If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then this Chorizo Casserole Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Packed with smoky and savory chorizo sausage, this hearty casserole is the perfect comfort food for any meal of the day. Whether you're looking for a satisfying breakfast option or an easy dinner dish, this recipe has got you covered.
What sets this chorizo casserole apart is its combination of ingredients that create an explosion of flavors. The richness of the chorizo pairs perfectly with the creaminess of cheese and eggs, while the addition of vegetables adds freshness and texture to every bite.
What is chorizo?
Chorizo is a traditional Spanish pork sausage, renowned for its unique blend of spices and distinct flavor profile. This wonderful creation is a harmony of coarsely ground pork meat, predominantly from the shoulder or loin regions, with an array of intentional seasonings. These seasonings include various aromatic ingredients such as paprika, garlic, oregano, and sometimes cayenne pepper, which contribute to the creation of chorizo's remarkable taste.
The process of producing chorizo involves grinding select cuts of pork meat and combining them with a combination of herbs and spices. The inclusion of smoked paprika not only imparts a vibrant red hue but also infuses the sausage with its characteristic smoky undertones. Furthermore, garlic lends its aromatic qualities while enhancing the overall depth of flavor. The addition of oregano introduces herbaceous notes that perfectly complement the robust nature of this artisanal sausage. Occasionally, a subtle touch of cayenne pepper is incorporated to grant chorizo a gentle fiery essence that tantalizes the discerning palate.
Spanish Chorizo is often cured in natural casings. The curing process itself spans several weeks or even months depending on desired intensity, allowing for the development of complex flavors while preserving the distinct characteristics of each ingredient. It can then be sliced and used in many different applications. For our recipe today, I have chosen to use fresh Mexican chorizo which will have the consistency of ground pork.
Overall, chorizo is an exquisitely flavorful meat, that has a variety of preparation and is adaptable to almost any dish or menu. It can easily turn a simple recipe into a delicious dish.
Ingredients for Chorizo Casserole Recipe
Chorizo - For this, we are using a fresh-ground Mexican pork chorizo mixture. It has a light spicy flavor to it. But it will be a perfect balance between the sweet peppers, onions, and eggs.
Hash Browns - I like to use frozen hash browns in breakfast casseroles. It makes for a quick prep time.
Bell Peppers - Bell peppers give some body and texture to the dish. Cut them into thick slices or large dice. Red bell pepper also gives a nice pop of color to the presentation.
Onions - Onions are a perfect complement to the spicy chorizo. Their sweetness and flavor pull the whole dish together.
Eggs Mixture - This is a combination of eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It is the glue that binds the casserole together. I find blending this in a blender is the easiest way to get this thoroughly mixed.
Cheese - I find shredded cheddar is the perfect topping for any egg casserole. But you can use what you have on hand. Monterey Jack cheese, or even a Mexican cheese blend will do well in a pinch. You want a cheese that can be soft and gooey.
How to make Chorizo Casserole
Step One - Brown the ground chorizo. Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil then add the chorizo. Be sure to move it around and break it up as you brown it. We want it in small pieces so that it can be evenly spread out in the casserole dish.
Step Two - While the chorizo is browning, slice up your peppers and onions. When the chorizo is done browning, transfer it from the skillet to a bowl line with a couple of paper towels to help drain the grease. Remove any excess grease from the skillet then, using the same skillet, sautee the peppers and onions over medium heat until they soften.
Step Three - Prepare the casserole dish by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray. Then arrange the hash browns to cover the bottom of the casserole dish in a single layer. Add the chorizo and vegetables to the casserole dish and make sure they are evenly spread out.
Step Four - Crack the eggs into a large bowl, or a blender. Add the milk, garlic, salt, and pepper and mix or blend well.
Pour the egg mixture over the chorizo and vegetables.
Step Five - Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for about 30 minutes or until the eggs are firm and the cheese is golden brown. You can test this by jiggling the casserole. If the casserole doesn't juggle, it is done.
Step Six - Serve and enjoy!
Serve it with sour cream, homemade guacamole and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil.
Variations
Pepper - You can add hot peppers or chili peppers to kick up the spice level.
Potatoes - If you don't want to use frozen hash browns, you can also use diced potatoes or even sweet potatoes. You might need to par-cook them first to make sure they are done when the eggs are.
Mexican - If you want to turn this into more of a Mexican breakfast casserole, consider adding black beans and red pepper flakes to the dish for an additional bit of spice.
Smoked - You can also cook this on your smoker like we did with our Smoked Breakfast Casserole.
Common Questions
When Should I Serve Chorizo Casserole?
You can serve this as a Chorizo Breakfast Casserole. It is a great recipe to make for a large brunch like Christmas morning or around the other holidays. It is also an excellent option as a "breakfast for dinner" as well. We tend to do that at least once a month in our house.
Can I Make This Ahead?
We love casseroles. Most of them can make the cooking day easy. Prep for it the day before, leave it in the refrigerator overnight, then cook it the next day. A few of our favorite casseroles are Friendsgiving Casserole, Jalapeno Tater Tot Casserole, and our Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
Recipe
Chorizo Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chorizo sausage
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 red pepper sliced
- 8 hashbrown potatoes
- 10 eggs beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Brown the chorizo in a large skillet. Drain well.
- Saute the onion and pepper in the skillet until softened.
- Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the hashbrowns in the prepared baking dish.
- Put the chorizo and vegetables on top of the hashbrowns.
- Combine the eggs, milk, salt, garlic, and pepper.
- Pour over the chorizo.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the eggs are set and cheese is browned.
Nutrition
You don't even need a side dish for this casserole. But you might want to add dessert like Smoked Pineapple or a refreshing drink like the Whiskey Margarita.
If you are interested in a few other of our Mexican Cuisine recipes try Tajin Chicken or Smoked Nachos.
Or try some of our other brunch dishes like Smoked Peach Cobbler and Smoked Eggs.
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