Looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes? These 20-Minute Chorizo Tacos are your new go-to. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe is packed with bold Mexican spices, crispy chorizo sausage, and all the taco fixings you love—without the long prep time.
This is one of those Chorizo Mexican recipes that proves fast food can still be fantastic. If you’ve ever wondered what to make with chorizo sausage, this is the easiest and tastiest way to start.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Quick and Easy Chorizo Tacos
- Ready in 20 minutes start to finish
- Loaded with spicy, savory flavor
- Easily customizable with toppings
- Great for weeknight meals or casual gatherings
- Works well with beef, pork, or soy chorizo
- Ideal for chorizo dinners or meal prep tacos
These tacos are simple enough for beginners but satisfying enough for serious flavor lovers. If you’re hunting for easy recipes with beef chorizo, this one is a must-try.
Ingredients for 20-Minute Chorizo Tacos
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best chorizo tacos at home:
- 1 lb chorizo sausage (beef or pork, casing removed)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional toppings: sour cream, pickled red onions, jalapeños, salsa verde
Tip: If you’re using fresh chorizo, make sure to remove the casing before cooking.
Best Chorizo for Tacos: Pork vs. Beef Chorizo
Both pork and beef chorizo work wonderfully in this dish. Pork chorizo is more traditional in Mexican recipes with chorizo, but beef chorizo offers a leaner alternative with a different richness.
- Pork Chorizo: Juicy, fatty, bold in flavor
- Beef Chorizo: Leaner, hearty, still packs spice
- Soy Chorizo: A great vegetarian option that keeps all the flavor
When exploring recipes for chorizo sausage, keep your preferences (and dietary needs) in mind!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make these tacos quickly and easily, gather:
- Large skillet or nonstick frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
- Serving platter or plates
- Small bowls for toppings
Having these on hand ensures your chorizo dinners are fast and fuss-free.
How to Make Mexican Chorizo Tacos in 20 Minutes
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and fully cooked—about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
While the chorizo is cooking, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Wrap them in a towel to keep warm.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Spoon cooked chorizo into each tortilla. Top with onions, cilantro, cheese, avocado, and any other toppings you like.
Step 4: Serve with Lime
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Try pairing them with crispy smashed potato salad or cucumber-dill salad for a light and crunchy side.
What to Make With Chorizo Sausage: Ideas Beyond Tacos
Once you fall in love with these tacos, you’ll want to explore more meals with chorizo sausage:
- Chorizo breakfast burritos or make-ahead breakfast bowls
- Chorizo-stuffed bell peppers
- Chorizo and potato skillet (Papas con Chorizo style)
- Chorizo and eggs with tortillas
- Cheesy Mexican tortilla casserole
The possibilities for chorizo ideas are endless, and many can be prepped in advance.
Toppings and Chorizo Seasoning Tips for Authentic Flavor
Want to give your tacos a more authentic Mexican twist? These flavor tips help bring out the best in your chorizo:
- Toast tortillas over an open flame for added char
- Use fresh cilantro and diced onion—classic and simple
- Add radish slices or cotija cheese for texture
- Splash on hot sauce or salsa verde for spice
- Finish with fresh lime juice to balance the richness
If you’re making your own chorizo seasoning, blend chili powder, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and vinegar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Chorizo
- Not draining excess grease: Especially with pork chorizo, too much fat can make your tacos soggy.
- Overcooking tortillas: Dry, brittle tortillas will break. Heat just until warm and soft.
- Skipping the toppings: Chorizo is bold—balancing it with creamy, crunchy toppings makes a big difference.
- Not tasting before seasoning: Chorizo is already salty and spiced. Taste before adding extra salt.
Avoid these common pitfalls and you’ll enjoy the perfect taco every time.
Creative Meals with Chorizo Sausage for Any Day of the Week
Chorizo is a versatile ingredient and works in a range of dishes beyond tacos:
- Chorizo chili for cold nights
- Chorizo and veggie stir-fry
- Stuffed zucchini boats with chorizo and cheese
- Chorizo mac and cheese (yes, it’s amazing)
- Baked chorizo eggs in muffin tins for easy meal prep
For more meal inspiration, check out these savory recipes like vegetable casserole or chicken sausage and broccoli orzo.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chorizo Tacos
To Store:
Keep leftover chorizo filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep tortillas and toppings separate for best texture.
To Reheat:
Rewarm the chorizo in a skillet or microwave. Avoid microwaving assembled tacos—they’ll get soggy.
To Freeze:
Chorizo filling freezes well. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Full Mexican Dinner
Want to serve these tacos as part of a full meal? Try:
- Mexican-inspired grilled shrimp Caesar wraps
- Garlic butter corn with melty cheese
- Mini Halloween pizzas for kids on themed nights
- Cilantro-lime rice or street corn salad
They also work great for Taco Tuesday, casual parties, or game nights.
FAQs About Recipes with Chorizo Sausage
Can I use pre-cooked chorizo?
Yes, but fresh raw chorizo delivers better texture and flavor for tacos.
Is beef or pork chorizo better?
It depends on your taste and diet. Pork is more traditional, while beef is leaner.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use soy chorizo for a plant-based version. It’s just as spicy and flavorful.
What toppings are traditional?
Onions, cilantro, queso fresco, and lime are the classics.
More Chorizo Dinner Ideas You’ll Love
Craving more? Try these for your next dinner plan:
- Papas con Chorizo
- One-Pan Spanish Chorizo Rice
- Stuffed Roasted Squash with Chorizo
- Chorizo and Black Bean Soup for cozy nights
For the sweet finish, serve with Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars or Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars.
Final Thoughts
These 20-Minute Chorizo Tacos prove that fast dinners don’t have to mean boring meals. Whether you’re trying out chorizo dinners, experimenting with recipes with beef chorizo, or just craving something spicy and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.
Ready to spice up your weeknight dinner game? Try these tacos tonight and don’t forget to explore more fun meal ideas on the blog.
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Print20-Minute Chorizo Tacos – Bold, Quick & Flavor-Packed Dinner Solution
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These **20-Minute Chorizo Tacos** are the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner solution. With smoky, spicy Mexican chorizo cooked in under 20 minutes and layered into warm tortillas with endless topping options, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or taco night parties. Fast, bold, and delicious — these tacos will be your new go-to for easy Mexican dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Mexican chorizo sausage (casings removed if needed)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional if chorizo is lean)
- 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
Topping Suggestions:
- Diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled cotija or queso fresco
- Avocado slices
- Creamy salsa or Greek yogurt
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil if needed.
- Sauté Onion: Cook chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Chorizo: Add sausage, break it up with a spatula, and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry pan, foil-wrapped oven, or microwave with a damp towel.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon chorizo filling into tortillas and top with desired garnishes.
- Serve: Add lime wedges on the side and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use Mexican chorizo (fresh sausage), not Spanish cured chorizo.
- Customize with beef, turkey, or vegan chorizo.
- Pair with cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn, or creamy cucumber salad.
- Filling stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
- Great for meal prep: repurpose into burritos, quesadillas, or stuffed peppers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Tacos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chorizo Tacos, 20 Minute Tacos, Easy Mexican Recipes, Chorizo Sausage Dinner, Quick Chorizo Recipes, Weeknight Tacos