Chorizo Casserole Recipe

This Chorizo Casserole Recipe combines spicy chorizo, crispy hash browns, peppers, onions, eggs, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a hearty breakfast casserole that's easy enough for a weekend breakfast but also works well for brunch, holidays, or breakfast for dinner.

I love breakfast casseroles because everything goes into one pan and you can feed a crowd without standing at the stove. In this one, the seasoned chorizo adds plenty of flavor, while the potatoes, eggs, vegetables, and cheese make it filling enough to serve on its own.

You can also prep this chorizo breakfast casserole ahead of time, which makes it a great option for Christmas morning, weekend guests, or any time you want an easy breakfast ready to go.

If you love egg casseroles, try this Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole next!

What is chorizo?

Chorizo is a highly seasoned pork sausage used in both Spanish and Mexican cooking. Spanish chorizo is typically cured and can be sliced, while Mexican chorizo is usually sold fresh and needs to be cooked before eating.

For this recipe, you want fresh Mexican chorizo. It has a ground-meat consistency and is seasoned with spices and chiles, giving the entire casserole plenty of flavor without requiring a long list of additional seasonings.

Ingredients

• Chorizo - Use fresh Mexican pork chorizo for this casserole. It adds a savory, spicy flavor that pairs especially well with the eggs, potatoes, peppers, and onions.
• Hash Browns - Frozen hash browns make this breakfast casserole quick and easy to assemble. There is no need to peel or chop potatoes.
• Bell Peppers - Bell peppers add color, texture, and a little sweetness. I like using red bell pepper for the pop of color, but you can use any color you have on hand.
• Onions - Onions balance the spicy chorizo with a little natural sweetness. We normally use yellow onions or white onions.
• Egg Mixture - Eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper hold the casserole together. I like mixing everything in a blender to quickly get the eggs and milk completely combined.
• Cheese - Shredded cheddar melts beautifully over the casserole. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would also work well.

How to Make Chorizo Casserole 

Step One - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Breaking it up well makes it easier to distribute throughout the casserole.

Step Two - While the chorizo is cooking, slice the peppers and onions. Once the chorizo is browned, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or bowl to drain.

Remove the excess grease from the skillet. Add the peppers and onions to the same skillet and sauté over medium heat until they begin to soften.

Step Three - Spray the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the hash browns in an even layer across the bottom. Add the cooked chorizo, peppers, and onions, spreading them evenly over the potatoes.

Step Four - Crack the eggs into a large bowl or blender. Add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the chorizo and vegetables.

Step Five - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and the cheese is melted and golden. Gently jiggle the pan to check the center. If the egg mixture is still noticeably liquid, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Step Six - Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

We like to serve it with sour cream, homemade guacamole, salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Variations

• Make it Spicier - Add diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or your favorite hot peppers. Pepper jack cheese is another easy way to add some heat.
• Potatoes - Instead of frozen hash browns, you can use diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. Par-cook them before assembling the casserole so they are tender by the time the eggs are done.
• Other Vegetables - Halved grape tomatoes, broccoli, and/or spinach are good choices to boost the veggies.
• Add Beans - Add drained and rinsed black beans for an even heartier casserole.
• Change the Cheese - Cheddar is my favorite, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all good choices.
• Smoked - Want to cook breakfast outside? You can also make a breakfast casserole on the smoker. Check out our Smoked Breakfast Casserole for tips.

Common Questions

Can I Make Chorizo Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, bake it for an easy hot breakfast.

If you're baking it directly from the refrigerator, it may need a little additional baking time since all of the ingredients will be cold.

This makes chorizo breakfast casserole especially convenient for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, overnight guests, and other occasions when you don't want to spend the morning cooking.

When Should I Serve Chorizo Casserole?

This casserole works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It's hearty enough for a main dish and makes an especially easy option when you're feeding several people.

We also love having breakfast for dinner, and this is substantial enough that you don't need much else with it.

How Do I Know When an Egg Casserole Is Done?

The eggs should be completely set, including in the center of the casserole. Give the pan a gentle shake. The center shouldn't look liquid or jiggle significantly.

If the top is browning before the middle has finished cooking, loosely cover the casserole with foil and continue baking until the center is set.

Is Mexican Chorizo Spicy?

It can be, but the heat level varies considerably by brand. Some Mexican chorizo is mild and heavily seasoned rather than especially hot.

If you're serving children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods, check the package before buying. You can always add extra heat to individual servings with hot sauce or jalapeños.

What Goes with Chorizo Breakfast Casserole?

This casserole is filling enough to serve by itself, but sour cream, salsa, guacamole, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro are easy toppings.

For a larger brunch, add fresh fruit, toast, or another simple breakfast side.

Recipe

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Originally Published September 7, 2023. Revised and Republished October 1, 2026.