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)

Potato Wedges
Plate of golden baked potato slices.

Potato Wedges

Seasoned baked potato wedges with a crispy outside and soft inside.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Lentil Soup
Bowl of green lentil soup.

Lentil Soup

A warm and savory lentil soup seasoned with garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Large platter of orange pumpkin cookies.

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Soft pumpkin breakfast cookies made with canned pumpkin, whole-wheat flour and warm spices.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
48 Cookies
Fiesta Barley Salad
Bowl of mandarin orange and barley salad with a wooden serving fork.

Fiesta Barley Salad

A bright and colorful salad with a combination of grains, veggies and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Pasta Salad
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.

Pasta Salad

Enjoy this simple Spring and Summer side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Grape Salsa
Medium bowl of grape salsa shown with tortilla chips.

Grape Salsa

A sweet and savory salsa with a bit of spice.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups