Texas Caldo Cook-Off Set to Heat Up San Marcos on February 21

SAN MARCOS, Texas — It’s more than a competition — it’s a Tex-Mex tradition.

The Texas Caldo Cook-Off is bringing the heat to the Hays County Courthouse Lawn in San Marcos on February 21, 2026, where teams will battle it out for bragging rights and a $1,000 grand prize in the ultimate caldo showdown.

Hosted by the Hill Country Cookoff Association (HCCO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by President Richard Anzaldua, the event celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Texas with a focus on authentic, homemade flavors.

Caldo Clash for $1,000

Competitors will enter either Caldo de Res or Caldo de Pollo, with the top overall winner between the two categories walking away with the $1,000 first-place prize. Additional payouts include:

• 2nd Place: $300
• 3rd Place: $200
• 4th Place: $100
• 5th Place: $50

(Prize payouts based on 20 teams.)

More Than Just Caldo

In addition to the main event, cooks will also compete in:

• Spanish Rice
• Pinto Beans
• Chicken Pozole

With $25 jackpots awarded in select open categories, the competition promises a full day of flavor-packed action.

Event Details

📍 Location: Hays County Courthouse Lawn
111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, Texas

🕕 Set-Up Time: 6:00 a.m. (Limited electricity available)
🥄 Public Tasting: Begins at 11:30 a.m.
Sampling packs are $5 and include 5 cups, 5 spoons, and napkins.

Turn-In Times:

• Caldo – 11:00 a.m.
• Spanish Rice – 12:30 p.m.
• Beans – 2:00 p.m.
• Chicken Pozole – 3:30 p.m.
• Awards – 4:30 p.m.

The event will also feature the Big Daddy’s Barbecue Quesadilla Eating Challenge starting at 4:00 p.m., with participants competing for a $100 prize.

A Tradition of Texas Flavor

The Hill Country Cookoff Association is known for hosting some of Texas’ most beloved culinary events, including the Texas Tamale Fest each November and the Cinco de Mayo Menudo Throwdown, recognized as the biggest menudo cook-off in Texas.

“This is what we do — we celebrate culture, family, and community through food,” organizers say. And in Texas, few dishes bring people together quite like a pot of caldo simmering over an open flame.

For rules and registration information, contact Richard Anzaldua at 512-644-0881 or via email at richanz@yahoo.com.

Whether you’re competing or tasting, the Texas Caldo Cook-Off promises a full day of tradition, spice, and South Texas pride in the heart of San Marcos.

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