Tex Mex Poutine: The Ultimate Guide to This Delicious Fusion Dish

Tex Mex Poutine: Prepare to ditch your diet and dive headfirst into a flavor explosion! This isn’t your average Canadian comfort food; we’re talking about a south-of-the-border twist on a classic that will have your taste buds singing “O Canada” and “Viva Mexico” in perfect harmony. Imagine crispy, golden fries smothered in a rich, savory gravy, but instead of cheese curds, we’re piling on a mountain of melted Monterey Jack, spicy chorizo, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of creamy avocado crema.

While the origins of traditional poutine are firmly rooted in Quebec, this Tex Mex version is a delicious fusion, celebrating the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s a playful and inventive take on a dish that’s already beloved for its comforting and indulgent nature. People adore poutine because it’s the ultimate comfort food – warm, satisfying, and utterly delicious. This Tex Mex Poutine takes that comforting base and elevates it with the zesty, spicy, and fresh elements that make Tex-Mex so irresistible. The combination of textures – the crispy fries, the melty cheese, the juicy chorizo, and the creamy avocado – is simply divine. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next fiesta. Get ready to experience poutine like never before!

Ingredients:

• For the Fries:
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Queso:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tex-Mex Toppings:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup guacamole (optional)
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Preparing the Fries:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the fries will cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the potatoes. After peeling and cutting the potatoes into fries, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove excess starch, which contributes to crispier fries. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the better they’ll crisp up in the oven.
3. Season the fries. In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This is key for flavor and even cooking.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the fries instead of baking them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. Bake the fries. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The exact baking time will depend on your oven.
6. Rest the fries. Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before assembling the poutine. This will help them retain their crispness.

Making the Queso:

1. Melt the butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Make sure it doesn’t brown.
2. Make a roux. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the queso. Be careful not to burn the flour.
3. Gradually add the milk. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Simmer the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add the cheese. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the Velveeta, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Incorporate the Tex-Mex flavors. Stir in the diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings to your preference. I like mine with a little extra chili powder for a kick!
7. Keep warm. Keep the queso warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until ready to assemble the poutine. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Preparing the Tex-Mex Toppings:

1. Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain the excess fat. Once the ground beef is cooked through, drain off any excess fat. This will prevent the poutine from becoming greasy.
3. Season the beef. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. Add the beans and corn. Stir in the cooked black beans and corn kernels. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Prepare the remaining toppings. While the ground beef mixture is cooking, dice the red onion and chop the fresh cilantro. Have the sour cream and guacamole (if using) ready to go.

Assembling the Tex-Mex Poutine:

1. Arrange the fries. Place a generous portion of the baked fries in a serving dish or individual bowls.
2. Drizzle with queso. Pour a generous amount of the warm queso over the fries, making sure to cover them evenly.
3. Top with ground beef mixture. Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the queso-covered fries.
4. Add the remaining toppings. Sprinkle with diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro. Dollop with sour cream and guacamole (if using). Add pickled jalapeños for extra heat, if desired.
5. Serve immediately. Serve the Tex-Mex poutine immediately while the fries are still crispy and the queso is warm and gooey. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Tex Mex Poutine is truly a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. From the crispy, perfectly seasoned fries to the rich, savory gravy and the vibrant toppings, every bite is a party in your mouth. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. I know I always do! But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this crowd-pleaser. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, add or subtract toppings based on your preferences, and even swap out the protein for a vegetarian option. Speaking of variations, let’s talk about some serving suggestions and ways to customize your Tex Mex Poutine experience. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy or using a hotter variety of chili powder. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, try grilling the chicken or using smoked paprika in the spice blend. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with black beans, seasoned tofu, or even roasted sweet potatoes. Trust me, they all work beautifully! And don’t forget the toppings! While I’ve suggested a classic combination of pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream, feel free to get creative. Corn salsa, pickled onions, jalapeños, crumbled cotija cheese, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo would all be fantastic additions. You can even set up a topping bar and let your guests customize their own poutine creations. How fun is that? This Tex Mex Poutine is perfect for game day gatherings, casual dinners with friends, or even a cozy night in. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a winner. I truly believe that this recipe is something special, and I can’t wait for you to try it. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and Tex-Mex flavors, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of Tex Mex Poutine. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always excited to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. Enjoy! Print