The Big Game is around the corner and that means Texas-size party planning! 

Take the guesswork out of your party and score some points with your friends by serving up these perfect pairings. That’s right, we’ve got the best game plan: delicious recipes plus drinks to match. Touchdown!

Tip: Click on the photos below for recipes

Carne Asada 

Pairing: Barbaresco

The dried rose and herb notes of the Italian red wine complement the savory herbs in this dish, according to Ken Freeman, a certified sommelier with Republic National Distributing Company.

Friday Night Lights Frito Pie

Pairing: River Beer Lager

Find us someone in Texas that says they don’t like a Frito Pie and we’ll be surprised! River Beer, from Austin’s Hops & Grain Brewing, is light in body with just enough malt character to add some depth to the Frito pie flavors but also helps to sharpen the spice from the chili powder and green chilies.

Lone Star Chili

Pairing: Saint Arnold Santo 

Chili is a game day favorite – add some Texas beer to the recipe and you’ve got a winner. The smokiness of the chili will pair perfectly with the roasty malt profile in the dark yet refreshing Santo.

Tequila & Lime Marinated Flank Steak 

Pairing: The always popular margarita

Or, venture out and try and Spanish mencia, recommends Lindsay Drew at the Austin Wine Merchant, who says this deep red wine will complement the herbs and spices.

Lazy Beef Lasagna

Pairing: Sage on Saison

From Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, this full-bodied beer with umami sage flavor on the back end is a good match to the savory lasagna. Got a big game day group? Pro tip: Make the lasagna a day ahead.

Beer-Braised Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Pairing: Oak Highlands Oktoberfest Marzen Lager

The initial malt sweetness and crisp clean finish of this traditional Oktoberfest beer accentuates the rich flavor of the sandwiches. (Lean chuck roast glazed with molasses, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Oh, yes!)

Korean Beef Ssam Lettuce Wraps

Pairing: Off-dry to sweet Riesling

Lindsay Thomas, sommelier at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Houston, says this fan favorite plays so incredibly well with the complexity of the sweet, spicy, savory flavors found in the dish.

Cover photo courtesy Beef Loving Texans