Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe. Using lower fat meats reduces saturated fat for heart health.
Reduced-Fat Chorizo

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 8 hours
Makes: 12 servings
Nutrition Facts: View label
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 8 hours
Makes: 12 servings
Nutrition Facts: View label
Ingredients
¼ teaspoon thyme
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ to 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
½ teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon oregano
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup vinegar (try white)
¼ cup mild to medium heat ground hot pepper (try California, poblano or guajillo)
2 Tablespoons paprika (optional)
1 pound lean ground beef (10% fat)
1 pound ground turkey or chicken (7% fat)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients except the ground beef and turkey.
- In a large bowl, put the ground beef and turkey.
- Add spice mixture to ground meats and mix well with a spoon or your hands. Wash hands after handling raw meat.
- For best flavor, cover the bowl and allow the mixture to sit for about 6 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet) until the meat is browned. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it browns.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- For a spicy chorizo, add ground hot pepper such as cayenne.
- Cook only the amount you need. Freeze the rest in labeled freezer containers to use within 3 to 4 months. Press into thin pieces to thaw faster.
You might also like...
Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes
A simple microwave recipe with tender potatoes topped with southwest-style toppings and creamy cheese.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 potato halves
Refrigerator Pickled Cucumbers

Refrigerator Pickled Cucumbers
Make your own crispy pickles at home with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 pint
Baked Bananas with Pecans

Baked Bananas with Pecans
Quick and easy dessert with brown sugar, raisins and pecans. A fun recipe for kids to make!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 Bananas
Cucumber Flavored Water

Cucumber Flavored Water
Homemade flavored water is a great option to stay help you stay hydrated!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Frozen Fruit Yogurt

Frozen Fruit Yogurt
A kid-approved, 3-ingredient treat that only takes a few minutes to make and uses your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ cups
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew
Enjoy a bowl of this slow cooker stew that is full of vegetables and umami flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
3 to 8 hours
Makes:
10 cups
Comments
I do like this recipe for Reduced-Fat Chorizo that is lower in saturated fat. We use it in many ways, including for tacos, salads, grain bowls, migas and chili. I even made it with half ground beef and half chopped soy curls to extend the meat and add fiber. It was very tasty every time!