Papas con Chorizo has been a staple in my kitchen for years, bringing a burst of flavor and warmth to any meal. I first tasted this dish at a bustling market in Mexico City, and the aroma of sizzling chorizo combined with tender potatoes was absolutely intoxicating. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory of vibrant flavors and happy moments. This simple yet satisfying Potatoes with Chorizo dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, a comforting lunch, or even a quick dinner. I’ve found that making Authentic Papas Con Chorizo at home is surprisingly easy and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Papas Con Chorizo
You’re going to adore this dish for so many reasons! It’s packed with incredible flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- The taste is absolutely divine – a perfect blend of spicy chorizo and savory potatoes.
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy mornings as a Chorizo Potato Breakfast Recipe.
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple, accessible ingredients.
- This dish is naturally family-friendly, with a comforting taste everyone will enjoy.
- It’s a versatile meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or a simple dinner.
- As a Chorizo Potato Breakfast Recipe, it’s hearty enough to keep you full all morning.
- It’s a fantastic way to introduce bold Mexican flavors into your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients for Papas Con Chorizo
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Mexican Chorizo Potatoes:
- 1 pound Mexican chorizo, casing removed – This is the star, bringing spice and savory depth.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes – Yukon Gold or red potatoes work wonderfully for their texture.
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped – Adds a sweet aromatic base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) – Use only if your chorizo is very lean; otherwise, the chorizo fat is enough.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional) – Adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Warm corn or flour tortillas, for serving – Perfect for scooping up every last bite!
How to Make Papas Con Chorizo
Whipping up this delicious Chorizo Potato Skillet is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a truly authentic taste that will have you coming back for more. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
- Step 1: Begin by boiling your diced potatoes in salted water until they are just fork-tender, which usually takes about 8–10 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them at this stage, as they’ll cook a bit more later. Drain them really well and set them aside.
- Step 2: Now, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your Mexican chorizo, making sure to remove the casing first. Cook the chorizo, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. This typically takes about 6–8 minutes. If your chorizo is particularly fatty, you might want to carefully drain off some of the excess grease, leaving just enough to cook the onions.
- Step 3: Toss the finely chopped onion into the skillet with the cooked chorizo. Sauté them together for about 2–3 minutes, just until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add your pre-boiled and drained potatoes to the skillet. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the potatoes get coated in the delicious chorizo flavor. Let this mixture cook for another 5–7 minutes. This is where the magic happens – the potatoes will start to crisp up slightly, and the flavors will meld beautifully in this Chorizo Potato Skillet.
- Step 5: Taste your creation and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if you like, and serve immediately with warm tortillas.
Boiling the Potatoes
Start by boiling your cubed potatoes in generously salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them tender enough to pierce with a fork but still firm, not mushy. This initial cooking ensures they’re perfectly cooked when combined with the chorizo, making for a fantastic Mexican potato side dish.
Cooking the Chorizo and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. As it cooks, break it apart with your spoon. If there’s a lot of excess grease, carefully drain most of it off, leaving just a bit to help sauté the onions until they’re soft and fragrant.
Combining and Crisping
Add the boiled potatoes to the skillet with the chorizo and onions. Stir gently to combine, then let them cook for another 5-7 minutes. This crucial step allows the potatoes to get slightly crispy and absorb all those wonderful flavors, creating delicious pan-fried chorizo potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Papas Con Chorizo
Want to elevate your Papas Con Chorizo game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:
- Always use good quality Mexican chorizo; the better the chorizo, the better the dish.
- Don’t skip the draining step for excess chorizo grease if you want perfectly crisp potatoes.
- Pre-boiling the potatoes ensures they cook through evenly without the chorizo burning.
- A cast-iron skillet is your best friend here for achieving that desirable crisp on the potatoes.
What’s the secret to perfect Papas Con Chorizo?
The real secret to perfect Papas Con Chorizo lies in the texture. You want those potatoes to be tender inside but delightfully crispy on the outside. Achieving this means not overcrowding the pan and letting them get a good sear after they are par-boiled. For truly Spicy Chorizo Potatoes, choose a chorizo with a good kick!
Can I make Papas Con Chorizo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components ahead! Boil and dice your potatoes, and cook your chorizo separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, combine them in the skillet and crisp them up. This makes preparing an Easy Mexican potato hash a breeze on busy mornings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Papas Con Chorizo?
The most common pitfall is overcooking the potatoes during the initial boil, leading to a mushy final dish. Ensure they are just fork-tender. Another mistake is not draining enough grease, which can make the final dish too oily. Lastly, don’t rush the crisping step; give the potatoes time to brown.
Best Ways to Serve Papas Con Chorizo
This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other complementary flavors. It’s a hearty base that welcomes a variety of additions to make your meal complete.
- For a classic breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside scrambled or fried eggs. The richness of the eggs balances the spicy chorizo perfectly.
- Warm corn or flour tortillas are essential for scooping up every last delicious bit. You can even make breakfast tacos with the Papas Con Chorizo as the filling!
- Consider adding a side of fresh pico de gallo or a dollop of sour cream or crema to cool things down if you like. These pairings make for excellent Chorizo breakfast potatoes.
Nutrition Facts for Papas Con Chorizo
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving for this delicious Chorizo and Potato Dish:
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 (will vary based on chorizo fat content)
- Fat: High
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
- Protein: High
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Low
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Moderate
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the fat content of your chosen chorizo.
How to Store and Reheat Papas Con Chorizo
Leftover Papas Con Chorizo is a flavor-packed treat that’s easy to save for later. Once your delicious Chorizo and Potato Dish has cooled down completely, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from transferring. You can keep it stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option for this Simple Papas Con Chorizo.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of reheating options. You can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method often helps to re-crisp the potatoes a bit. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a quicker reheat, just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Papas Con Chorizo
What is Papas Con Chorizo?
Papas Con Chorizo is a classic Mexican comfort food dish made with diced potatoes and flavorful, often spicy, Mexican chorizo sausage. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s incredibly popular for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a comforting and delicious dish. Learning How to Make Papas Con Chorizo is a great way to bring authentic Mexican flavors into your home kitchen.
What kind of potatoes are best for Papas Con Chorizo?
For the best texture, I like to use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape well when diced and boiled, and they crisp up nicely in the skillet. Starchy potatoes like Russets can work, but you need to be extra careful not to overcook them during the initial boil, or they might turn mushy.
Can I make Papas Con Chorizo vegetarian?
Absolutely! While traditional Papas Con Chorizo uses pork chorizo, you can easily make a delicious vegetarian version. Use a plant-based chorizo alternative that mimics the flavor and spice of traditional chorizo. The process remains the same, and you’ll still get a fantastic Mexican potato side dish experience.
How do I get the potatoes crispy?
The key to crispy potatoes in this Chorizo and Potato Dish is to par-boil them until just tender, then drain them thoroughly. After adding them to the skillet with the chorizo and onions, resist the urge to stir them too often. Let them sit for a minute or two between stirs to allow them to develop a nice golden-brown crust. A hot skillet and a little patience go a long way!
Variations of Papas Con Chorizo You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Papas Con Chorizo, why not get a little creative? There are so many fun ways to switch up this beloved dish to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of Mexican Chorizo Potatoes:
- Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers (any color!) or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for a little extra color and a kick. This makes for a vibrant and flavorful Spicy potato and egg scramble.
- Cheesy Delight: After the potatoes and chorizo are combined and crisping, sprinkle some shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for a minute until melted for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Baked Version: Instead of par-boiling, toss diced potatoes with a little oil and your cooked chorizo mixture. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until potatoes are tender and crispy.
- Breakfast Bowl Bonanza: Serve your Papas Con Chorizo over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, topped with a fried egg. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that goes beyond just a side dish.
Papas Con Chorizo: Amazing Flavor, Easy Prep
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Papas con Chorizo is a hearty and flavorful Mexican comfort food dish featuring diced potatoes sautéed with spicy Mexican chorizo. It’s a versatile meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, known for its simple preparation and bold taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Mexican chorizo, casing removed
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Tortillas, for serving
Instructions
- Boil diced potatoes in salted water until just tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, allowing the potatoes to crisp slightly and absorb the chorizo flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm tortillas.
Notes
- Don’t overboil potatoes; keep them just fork-tender.
- Crisp the potatoes in the skillet after combining with chorizo for golden edges.
- Drain excess fat if your chorizo is very greasy.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron for best texture.
- Bell peppers or jalapeños can be added for extra flavor.
- This recipe is best made with fresh Mexican chorizo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 (will vary based on chorizo fat content)
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Moderate
- Fat: High
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Moderate
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: High
- Cholesterol: Moderate