Skip to main content

Reduced-Fat Chorizo

Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe. Using lower fat meats reduces saturated fat for heart health.
Bowl of chorizo shown served with a fresh salad.
Prep time: 10 minutes
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

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients except the ground beef and turkey.
  4. In a large bowl, put the ground beef and turkey.
  5. Add spice mixture to ground meats and mix well with a spoon or your hands. Wash hands after handling raw meat.
  6. For best flavor, cover the bowl and allow the mixture to sit for about 6 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
     

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!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes
Platter of potatoes stuffed with beans, corn, salsa and sprinkled with melted cheese.

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
Sliced cucumbers in mason jars with pickling brine.

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 banana halves with raisins and a pecan topping.

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
Glasses of ice water with thin slices of cucumber.

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
Footed glasses filled with a creamy fruit dessert.

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
bowl of 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
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.