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)

Lentil Confetti Salad
Rice, lentil and vegetable dish garnished with parsley

Lentil Confetti Salad

A lentil and rice salad mixed with an Italian dressing that makes a hearty and satisfying side dish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Stovetop Farro
Bowls of cooked farro.

Stovetop Farro

A slightly nutty-tasting grain with a tender chewy texture packed with nutrients.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
35 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Glazed Squash
Baked crescent shaped acorn squash slices sprinkled with seasoning.

Glazed Squash

A simple, 3 ingredient recipe to make any type of winter squash.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp
Bowl of baked rhubarb and blueberries with a crumbly oat topping.

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Tart rhubarb, sweet blueberries, whole grain oats and a buttery topping make the perfect breakfast or dessert.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 ½ cups
Sesame Fish and Rice Bowl
A colorful bowl of vegetables and fish on top of a bed of rice served with sesame seeds.

Sesame Fish and Rice Bowl

This quick and easy meal of rice topped with fish in a savory sauce can be comforting and healthy. Add pickled vegetables for color, crunch and nutrients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Parmesan Peas
Platter of peas and parmesan with a lemon slice.

Parmesan Peas

A quick and easy recipe of buttery peas with creamy parmesan and a hint of lemon. Ready in minutes!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 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.