Authentic Papas con Chorizo: Your Go-To Easy Mexican Potato & Sausage Recipe

Papas con Chorizo, a beloved two-ingredient Mexican staple, masterfully combines tender diced potatoes with rich, spicy Mexican sausage. This versatile dish is a fantastic choice for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, often enjoyed with a side of eggs or refried beans, or as a flavorful filling for burritos and gorditas. Dive into the simplicity and deliciousness of this timeless classic!

Some of my most cherished culinary memories revolve around the simplest dishes my mother prepared. On bustling weekdays or those rare occasions when inspiration eluded her, she had a repertoire of quick, satisfying meals she could whip up in no time. These included comforting bean burritos, fresh tuna salad, creamy avocado burritos, or crisp tostadas. Interestingly, she would often apologize for these meals, almost as if she felt they weren’t “fancy” enough, or perhaps she was embarrassed by the minimal effort they required. Yet, for me, these were some of my all-time favorites – the kind of unassuming, delicious food that truly hit the spot. Now, as a busy mom myself, these easy and delightful recipes are invaluable treasures in my kitchen arsenal, proving that some of the best food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Among these trusted, easy-to-make family recipes, Papas con Chorizo, or Potatoes with Mexican Sausage, stands out as a true gem. This iconic Mexican dish is remarkably straightforward, requiring just two main ingredients: humble diced potatoes and robust, flavorful Mexican chorizo. It’s a dish that transcends meal times, equally at home on a breakfast table alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and warm tortillas, as it is served for a hearty brunch with refried beans, or even as a satisfying lunch. My mother’s creativity also extended this savory potato and sausage mixture into dinner, transforming it into irresistible burritos wrapped in soft flour tortillas. On more leisurely days, when time allowed, she would lovingly stuff them into homemade gorditas, creating a truly unforgettable feast.

The Heart of the Dish: Understanding Mexican Chorizo

Before we delve into the simple steps of creating this mouthwatering dish, let’s talk about its most crucial component: the chorizo. Mexican chorizo is a fresh, uncooked sausage typically made from ground pork, generously seasoned with a vibrant blend of chiles (like ancho, guajillo, or chipotle), garlic, vinegar, and various spices such as cumin, oregano, and paprika. Unlike its Spanish counterpart, which is cured and hard, Mexican chorizo is soft and crumbly when raw, releasing its characteristic red-orange oil as it cooks. This flavorful fat is essential for seasoning the potatoes and giving the entire dish its signature taste and color. The unique blend of spices and vinegar gives Mexican chorizo a tangy, savory, and often spicy profile that sets it apart and makes it an indispensable ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes, especially for breakfast.

Choosing the Right Chorizo: A Culinary Game Changer

The success of your Papas con Chorizo hinges significantly on the quality of your Mexican sausage. It’s a common misconception that all chorizo is created equal, but nothing could be further from the truth. Some varieties can be excessively greasy, leaving a heavy, unappetizing residue and overwhelming the delicate potato flavor. Others might lack the depth of flavor that defines authentic Mexican chorizo, resulting in a bland dish that falls short of expectations. And then there are those that simply disintegrate into an unappealing mush when cooked, losing all texture and appeal. To truly elevate your Papas con Chorizo, investing in high-quality chorizo is paramount. Look for brands that prioritize fresh ingredients, a rich and balanced spice blend, and a texture that holds up well during cooking. A good chorizo will render just enough flavorful fat to cook the potatoes, infusing them with its spicy, earthy essence, without becoming overwhelmingly oily. The consistency should be firm enough to break apart easily but not so loose that it turns into paste. If you’re adventurous, making your own chorizo from scratch offers unparalleled control over flavor and fat content, allowing you to customize the spice levels to your preference. However, for convenience, a carefully selected store-bought option works wonderfully and can still yield fantastic results.

For those seeking an exceptional option that aligns with mindful eating, I highly recommend the chorizo from Pederson’s Natural Farms. It consistently delivers on flavor, avoids excessive greasiness, and is made with wholesome, Whole30-compliant ingredients – a fantastic bonus for those with specific dietary preferences. Their commitment to quality ensures a delicious and guilt-free experience. As a special offer, you can use my code GEMMA to get $10 off your entire order and enjoy free shipping. Simply follow this link to explore their products and discover a chorizo that meets the highest standards: http://bit.ly/39iDkn8.

Crafting Perfect Papas con Chorizo: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve covered the secret to selecting the best chorizo, let’s walk through the incredibly simple process of preparing this delicious dish. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring authentic Mexican flavors to your table with just a few basic steps and a little attention to detail.

1. Sautéing the Chorizo to Perfection

Begin by heating a large frying pan or a sturdy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add between 9 to 12 ounces of your chosen Mexican chorizo to the hot pan. Using the back of a sturdy spoon, a wooden spatula, or even a potato masher, break the chorizo into smaller, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents large clumps. Cook the chorizo for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly cooked through, beautifully browned, and has rendered its aromatic oils. During this process, you’ll notice the pan filling with the characteristic red-orange fat and the kitchen filling with an irresistible aroma – this is the foundation of our dish’s flavor.

2. Managing the Fat for Optimal Flavor and Texture

Once the chorizo is cooked, carefully remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to drain any excessive grease, preventing the final dish from becoming too heavy or oily. Now, assess the amount of fat left in your skillet. Ideally, you want about 2 tablespoons of rendered chorizo fat remaining in the pan; this flavorful oil is essential for frying the potatoes and infusing them with the chorizo’s essence. If there’s too much fat, carefully spoon out the excess, discarding it responsibly. If, on the other hand, your chorizo was quite lean and didn’t release much oil, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or a neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil) to the skillet. This ensures your potatoes will achieve that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, as they need enough fat to sauté properly.

3. Preparing Your Potatoes: The Foundation of the Dish

For this recipe, two large russet potatoes, totaling about one pound, are ideal. Russet potatoes are fantastic because their high starch content results in a fluffy interior and a wonderfully crispy exterior when fried, perfectly complementing the rich chorizo. However, feel free to use your preferred potato variety – Yukon Gold or even red potatoes can work beautifully, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Then, peel them completely. Once peeled, dice the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces, roughly ½-inch cubes. Consistency in dicing is key here, as it ensures all the potatoes cook evenly at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.

4. Frying the Potatoes to Golden Tenderness

Add the diced potatoes to the hot pan, which now contains the flavorful chorizo fat (or olive oil). Ensure the heat is still set to medium-high. Sauté the potatoes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even browning, until they become fork-tender and develop a lovely golden-brown crust on all sides. This process typically takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your heat level, the size of your potato dice, and how frequently you stir. Season the potatoes with a little salt during this stage. Remember, the chorizo is already quite seasoned, so start with a modest amount and taste before adding more later. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the potatoes in two batches to ensure they crisp up rather than steam.

5. Combining and Final Seasoning

Once your potatoes are beautifully tender, golden, and slightly crispy, return the cooked chorizo from the paper towel-lined plate to the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly, using your spoon or spatula to ensure the chorizo is evenly distributed among the potatoes and the potatoes are coated with its delicious spices and oil. Continue to cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and for the chorizo to reheat. If there appears to be any additional excess oil after combining, you can gently tilt the pan and drain some off before serving. Finally, taste the Papas con Chorizo and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Some people also enjoy a touch of freshly ground black pepper, though the chorizo usually provides ample spice and flavor on its own. Serve immediately to enjoy its fresh, hot flavors.

And just like that, your delectable Papas con Chorizo is ready to serve! This dish, with its rich flavors and satisfying textures, is truly a testament to the beauty of simple, traditional Mexican cooking, bringing comfort and deliciousness to any meal.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Papas con Chorizo Experience

The versatility of Papas con Chorizo is one of its greatest attributes. While absolutely delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with complementary sides or incorporated into other dishes. Here are some popular and delightful ways to enjoy it, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience:

• Classic Breakfast Pairing: The most traditional way to enjoy Papas con Chorizo is for breakfast or brunch. Serve it alongside perfectly cooked sunny-side up, scrambled, or fried eggs for a hearty and satisfying start to your day. A side of warm refried beans, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a stack of freshly warmed corn or flour tortillas complete the authentic experience.
• Irresistible Burrito Bliss: Scoop a generous portion of the Papas con Chorizo mixture into warm, soft flour tortillas. Add a dollop of cool sour cream or Mexican crema, a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and maybe some fresh avocado slices or guacamole, along with your favorite salsa (red or green) for an incredible breakfast or lunch burrito. This is often my go-to way to savor this dish!
• Gordita or Sopaipilla Stuffing: For a truly traditional and substantial treat, use Papas con Chorizo as a savory and flavorful filling for homemade gorditas (thick, often fried, corn tortillas that are split open and stuffed) or even lightly sweetened sopaipillas, transforming them into a hearty main meal.
• Tacos and Quesadillas: The mixture makes an excellent filling for tacos. Fill crispy taco shells or soft corn tortillas with the mixture for quick and flavorful tacos, topped with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Alternatively, spread it between two tortillas with some melting cheese (like Oaxaca or mild cheddar) for a decadent and satisfying quesadilla.
• Hash-style Enhancements: For an even more robust and complex breakfast hash, incorporate some finely diced onions and bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) into the pan during the potato frying stage. They will soften and caramelize, adding extra layers of flavor and texture.
• Toppings & Garnishes: Enhance the flavor profile and presentation with fresh, vibrant garnishes. A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, finely diced white onion, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a drizzle of your favorite smoky or spicy hot sauce can really elevate the dish. For a zesty and bright kick, I particularly love them topped off with this easy jalapeño salsa.

However you choose to enjoy it, I hope this Papas con Chorizo recipe brings joy, comfort, and authentic Mexican flavor to your table!

Please leave me a comment below if you make this or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina. Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover these delicious recipes!

More Delicious Potato Recipes You’ll Love:

• Papas con Huevo (Potato and Egg Scramble)
• Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa (Shepherd’s Pie)
• Potato Patties with Chile con Queso

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