Tacos

Chorizo Con Papas Tacos

Name: Chorizo Con Papas Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) Mexican chorizo, casings removed; 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 corn tortillas; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

By Nathaniel Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Tacos

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

There's something special about biting into a warm taco filled with spicy chorizo and tender potatoes. It's a flavor combination that's deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, and one that I've always cherished. Growing up in a Mexican-American family in San Antonio, I was lucky to have a mom who cooked up delicious meals like chorizo con papas tacos for our family gatherings.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the art of cooking and the importance of preserving traditional recipes. I started experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, but I always made sure to stay true to the authentic flavors and methods that my mom and abuela taught me.

Today, I'm excited to share my recipe for chorizo con papas tacos with you. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a few close friends and family. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available at most supermarkets.

So, let's get started! In this recipe, we'll be using spicy Mexican chorizo, tender potatoes, and fresh salsa to create a truly unforgettable taco experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. We'll be using authentic Mexican chorizo, which has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that's perfectly balanced by the heat of the peppers. We'll also be using fresh potatoes, which add a nice texture and flavor to the dish. And of course, no taco would be complete without a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a few close friends and family.
The combination of spicy chorizo and tender potatoes is a match made in heaven.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite toppings and ingredients.
The dish is budget-friendly and won't break the bank.
The recipe is great for making ahead of time, so you can prepare the ingredients and cook the dish just before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great chorizo con papas tacos is to cook the ingredients slowly and patiently, allowing the flavors to meld together and the textures to become tender. This is especially important when it comes to the potatoes, which need to be cooked until they're soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Another important factor is the use of heat control. When cooking the chorizo, it's essential to use a medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This is achieved by using a hot skillet and cooking the chorizo for just a few minutes on each side.

Finally, the freshness of the ingredients is crucial to the success of this recipe. We'll be using fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salsa to add a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. This helps to balance out the richness of the chorizo and potatoes, creating a truly well-rounded flavor experience.

By following these simple tips and techniques, you'll be able to create delicious chorizo con papas tacos that are sure to impress your friends and family. So, let's get started and see how it's done!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including Mexican chorizo, potatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh cilantro. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt, pepper, and olive oil.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality Mexican chorizo, which should have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture. You can find this at most supermarkets or specialty stores. For the potatoes, choose a variety that's high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, as these will yield a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.

1 lb (450g) Mexican chorizo, casings removedMexican chorizo is a type of sausage that's made with pork and seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and spices. It has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture. You can find it at most supermarkets or specialty stores.
2 large potatoes, peeled and dicedFor this recipe, you'll want to use a high-starch potato variety, such as Russet or Idaho. These will yield a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior.
1 large onion, dicedYou can use any type of onion for this recipe, but a sweet onion such as Vidalia or Maui will add a bit of sweetness to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and it adds a rich, depth of flavor to the chorizo and potatoes.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroCilantro is a fresh, citrusy herb that's commonly used in Mexican cooking. It adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the chorizo and potatoes.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is a healthy, flavorful oil that's perfect for cooking the chorizo and potatoes. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning or smoking.
1 tsp ground cuminCumin is a warm, earthy spice that's commonly used in Mexican cooking. It adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish and helps to bring the ingredients together.
1/2 tsp smoked paprikaSmoked paprika is a type of paprika that's been smoked over oak wood. It has a rich, smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Salt and pepper to tasteYou'll want to season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, as this will help to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
4 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cooking, and they're perfect for making tacos. Look for tortillas that are made with corn masa and have a soft, pliable texture.
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juiceLime juice is a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and it adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the chorizo and potatoes. You can squeeze the juice from fresh limes or use bottled lime juice as a substitute.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerSpatulaTongsMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Chorizo Con Papas Tacos

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8-10 minutes, or until the onion is lightly browned and fragrant.
2
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can add a bitter flavor to the dish.
3
Add the Mexican chorizo to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo is lightly browned and cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chorizo, which should be at least 160°F.
4
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chorizo and onion. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned. You can check the doneness of the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into one of the pieces - if it slides in easily, the potatoes are done.
5
Season the chorizo and potatoes with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the flavors are fragrant and the ingredients are well coated.
6
Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. This will make the tortillas more pliable and easier to fold.
7
Assemble the tacos by spooning the chorizo and potato mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
8
To make the dish more substantial, you can add some refried beans, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce to the tacos. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa, to let each person customize their own taco.
9
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can cook the chorizo and potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.
10
To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some grated cheese, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack, over the top of the tacos. You can also add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the chorizo and potato mixture for an extra kick of heat.
11
Finally, be sure to serve the tacos with a variety of beverages, such as cold beer, fresh limeade, or sparkling water with lime. This will help to wash down the spicy flavors of the dish and add to the overall dining experience.

Expert Tips

To get the best flavor out of the chorizo, be sure to cook it over medium-high heat and break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh cilantro and lime juice, to add brightness and depth to the dish.
Don't overcook the potatoes, as this can make them dry and unappetizing. Instead, cook them until they're tender and lightly browned.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese, to add unique flavors to the dish.
Consider adding some diced ham or bacon to the chorizo and potato mixture for added smokiness and flavor.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with a side of refried beans, Mexican rice, or roasted vegetables.
Don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings and add your own favorite ingredients to the tacos.
If you're having trouble finding Mexican chorizo, you can substitute it with Spanish chorizo or even Italian sausage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chorizo over high enough heat, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
Overcooking the potatoes, which can make them dry and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh cilantro and lime juice, which can result in a dull and uninspiring flavor.
Not seasoning the dish with enough salt and pepper, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
Not warming the tortillas before assembling the tacos, which can result in a stiff and unappetizing texture.
Not experimenting with different toppings and ingredients, which can result in a boring and uninspiring dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the chorizo and potato mixture for added smokiness and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese, to add unique flavors to the dish.
Experiment with different types of peppers, such as jalapenos or Anaheim peppers, to add heat and flavor to the dish.
Add some diced onions or garlic to the chorizo and potato mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or corn tortillas, to add texture and flavor to the dish.
Consider adding some refried beans or roasted vegetables to the tacos for added substance and nutrition.
Add some diced tomatoes or avocado to the tacos for added flavor and creaminess.

What to Serve With Chorizo Con Papas Tacos

Chorizo con papas tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as a main course, with a side of refried beans or Mexican rice, or as an appetizer or snack, with a variety of toppings and ingredients.

Some popular toppings and ingredients to consider include diced onions, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and queso fresco. You can also serve the tacos with a variety of beverages, such as cold beer, fresh limeade, or sparkling water with lime.

Serve the tacos with a side of refried beans or Mexican riceOffer a variety of toppings, such as diced onions, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and queso frescoServe the tacos with a cold beer or fresh limeadeConsider adding some diced ham or bacon to the chorizo and potato mixture for added smokiness and flavor

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can cook the chorizo and potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.

You can also freeze the cooked chorizo and potatoes for up to 2 months, and then thaw and reheat them as needed. To freeze, simply place the cooked mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer.

To reheat the frozen mixture, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot and steaming. You can also reheat the mixture in a slow cooker or oven, if desired.

When reheating the mixture, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. You can also add a bit of water or broth to the mixture if it becomes too dry or thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chorizo should I use for this recipe?

You should use Mexican chorizo, which is a type of sausage that's made with pork and seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and spices. You can find it at most supermarkets or specialty stores.

Can I substitute the Mexican chorizo with Spanish chorizo or Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the Mexican chorizo with Spanish chorizo or Italian sausage, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

How do I cook the potatoes so they're tender and lightly browned?

To cook the potatoes, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're tender and lightly browned. You can check the doneness of the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into one of the pieces - if it slides in easily, the potatoes are done.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Simply cook the chorizo and potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Then, reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.

What are some popular toppings and ingredients to consider for this dish?

How do I reheat the frozen mixture?

Can I use different types of tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of tortillas for this recipe, such as whole wheat or corn tortillas. Simply warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds, and then assemble the tacos as desired.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming dry and unappetizing?

To prevent the potatoes from becoming dry and unappetizing, be sure to cook them until they're tender and lightly browned, but not overcooked. You can also add a bit of water or broth to the mixture if it becomes too dry or thick.

Can I add other ingredients to the chorizo and potato mixture for added flavor and texture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the chorizo and potato mixture for added flavor and texture, such as diced onions or garlic, chopped fresh cilantro, or grated cheese. Simply stir the ingredients into the mixture and cook until they're heated through and well combined.

The Full Recipe

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