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)

Sautéed Peppers
Bowl of tender bell pepper and onion slices.

Sautéed Peppers

These sauteed sweet peppers and onions are delicious enjoyed on their own, added to sandwiches or pasta, or with fajitas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Carrot Ginger Salad
Photo of Carrot Ginger Salad

Carrot Ginger Salad

This flavorful, sweet and savory side dish is great for make-ahead meals!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Sautéed Zucchini
Bowl of zucchini spears.

Sautéed Zucchini

This 4 ingredient recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Customize by adding your favorite spices!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Quinoa with Cactus
Medium bowl of cactus and vegetables with quinoa.

Quinoa with Cactus

Canned or fresh cactus is combined with tomatoes, garlic and quinoa for a satisfying and filling meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Spinach Pasta Salad
Bowl of a mix of macaroni noodles, spinach, oranges and dried cranberries.

Spinach Pasta Salad

This fun and delicious pasta salad recipe combines fresh veggies, crunchy seeds, tangy fruit, and tender pasta with a savory teriyaki dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Baked Oatmeal Cups
Plate of Baked Oatmeal Cups

Baked Oatmeal Cups

Oatmeal plus your choice of add-ins are baked into a muffin cup for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
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.