Carne Asada Bowls

Carne asada is a Mexican dish of thinly sliced beef—most often skirt or flank steak—marinated in a mixture of citrus, garlic, and seasonings, then grilled over high heat. It’s typically chopped or sliced after cooking and served in tacos, burritos, or alongside sides like rice, beans, and grilled vegetables.

Why We Love This Recipe:

• Big, bold flavor – Marinated, grilled steak brings smoky, citrusy, savory goodness to every bite.
• Totally customizable – Load them up with rice, beans, veggies, salsas, or keep them lower-carb. Your call.
• Great for meal prep – Components store well, making easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Balanced and satisfying – You get protein, fresh produce, and hearty grains all in one bowl.

Ingredients Used:

• Flank Steak – or use skirt steak
• Marinade – a simple mixture of citrus juice, olive oil, soy sauce, chopped cilantro (optional), and seasonings
• Mexican Street Corn Salad – this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy bowl recipes
• White Rice – or use our Green Chile Rice, Stovetop Cilantro Lime Rice, or Mexican Rice and Beans
• Fresh Veggies – tomatoes, salad greens, and sliced avocado (or add any of your favorites)
• Dressing – use a simple combo of sour cream and salsa or make one of our dressings (like Chipotle Ranch Dressing or Cilantro Lime Crema)

How to make Carne Asada Bowls:

Step 1
Make marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients – the olive oil, soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice, chopped cilantro (optional but tasty), ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk well.

Step 4
Grill carne asada. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat (about 450 degrees) so it’s nice and hot before the steak goes on. Grill the marinated carne asada for about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s nicely charred on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness.

We use a digital thermometer to test for doneness. Medium for flank steak is generally our preference.

• 130–135°F = medium-rare (most traditional and tender for carne asada)
• 140–145°F = medium
• 150°F+ = more well done (can start to get tougher)

Toppings for Burrito Bowls:

While not required, we like to add some sort of dressing or sauce to these bowls when serving.

• Cilantro Lime Crema
• Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe
• Chipotle Ranch Dressing
• Avocado Crema

Other Delicious Tex-Mex Recipes:

Tex-Mex is on constant rotation here, including some of the following.

• Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
• Walking Taco Casserole
• Skillet Beef Enchiladas
• Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tender Carne Asada

Steak has always felt like a bit of a luxury in our home, since we didn’t have it often growing up. We were more of a pork-and-chicken family – and plenty of casseroles. Lots and lots of casseroles.

Over time, I’ve shared more beef recipes here with you using a variety of cuts – mostly flank steak, filet mignon, chuck roast, and ground beef – and honestly, I truly love them all!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Flavor-packed marinade – Citrus, garlic, and spices tenderize the meat while infusing it with bold, balanced flavor.
• High-heat grilling – A hot grill creates that signature char and locks in juices for a perfectly cooked steak.
• Quick cooking time – Thin cuts like flank or skirt steak cook fast, making this recipe both efficient and reliable.
• Sliced against the grain – Cutting the steak properly ensures every bite is tender and easy to chew.

What You’ll Need:

• flank steak (or skirt steak works too)
• chopped cilantro
• olive oil
• soy sauce
• citrus juice – from oranges and limes
• ground cumin
• chili powder
• garlic powder
• red pepper flakes
• kosher salt
• black pepper

How to make Grilled Carne Asada:

Step 1
Make marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients—olive oil, soy sauce, fresh orange juice, lime juice, and optional chopped cilantro—along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended and fragrant.

Step 4
Grill steak. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat (around 450°F) so it’s fully hot before the steak goes on. Grill the marinated carne asada for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s beautifully charred on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.

We use a digital thermometer to test for doneness. Medium for flank steak is generally our preference.

• 130–135°F = medium-rare (most traditional and tender for carne asada)
• 140–145°F = medium
• 150°F+ = more well done (can start to get tougher)

Step 6
Add sauce if desired. Carne asada pairs really well with sauces that are bright, creamy, or a little spicy to balance the smoky grilled flavor. Here are some great options:

• Cilantro lime crema – Creamy, tangy, and fresh; one of the most popular pairings.
• Pico de gallo or fresh salsa – Adds acidity, crunch, and brightness.
• Salsa verde – A zesty tomatillo-based sauce with a little heat and lots of flavor.
• Avocado crema – This fresh crema is one of our favorites and goes well with any protein.
• Guacamole – Rich and creamy, it balances the char from the grilled steak.
• Chimichurri – A recipe shared by one of my fellow food blogger friends!

Step 7
Add to bowls, tacos, quesadillas, or salads. We love adding carne asada to so many of our recipes including the following.

• Carne Asada Quesadillas
• Carne Asada Bowls
• Fajita Taco Salad
• Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Beef Recipes:

Looking for more beef recipes? I’ve gotcha covered.

• Grilled Filet Mignon
• SueBee’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe
• Beef Kabobs on the Grill
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global 7-inch Knife – Favorite kitchen knife.
• Stainless-Steel Grill Tongs 17-inch – Our go-to tongs for grilling all the things.

Beer Brats

Our family ate a ton of bratwurst growing up in Iowa, and I have very vivid memories of standing around the grill watching my dad navigate those crazy flare ups that would explode out of nowhere! It was practically a backyard tradition – brats on the grill almost always meant some serious fire action.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple to make – simmer the brats in beer with peppers and onions, finish them on the grill for that perfect char, and dinner is done! Foolproof and absolutely delicious every single time.
• Full of flavor – the brats soak up all that incredible flavor from the beer, caramelized onions, and sweet peppers as they simmer. Every bite is juicy, savory, and completely irresistible!
• Perfect for summer entertaining – set up a toppings bar with all the fixings and let everyone build their own – easy, fun, and guaranteed to make you the star of the party!

What You’ll Need:

• brats
• bell peppers and onion
• beer – use a light beer, a lager, or ale (nothing overpowering like an IPA)
• to serve – sauerkraut, spicy or regular mustard, and buns

How to make Grilled Beer Brats with Peppers and Onion:

Step 1
Prep bell pepper and onion. Thinly slice the bell pepper and onion, and place in a glass dish.

Sides to serve with Grilled Beer Brats:

A side or two is all you’ll need to go with grilled beer brats. We also like to finish with some S’mores Cookie Bars or Flourless Monster Cookies.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Grilled Recipes:

We love to grill all year around, but especially in the warm summer months. Nothing better!

• Mushroom Swiss Burgers with Caramelized Onions
• Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
• Mushroom Beef Burgers
• Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Grilling Tongs

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know that kabobs are a serious staple in our house! Steak, pork, chicken, and shrimp are our go-to proteins so far – and every single one has been absolutely delicious. But this Hawaiian version might just be our new favorite (spoken by a true food blogger)!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Bold and flavorful marinade – the combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic creates the most incredible sweet and savory flavor
• Sweet meets savory – juicy pineapple chunks caramelize beautifully on the grill alongside the tender marinated chicken
• Easy weeknight or weekend meal – simple to prep ahead and on the grill in minutes
• Colorful and festive – bell pepper and red onion make these kabobs as beautiful as they are delicious
• Served over rice – makes it a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love

What You’ll Need:

• chicken breasts
• fresh pineapple
• red onion
• bell pepper – any combo of colors
• marinade – a simple combo of ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and seasonings
• rice to serve

How to make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs:

Step 1
Prep chicken. Slice chicken breasts into 1.5 inch cubes. Place in gallon sized freezer bag or airtight container.

Step 2
Make marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Reserve 3/4 cup marinade in small bowl and set aside. Pour remaining marinade over cubed chicken breasts.

Step 6
Grill kabobs. Light outdoor grill to 375 degrees. When hot, grill skewers until chicken is done, approximately 7-8 minutes per side.

Chicken is considered done when it registers 165 degrees F on a digital thermometer. We normally remove them at 160 degrees F allowing for a few degrees of carry-over cooking.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Kabobs Recipes:

We love all the kabob recipes!

• Pork Shish Kabobs
• Grilled Chicken Skewers
• Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers
• Honey Sriracha Chicken Kabobs
• Beef Kabobs on the Grill

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global 7-inch Knife – Favorite kitchen knife.
• Kabob Skewers – Used to grill the steak kabobs.
• Stainless-Steel Grill Tongs 17-inch – Our go-to tongs for grilling all the things.

Chicken Quinoa Bowls

When it comes to healthy eating, these bowls fit the bill – lean proteins, healthy grains, fresh vegetables, plus lots of flavor. Bowls are still the rage everywhere you go and I’m constantly brainstorming new combos of flavor and texture.

The really great thing about bowls is the customization, especially if you’re feeding kids or picky eaters. You can offer various grains and proteins and let everyone choose their faves.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – There are several steps to this recipe but we’re using simple ingredients and making some things ahead of time.
• CUSTOMIZABLE – These bowls are customizable according to your taste buds and what you like best. Prep a variety of grains, proteins, veggies, and sauces/dressings – and make them all week long.
• GREAT MEAL PREP – We love adding the leftovers to individual meal prep containers and enjoying them for lunches throughout the week.
• MEDITERRANEAN FLAVORS – We love Mediterranean food, especially fresh hummus and tzatziki sauce.
• NUTRIENT DENSE – If following a Mediterranean diet, you’ll love these healthy grain bowls. A great way to add healthy fats, leafy greens, a variety of vegetables, and different grains.

Ingredients Used:

All of these simple ingredients can be found at your local grocery store.

• Chicken Breast – Use about two pounds of chicken breast. I recommend butterflying the chicken for more even cooking.
• Marinade – A combo of Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme and oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Quinoa – We prefer cooking our quinoa in the instant pot. But you could cook it on the stovetop too.
• Tzatziki Sauce – One of our favorite condiments for Mediterranean food.
• Hummus – Use either homemade hummus or store-bought.
• Other – Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, baby spinach, crispy chickpeas, fresh herbs, etc.

How to make Greek Chicken Bowls:

Step 1
Prep chicken. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the chicken breasts. Add to a resealable bag.

Step 2
Make chicken marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Combine well with a whisk.

This yogurt marinade for chicken is one of many you can use for these bowls. For another, try the marinade we use in our Grilled Chicken Skewers.

Step 3
Add marinade to chicken. Spoon the marinade over the chicken and seal. Use your hands to massage the ingredients into the chicken. Place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld.

NOTE: Don’t marinate the chicken in lemon juice for over three hours. So if needed, soak the chicken in the other ingredients and add the lemon juice later.

Step 4
Make tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumbers, minced dill, seasonings (garlic powder, salt, and pepper), and fresh lemon juice. Stir well and add a drizzle of olive oil to serve.

Step 5
Make the quinoa. You can make the quinoa on the stovetop, according to package directions. Or use your instant pot (my fav way to make quinoa!) and pressure cook for one minute with a 10 minute natural release.

Don’t like quinoa? Substitute farro or brown rice instead (or white rice for picky eaters)!

Step 7
Grill chicken. Light an outdoor grill to medium heat – about 350 degrees F. When hot, add the chicken and grill on one side for several minutes before flipping to the other side. Cook until the internal temperature registers 160 degrees on a digital thermometer, allowing for a few degrees of carry-over cooking.

NOTE: This chicken will not get as brown due to the white yogurt in the marinade. That’s ok – it’s still delicious!

Step 9
Assemble bowls.

• Layer the quinoa and hummus. On the bottom of the bowl, spread some quinoa and hummus (homemade hummus or store-bought hummus work great here).
• Then add the sliced, grilled chicken.
• Add your choice of sliced veggies – tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion (we also love our Spicy Pickled Onions), avocado, etc.
• Then add a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce, some feta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and some extra salt and pepper!
• Optional toppings include olives (Kalamata olives, green olives, black olives), marinated artichoke hearts, or others.

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global 7-inch Knife
• Instant Pot

Spicy Shrimp Appetizer

While this salad recipe works for a small main course, it works well for an appetizer too. We love to serve it for a gathering of four to six – because it’s just the right amount before grilling a steak or burgers.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple to make – just a handful of fresh ingredients and shrimp that cooks in minutes. It looks and tastes impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect level of spice – the sriracha and jalapeño bring just the right amount of heat without overpowering the fresh flavors. Dial it up or tone it down based on your crowd.
• Great for entertaining – colorful, fresh, and full of bold flavor – exactly the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe before they finish their plate!

What You’ll Need:

I normally keep these items stocked in my refrigerator. Plus we have a jalapeño plant in the backyard!

• shrimp – we use extra large deveined shrimp
• shrimp marinade – a combo of sriracha, olive oil, and seasonings
• salad ingredients – cherry tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice

How to make Mexican Shrimp Salad:

Step 1
Prep the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, including removing the tails. (You can also buy them peeled and deveined.) If frozen, you’ll need to thaw first.

Step 4
Cook the shrimp. You can either cook shrimp on a grill or on your stovetop in a cast iron skillet.

• If grilling, skewer the marinated shrimp. Cook over a hot fire until done, flipping as needed. The shrimp will cook quickly.
• If cooking indoors, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add oil and then half of the shrimp. Cook on one side for a couple of minutes, and then flip to cook the other side. Again, it will cook quickly. Repeat process for remaining half of the shrimp.
• Add the cooked shrimp to a large serving bowl.

Sides to serve with Mexican Shrimp Salad:

• Some simple cheese quesadillas, tostito chips, and/or a mixed green salad is always nice and simple.
• Green Chile Rice
• Mexican Refried Bean Dip
• Stovetop Cilantro Lime Rice
• Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Shrimp Recipes:

We love shrimp and have lots of choices for you.

• Spicy Shrimp Ramen
• Shrimp Pesto Pasta
• Shrimp Taco Bowls
• Crunchy Shrimp Tostadas

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Large Cast Iron Skillet

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Are you buffalo chicken crazed like so many people these days? Join the club! We love these!

Yes, buffalo sauce does have a kick – but my version is perfectly balanced with a touch of honey and olive oil. It’s just spicy enough, with incredible flavor that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something truly crave-worthy. Tuck that buffalo chicken into wraps and load them up with your favorite toppings!

You can absolutely enjoy this buffalo chicken on its own—no wraps or sandwiches required. But we love piling on the extras to take it over the top, and giving the wraps a quick toast in a skillet makes them even more delicious (and way easier to eat!).

Why we love these wraps:

• Easy to make. These chicken wraps really ARE easy to make. A simple marinade, a quick grilling, and then just wrap and brown wraps in a skillet. You could even grill the chicken in advance and then assemble wraps at mealtime. We like these served cold too!
• Fairly healthy. I love a protein-packed meal and these are just that. Packed!
• Perfectly spicy. Who doesn’t crave a little spice in their chicken? haha. NOT ME! As y’all know, I’m a fan of fiery foods. But this one? It’s just right – not too spicy!

Ingredients Used for the Chicken:

• Chicken – You’ll need about two pounds of chicken breasts or about four large breasts. I normally butterfly them so they are thinner and easier to cook.
• Hot Sauce – Use Frank’s hot sauce – any version you prefer.
• Olive Oil – Any olive oil works fine here.
• Honey – A little bit of honey helps to balance the spiciness.
• Spices – Just a bit of onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Ingredients Used for the Wraps:

• Tortillas – Large flour tortillas work best for these so you can get a lot of the filling in them. They won’t work well with medium or small tortillas.
• Lettuce – Use any kind of lettuce you like. I went with some crunchy bib lettuce.
• Avocado – You’ll need some mashed avocado too. Make sure they are just ripe enough to easily mash.
• Blue Cheese – The blue cheese goes so well with the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Carrots – Carrots go really well with these wraps too!

How to make Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wraps:

Step 1
Make marinade. Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl – Frank’s hot sauce, olive oil, honey, and seasonings (onion powder, paprika, and black pepper). Whisk until well combined.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes:

We love our elevated chicken recipes! Say it with me. “NO MORE boring chicken”! Which is why you should also try one of the following next.

• Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
• Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie
• Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet
• Chicken Tzatziki Wraps

Expert Tips:

• Allow time for chicken to absorb marinade. Make sure you marinate the chicken for at least two hours before grilling. This will enhance the flavors!
• Reserve some marinade. Don’t forget to reserve some of the marinade for brushing on top of the chicken after it’s finished on the grill. Please don’t reserve anything from the bag with the chicken in it. That needs to be discarded.
• Don’t overcook! Chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees. I normally remove it from the grill when it’s at 160 degrees to allow for carry-over cooking. Over-cooked chicken is dry and no bueno. Watch it closely as it cooks.
• Don’t over-stuff wraps. While you can make your wraps differently than I show here, if you are following my technique, try to avoid over-stuffing them. You want to get all that stuffing to stay inside before placing in the skillet. Browning the seam side first will help to keep them together.

Other Delicious Sandwiches and Wraps:

I’ve always been a sandwich/wrap lover because they are just so simple and approachable. For some other easy recipes, try one of the following.

• Pressed Cuban Sandwiches
• Roasted Vegetable Pesto Paninis
• Pesto Veggie Sandwich
• Italian Grinder Sandwich

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Stainless-Steel Grill Tongs 17-inch
• Cast Iron Skillet

Best Mushroom Swiss Burger

It’s no secret that Mike and I are big mushroom lovers. I find ways to work this umami-rich veggie into so many SueBee recipes – and I’m just as happy sautéing a simple batch to serve alongside any protein.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Big flavor layers: Earthy mushrooms, melty Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions create a rich, savory combination that feels indulgent without extra effort.
• Juicy, satisfying texture: The mushrooms add moisture and umami, helping the burger stay juicy while enhancing the beefy flavor.
• Simple ingredients: Basic pantry staples come together to create a gourmet-style burger that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Flexible cooking methods: Works great on the grill, stovetop, or griddle, making it an easy go-to for weeknights or weekend cookouts.

What You’ll Need:

• ground beef – I recommend using 80-85% lean ground beef.
• seasonings – a combo of onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil plus butter
• mushrooms – We prefer using Bella mushrooms for this recipe.
• onions – one yellow onion, sliced
• baby Swiss cheese
• hamburger buns – We rotate between our Pretzel Sandwich Buns Recipe, Soft Burger Buns, or Homemade Hoagie Rolls (but in bun form).

How to make Mushroom Swiss Burgers:

Step 1
Caramelize onions. Add butter to a medium cast iron skillet over medium heat. When melted, add sliced onion, salt, and pepper – and cook, stirring frequently to avoid burning. You may need to add splashes of water to moisten the onions as they cook. Continue cooking until onions get nice and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

NOTE: If you are feeding a crowd and making extra onions, it may take longer than 30 minutes to fully caramelize.

Burger Doneness Temps:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends cooking ground beef (including burgers) to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. We normally cook ours to medium, FYI.

• Rare: 120 – 125
• Medium Rare: 130 – 135
• Medium Well: 150 – 155
• Well Done: 160 – 165

What to serve with Mushroom Swiss Burgers:

I’ve got lots of sides for you to choose from, but these are some of my favorites.

• PASTA SALAD – Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad, Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad, Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
• GREEN SALAD – Arugula Quinoa Salad, Antipasto Chopped Salad, Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad
• POTATOES – Baked Garlic Home Fries, Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Loaded Potato Skins

Tips for making the perfect burger:

1. Use a higher fat ground meat. I recommend no leaner than 85%.
2. Don’t overwork the meat. This will ensure the meat isn’t tough.
3. If making regular patties, press your thumb into the center of the raw patty to form an indentation. We don’t want the center to plump up.
4. Season liberally. Season the patties right before you cook them. Salt applied too far in advance will toughen the meat.
5. Use high heat. Grill the burgers at 400 degrees or higher.
6. Try to avoid flipping the patties too often. Let them cook on one side for several minutes before flipping to the other side.
7. Don’t overcook. My family prefers a bit of pink but proceed at your own risk.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Burger Recipes:

We have other delicious burgers for you to choose from next! Plus our personal favorite grilled beer brats!

• Mushroom Beef Burgers
• Lamb Feta Burgers
• Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Crema
• Green Chile Turkey Burgers

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• BBQ Grill Spatula 
• Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Homemade Taco Pizza

Some of you know that my hubby and I are high school sweethearts. We met in the 3rd grade when his family moved to town, and we attended the same private Catholic schools through high school. We had secret crushes on each other on and off during our childhood, and then we started dating after Mike got his license at 16.

Mike and I ate Godfather’s taco pizza almost EVERY weekend during our high school dating years. You see, our small town didn’t have many options, but we didn’t care because we loved Godfather’s so much.

After our pizza fest, we headed straight to McDonald’s or the DQ for a vanilla cone. Date complete!

Why this Delicious Pizza Recipe Works:

• DELICIOUS COPYCAT VERSION – This copycat Godfather’s Taco Pizza Recipe has a unique flavor that reminds me of the real thing. We don’t have Godfather’s pizza in our area anymore so making your own is perfect for Taco Tuesday.
• A LITTLE SPICY – We enjoy using the spicy taco sauce in our version along with a thick crust and a spicy layer of taco meat. Make a large batch of DIY taco seasoning mix and keep it handy for all of your game nights!
• GREAT DATE NIGHT – This specialty pizza makes a great date night for Mike and me. By the way, leftover Godfather’s taco pizza is just as delicious as eating it fresh. There is something magic about leftover pizza.
• FAN FAVORITE – This super taco pizza ranks in the top three pizzas in our family. Give it a try next time you make pizza!

Other Delicious Pizza Recipes:

My quick pizza dough is my go-to for all things pizza. A simple 6-ingredient recipe that you should have in your arsenal!

How to make Godfather’s Taco Pizza:

Step 1
Make dough. Use my homemade pizza dough recipe to make the BEST DOUGH. Here in Texas, it doesn’t take long for it to rise because of our warmer climate. My recipe makes three medium-sized pizzas, so I double it when I’m having a large group.

If you’re into sourdough baking, you could also try our Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe.

Step 3
Cook taco meat. Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onions and jalapeños – and cook until beef is cooked through, stirring frequently. Then add the taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought) and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 4
Arrange dough. To start, roll out the dough. We either press the dough into a greased cast iron skillet for the oven or on a board lined with parchment paper (sprinkled with cornmeal) for the grill (that we slide on top of a pizza stone).

Recipe FAQs:

Best Salmon Burgers

While we love grilling classic beef or turkey burgers outside, these salmon burgers are just as easy to make indoors in a cast-iron skillet. Because the patties are a bit more delicate and cook very quickly, I often prefer cooking them inside where they’re easier to manage. That said, they can absolutely be cooked on an outdoor grill if you prefer that smoky flavor.

Reasons to love these salmon burgers:

• Quick and easy to make – With just a few simple ingredients, these burgers come together fast, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh, bold flavor – The blackened seasoning adds a smoky kick that pairs perfectly with the rich salmon and creamy avocado crema.
• Light but satisfying – Salmon burgers feel lighter than traditional beef burgers but are still filling and packed with protein.
• Versatile cooking options – You can cook them on the grill or in a cast iron skillet indoors, so they work year-round no matter the weather. 

How to make Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Crema:

Step 1
Prep the patties. Cut the salmon into chunks and place in a large food processor. Add the Panko crumbs, an egg, and parmesan cheese. Pulse for 10-15 seconds or until it resembles ground meat.

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a knife and chop it up instead.

Step 6
Assemble burgers. On the bottom side of bun, add lettuce, onion, and/or tomato, followed by a grilled salmon burger, and top with a big scoop of avocado crema.

NOTE: These salmon burgers are both delicious and messy! My guys like to add just a bit of the Avocado Crema on top, and then dip each bite in more!

What to serve with these delicious burgers:

• Classic Wedge Salad – Love this combo of ingredients, and that blue cheese dressing.
• Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad – Summer equals pasta salad, and I’m all in on this one.
• Herb Buttery Smashed Potatoes – There is no such thing as too many potatoes in our home.
• End your meal with some freshly baked cookies, like my Super Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies or Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. So good!

Best Burger Buns

While you can buy store-bought buns, we like to make ours at home! Use my Homemade Hoagie Rolls recipe but shape them into rounds for buns. You can also make our Soft Burger Buns or Everything Bagel Rolls!

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Burger Recipes:

Need more burger ideas? We’ve gotcha covered!

• Goat Cheese Burgers
• Mushroom Beef Burgers
• Lamb Feta Burgers
• Green Chile Turkey Burgers

Healthy Taco Salad Recipe

My husband and I are Iowa natives, born and raised – but we’ve called Texas home for over 30 years now, which is nearly half our lives. So it should come as no surprise that we are absolutely obsessed with Tex-Mex!

One of our favorite things about living in Texas is the incredible local Tex-Mex scene. Whenever we go out, we’re always ordering something new – partly for the experience, but mostly so I can figure out how to recreate it at home!

Healthy Taco Salad Ingredients:

We are big taco night fans in our house, and everyone gets to build their own! Picky eaters can load up on meat, cheese, and chips while the veggie lovers pile on the good stuff. There’s something for everyone — that’s the beauty of it!

• Taco Meat – Use a combo of ground turkey (or beef) plus chopped onions and jalapeños. I often double the meat and use some in our Taco Crunch Wraps.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning – Unlike store-bought packets, my homemade seasoning has zero aftertaste — just pure, bold flavor. I always keep a big batch on hand for all things taco, and once you try it, you will too!
• Fresh veggies – Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. I like to buy a variety of salad greens each week and change up the combination each time I make this salad. I love using red and green lettuce, spinach leaves, bib lettuce, and even kale.
• Canned veggies – Black beans and Mexicorn are the perfect salad toppers. You could also use frozen (thawed) corn or grill fresh corn.
• Cheese – We use shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Chipotle Ranch Dressing – My all-time favorite Tex-Mex topper for salads, tacos, enchiladas, and everything in between – and it keeps in the fridge for days!
• Other – Add your favorite salty chips and Spicy Pickled Onions.

Other Topping Ideas:

I went with chipotle ranch on this one, but honestly? Any of the toppings below would be amazing. Because when it comes to a great taco salad, it’s all about the salsas, dressings, and sides – that’s where the real flavor is!

• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Homemade Salsa Verde 
• Grilled Salsa or Blender Salsa
• Pico de Gallo or Pineapple Salsa
• Cilantro Lime Crema

How to make Turkey Taco Salad:

Step 1
Make dressing. In a small food processor, combine the dressing ingredients – the yogurt, mayo, diced chipotles, cilantro, seasonings, and fresh lime juice. Process and then add cold water to thin to your desired consistency. Spoon dressing into a mason jar and store in the refrigerator.

Step 4
Assemble taco salads. In individual salad bowls, layer the fresh greens, tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced avocado, and cheddar cheese. Then add warm taco meat and top with the chipotle ranch dressing. Top with crushed chips and red pickled onions, if desired.

We love serving this salad with warm taco meat – it makes the cheese melty and the dressing extra creamy. Trust us, don’t skip this step!

Other Tex-Mex Recipes:

Lately, I’ve been making ALL of the taco things.

Favorite Margarita Recipes:

Looking for a tasty margarita to go with your salads? Try one of our favorites. From Fruity Margaritas to Skinny Margaritas to Watermelon Margaritas – we gotcha covered!

Salmon Rice Bowls

We’re always on the lookout for new and delicious ways to prepare salmon, and this recipe was born straight from my kitchen brainstorming sessions. The best part about rice bowls is that they’re completely customizable – mix and match your favorite toppings and make it your own. The sky really is the limit!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Bold and smoky – the blackened seasoning gives the salmon incredible depth of flavor with just the right amount of heat
• Sweet meets spicy – the fresh pineapple jalapeño salsa is the perfect bright, zesty contrast to the rich salmon
• Nutritious and filling – packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients that keep you satisfied
• Totally customizable – swap the toppings, change the rice, or adjust the heat level to make it your own

What You’ll Need:

• Salmon – a combo of skinless salmon blackened seasoning, and olive oil
• Pineapple Salsa – a combo of fresh pineapple, bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, salt, and lime juice
• White Rice – we like to add a little butter
• Avocado
• Optional Sriracha Mayo Topping – just a combo of mayo, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime

How to make Blackened Salmon Rice Bowls

Step 1
Prep salmon. Use a sharp knife to slice the salmon into 1.5 inch cubes. Add a generous amount of blackened seasoning to the cubed salmon and use your hands to coat all sides. Set aside.

Step 4
Cook salmon. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and when hot, add the seasoned salmon cubes. Let cook for a minute and then rotate to all sides until golden and cooked to about medium. The fish should just flake with a fork.

NOTE: Be careful to avoid over-cooking the salmon bites. They don’t take long in a hot skillet!

Step 5
Assemble bowls. To four serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, blackened salmon bites, pineapple salsa, and avocado slices. Top with extra kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

We like to add a topping to these bowls as well. Try a simple sriracha mayo, avocado crema, or chipotle ranch dressing.

Store leftover ingredients in separate bowls and then reheat and combine to serve later.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Salmon Recipes:

There are so many possibilities when it comes to salmon. Try one of these recipes next!

• Salmon Quinoa Salad
• Hot Honey Salmon Bites
• Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
• Teriyaki Salmon with Noodles

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Global 7-Inch Knife
• Cast Iron Skillet