The Tex-Mex Combination Plate from Uncle Julio's features tender grilled chicken fajitas, seasoned beef tacos, and cheesy enchiladas, served with fresh guacamole, zesty salsa, and warm, fluffy tortillas, creating a vibrant and satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Grill
- Grill tongs
- Skillet or frying pan
- Taco holder or taco shell mold
- Saucepan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
- Tortilla warmer
- Ladle (for salsa or enchilada sauce)
- Guacamole masher or fork
- Oven (for enchiladas)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for keeping tortillas warm)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 avocados
- 1 lime
- 1 small tomato
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for guacamole)
- Salt (for guacamole)
- 2 cups salsa
- 16 flour tortillas
- Lettuce leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
Fresh ingredients like avocados and lime are essential for authentic guacamole, which brings a bright, creamy contrast to the smoky grilled chicken fajitas and seasoned beef tacos. Using a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika ensures a balanced, robust flavor profile in both the chicken and beef components. Choose fresh corn tortillas for enchiladas and taco shells to maintain the dish's traditional texture and enhance the blend of cheesy, savory, and tangy elements. Be mindful of seasoning levels, adjusting salt and pepper according to your taste to complement the zesty salsa and enchilada sauce. Your version of the Tex-Mex Combination Plate from Uncle Julio's copycat menu will shine by prioritizing fresh, well-seasoned ingredients and maintaining proper tortilla warmth for an authentic dining experience.
Instructions
- Preheat grill.
- Prepare chicken marinade: mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts with marinade.
- Grill chicken until cooked through; let rest, then slice.
- Heat skillet; cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned.
- Add taco seasoning to beef; cook until fragrant.
- Warm taco shells in oven or skillet.
- Assemble beef tacos: spoon beef into shells, top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and chopped cilantro.
- Place corn tortillas on work surface; fill each with cheese, roll up.
- Arrange enchiladas in baking dish; cover with enchilada sauce and more cheese.
- Bake enchiladas until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Mash avocados with lime juice, diced tomato, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and salt to make guacamole.
- Warm flour tortillas in tortilla warmer, wrapped in foil if desired.
- Place guacamole, salsa, and sour cream in serving bowls.
- Arrange grilled chicken, beef tacos, cheesy enchiladas, lettuce, and tortillas on serving platter.
- Garnish platter with fresh cilantro and optional lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately with guacamole, salsa, and warm tortillas.
Substitution
The Tex-Mex Combination Plate from Uncle Julio's copycat menu offers a harmonious mix of grilled chicken fajitas, seasoned beef tacos, and cheesy enchiladas served with fresh sides like guacamole and salsa. If fresh corn tortillas are unavailable, you can substitute them with flour tortillas, though the texture will be softer and less traditional. When grilling chicken, use tongs to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, or alternatively cook the meat in a skillet for convenience. Homemade enchilada sauce can be replaced with your favorite store-bought brand to save time without sacrificing flavor. For a milder guacamole, reduce the jalapeno amount or omit it entirely according to your taste.
Tips
Ensure the grill is thoroughly preheated to achieve proper searing on the chicken, locking in flavors and moisture. When cooking ground beef, use medium heat to brown evenly without drying, stirring frequently to incorporate taco seasoning fully. Warm taco shells briefly before filling to prevent cracking and maintain texture during assembly. Your guacamole should be prepared just before serving to preserve freshness and vibrant green color.
Nutritions
The Tex-Mex Combination Plate offers a balanced nutritional profile with high-quality protein from grilled chicken breast and ground beef, providing essential amino acids. Rich cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses contribute calcium and vitamin D, enhancing bone health, while the fresh guacamole delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium from avocados. The tortillas and taco shells provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and the salsa adds antioxidants and vitamins A and C from fresh tomatoes and peppers. Your meal combines vital nutrients to support muscle function, immune health, and overall well-being in a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken, beef, and enchiladas in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. Keep guacamole in a separate container with a tight seal or covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Warm tortillas can be wrapped in aluminum foil and stored at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerated for up to 2 days, reheating gently before serving to preserve softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breast for skirt steak or shrimp to add variety to the fajitas while maintaining the Tex-Mex flair. Instead of taco shells, try using soft corn or flour tortillas for tacos to change the texture and taste profile. For a smoky twist, cook the enchiladas with chipotle-infused enchilada sauce and add a sprinkle of smoked cheddar cheese. Consider grilling the jalapeno before mashing into the guacamole to enhance its smoky depth and reduce heat intensity.
Allergies
Your Tex-Mex Combination Plate contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, as well as sour cream if served. Flour tortillas include gluten, which may cause reactions in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Additionally, the presence of jalapeno and chili powder could trigger sensitivities in individuals allergic to certain spices or peppers.
Why this recipe?
Tex-Mex Combination Plate from Uncle Julio's restaurant offers a flavorful blend of authentic Mexican dishes, including seasoned grilled meats, fresh salsas, and hand-pressed tortillas, delivering a rich and satisfying dining experience. The carefully balanced spices and high-quality ingredients create a harmonious taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. You can recreate this popular dish at home to enjoy the vibrant flavors and customizable options while saving on dining costs. Making a copycat Tex-Mex Combination Plate lets you bring the restaurant's signature taste directly to your kitchen with fresh, wholesome components.