Authentic Mexican Papas con Chorizo 😍 – Tender Potatoes with Spicy Chorizo
🌮 Few dishes capture the heart of Mexican comfort food like Papas con Chorizo. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines tender potatoes with spicy, smoky chorizo sausage to create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of authentic taste. Whether served for breakfast with warm tortillas, tucked into tacos for lunch, or as a side dish at dinner, this recipe is beloved across Mexico and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll cover the step-by-step recipe, expert chef insights, nutritional benefits, and popular serving variations. By the end, you’ll be ready to make Papas con Chorizo a staple in your kitchen. ✅
Why You’ll Love Papas con Chorizo
- 🔥 Bold & Spicy: Mexican chorizo adds irresistible smokiness and spice.
- 🥔 Comforting: Potatoes make the dish hearty and filling.
- 🌮 Versatile: Enjoy it in tacos, burritos, or as a side dish.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with only 3 main ingredients.
Mexican Papas con Chorizo Recipe
Ingredients
- 450g potatoes, peeled and diced
- 225g Mexican chorizo, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Directions
- Peel and dice potatoes into small cubes. Place them in a pot of salted water and simmer until just tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked potatoes and toss gently until they absorb the flavors of the chorizo.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortillas or as a side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Chef Tips for Perfect Papas con Chorizo
Chef Bobby Flay’s Tip
🔥 “Use Mexican chorizo, not Spanish. Mexican chorizo is raw and spiced with chili, while Spanish is cured. The texture and flavor difference is huge.”
Gordon Ramsay’s Tip
🍳 “Don’t overcook the potatoes. You want them tender but not mushy, so they hold their shape when tossed with the chorizo.”
Ree Drummond’s Tip
🌮 “Turn this into a quick taco filling by stuffing the mixture into warm flour tortillas and topping with cheese and sour cream.”
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Papas con Chorizo is hearty and indulgent, but with fresh ingredients, it can also be part of a balanced diet. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Key Nutrients | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 medium (150g) | 110 | Vitamin C, Potassium, Fiber | Supports heart health and energy |
| Mexican Chorizo | 75g | 270 | Protein, Iron, Healthy Fats | Provides flavor and protein boost |
| Onion | 1 small (70g) | 30 | Antioxidants, Vitamin C | Boosts immunity, reduces inflammation |
Health & Safety Tips
- ✅ Choose quality chorizo: Fresh Mexican chorizo from a butcher or Hispanic market delivers the best flavor.
- ✅ Drain excess fat: If your chorizo is very fatty, drain some grease before adding potatoes.
- ✅ Balanced serving: Pair with fresh salsa or a salad to lighten the dish.
- ✅ Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet.
Serving Ideas & Variations
- 🌮 Taco Style: Fill warm corn tortillas with papas con chorizo, top with salsa and queso fresco.
- 🍳 Breakfast Hash: Add fried or scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast plate.
- 🧀 Cheesy Version: Melt shredded cheddar or Oaxaca cheese on top.
- 🥑 Healthy Twist: Serve with avocado slices and fresh pico de gallo.
FAQs – Papas con Chorizo
1. Can I use Spanish chorizo instead of Mexican?
No. Spanish chorizo is cured and firm, while Mexican chorizo is raw and crumbly. The flavors and textures are very different.
2. Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
Yes, parboiling ensures the potatoes are tender without falling apart when mixed with chorizo.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes—swap chorizo for soyrizo or plant-based sausage alternatives.
4. Can I make it spicier?
Use extra-hot Mexican chorizo or add diced jalapeños.
5. What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape well and stay tender.
6. Can I meal prep Papas con Chorizo?
Yes—make a large batch and store portions for easy weekday meals.
7. How do I reduce grease in the dish?
Drain excess fat from the chorizo before adding potatoes.
8. Can I bake instead of skillet cooking?
Yes—combine ingredients and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes for a casserole-style dish.
9. What tortillas pair best?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work too.
10. Can I freeze Papas con Chorizo?
Yes, but potatoes can change texture when frozen. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
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Final Thoughts
Papas con Chorizo is the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With tender potatoes, smoky chorizo, and just the right balance of spices, this Mexican classic deserves a place in your regular meal rotation. Serve it with warm tortillas, top with a fried egg, or enjoy it straight from the skillet—you really can’t go wrong. 😍🌮🥔
