around the grill or pan as they cook.

After these Tex-Mex foods, you will forget all about your problems and only focus on the perfect taste of the dishes and the pleasant warmth they bring to your heart. Cheers!