Papas con Chorizo

The bold, smoky spice of Mexican chorizo melts beautifully into tender golden potatoes, making Papas con Chorizo a classic you’ll crave again and again. This simple yet rich combination delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.

Whether you enjoy it as a taco filling, stuffed inside a burrito, served next to scrambled eggs, or spooned straight from the pan, Papas con Chorizo embodies the heart of Mexican home cooking. It’s a go-to for busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches, and easily customizable with your favorite protein or plant-based twist. This dish isn’t just food—it’s a celebration of flavor and culture.

Full Recipe:

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced

• 10 ounces Mexican chorizo (pork or beef)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Directions:

1. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes until just fork-tender. Do not overcook. Drain well but do not rinse.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, crumble the chorizo into a large skillet and cook over medium to medium-low heat for 10 minutes until fully browned and aromatic.

3. Add the drained potatoes to the skillet and gently fold them into the cooked chorizo. Stir occasionally, being careful not to mash the potatoes.

4. Serve hot with tortillas, eggs, or your favorite breakfast toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Papas con Chorizo, translating directly to “potatoes with chorizo,” may sound deceptively simple, but it’s steeped in cultural resonance. The roots of this dish can be traced to the ingenious way traditional Mexican cooking elevates basic ingredients into something spectacular. In a country where cuisine is often defined by regional nuances and the creative use of staple ingredients, Papas con Chorizo exemplifies how a few pantry staples can be transformed into a nourishing and flavorful meal.

Chorizo, the starring ingredient, comes in many forms, but the version used in this dish is distinctly Mexican. Unlike Spanish chorizo, which is cured and ready to eat, Mexican chorizo is raw and heavily spiced with ground chilies, vinegar, garlic, and other seasonings. Its bold flavor is perfect for pairing with the mild creaminess of boiled or pan-fried potatoes, which were introduced to Mexico after colonization but have long since become part of the culinary canon.

The dish became popular not just for its taste but also for its adaptability. Whether enjoyed as a standalone hash or repurposed into tacos, quesadillas, or even tortas, Papas con Chorizo became a common feature in the diets of working families and street food vendors alike. Today, it’s a cherished breakfast and brunch staple that transcends generations.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the joys of Papas con Chorizo is how easily it lends itself to variation. While the core ingredients remain the same—potatoes, chorizo, and salt—there are countless ways to tweak this dish to suit personal tastes, dietary needs, or regional traditions.

In Northern Mexico, it’s not uncommon to see the dish served with roasted green chiles or onions for an added kick. In some areas, the chorizo is homemade, crafted with specific spice blends that reflect the region’s flavor profile. Beef chorizo, turkey chorizo, and even vegetarian or vegan versions like soyrizo are widely used, especially among health-conscious cooks or those avoiding pork.

You might also find Papas con Chorizo folded into fluffy scrambled eggs (turning it into chorizo con papas y huevos) or topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and queso fresco. Some cooks incorporate tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a splash of crema to create a richer, saucier result.

And then there are the fusion takes—think papas con chorizo in empanadas, served over nachos, or turned into a spicy breakfast hash with American-style over-easy eggs. However it’s prepared, the essence of the dish remains grounded in the same comforting, deeply savory core.

Nutritional Information

While Papas con Chorizo is undoubtedly hearty and satisfying, it’s helpful to understand what it brings to the table nutritionally. A typical serving provides a substantial amount of calories, primarily from fats and carbohydrates, making it an energy-dense meal perfect for fueling your day.

• Calories per serving: ~300–350 kcal

• Protein: ~12–15g (from the chorizo)

• Fat: ~20–25g (primarily from the sausage)

• Carbohydrates: ~20–30g (from the potatoes)

• Fiber: ~2–3g

• Sodium: Can be high, depending on the chorizo used (up to 800mg per serving)

• Micronutrients: The dish contains notable amounts of potassium (from the potatoes), iron (from the chorizo), vitamin B12, and some vitamin C.

For those watching their intake, consider using a leaner protein like turkey chorizo or adding vegetables to balance out the macros. Additionally, pairing it with whole-grain tortillas or avocado can add fiber and heart-healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The beauty of Papas con Chorizo lies not only in how delicious it is but also in how easily it fits into a variety of meal settings. It’s one of those rare dishes that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Here are some favorite ways to serve it:

• Taco-style: Spoon the mixture into warm corn or flour tortillas and top with avocado slices, chopped onions, and cilantro.

• With eggs: Serve alongside (or with) scrambled, fried, or poached eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.

• As a burrito filling: Combine with beans, rice, and cheese for a loaded, grab-and-go meal.

• Tostadas or sopes: Add a layer of refried beans to crispy tostadas, then top with the chorizo-potato mix, crema, lettuce, and queso fresco.

• Breakfast bowls: Serve over brown rice or quinoa with sautéed greens and salsa for a balanced meal.

• Drink pairings: For breakfast, coffee or agua de jamaica (hibiscus tea) works great. At lunch or dinner, try a Mexican lager or a michelada for something refreshing and complementary.

Tips and Tricks for Success

While this recipe is known for its simplicity, a few expert tricks can elevate it from good to unforgettable:

• Use the right potatoes: Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold their shape best, but Russets offer a softer texture and a creamy finish.

• Don’t overcook the potatoes: Boil them just until fork-tender; overcooking will make them mushy when mixed with chorizo.

• Drain but don’t rinse: After boiling, drain the potatoes but avoid rinsing—they’ll retain just enough starch to help everything come together nicely.

• Use a splatter screen: Chorizo releases quite a bit of oil and can splatter while cooking. A splatter screen will keep your stovetop clean and your arms safe.

• Cook chorizo low and slow: Let it fully render down and develop flavor before adding the potatoes.

• Avoid overmixing: Gently fold the potatoes into the chorizo. Stirring too much will break them apart and create a mushy texture.

Potential Health Benefits

Though Papas con Chorizo is often considered an indulgent comfort food, it does come with a few nutritional upsides when prepared thoughtfully.

• Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber—especially when the skin is left on.

• Chorizo, while high in fat, provides a rich source of protein and B vitamins such as B12 and niacin. Opting for leaner or plant-based chorizo can improve the health profile.

• Balanced energy: The combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates makes this dish especially satisfying and suitable for active individuals needing long-lasting energy.

• Customizable nutrition: You can boost the vitamin and fiber content by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes, and reduce saturated fat by choosing low-fat sausage alternatives.

When enjoyed in moderation and paired with vegetables or whole grains, Papas con Chorizo can absolutely be part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Papas con Chorizo is one of those magical dishes that manages to be comforting, bold, and endlessly adaptable—all while coming together in under 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful tribute to Mexican cooking: simple ingredients, big flavors, and deep-rooted cultural significance.

Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or reliving cherished family memories, this dish offers a taste of tradition with every forkful. So next time you’re wondering what to make with a few potatoes and some chorizo in the fridge, let this timeless recipe transport you to a warm Mexican kitchen, where love is served hot and seasoned just right.

Give it a try—and don’t forget to share it with friends and familia. After all, food like this is meant to be savored and shared.