Dinner

Homemade Spicy Chorizo Recipe

ByMaya Arden December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Introduction

Chorizo is a flavorful, spicy sausage that’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This recipe offers a deliciously seasoned ground pork version, perfect for tacos, breakfast, or adding depth to your favorite dishes.

A close-up view of a pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with translucent, slightly caramelized onion slices; the meat is browned and crumbly with a reddish-brown color, showing small chunks and juices pooling at the bottom of the silver pan. A light-colored wooden spatula is lifting a portion of the mixture in the center of the pan, with steam faintly rising from the hot food. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp Paprika
1 1/2 tbsp Chili powder

2 tsp Cumin
1 1/2 tsp Dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp Dried coriander
1 tsp Sea salt

1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1 1/2 lb Ground pork (or ground beef)
1 tbsp Olive oil

1 small Onion, sliced thinly
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tbsp White vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: In a small jar or bowl, stir together the paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and the spice mixture. Mix well until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and onions are translucent.

Step 4: Add the seasoned pork to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until fully cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in the white vinegar and cook for another minute. Taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Substitute ground beef for pork if you prefer a leaner option.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Use fresh oregano and coriander if available, finely chopped.

Serve with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a classic taco experience.

Storage

Store cooked chorizo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze cooked chorizo for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a large metal pan filled with finely ground cooked meat mixed with small pieces of sautéed onions. The meat has a crumbly texture with a reddish-brown color, and the onions are soft with a light golden shade, all coated with a slightly oily seasoning. A wooden spatula with a natural wood grain texture rests inside the pan, partly covered with the same meat mixture. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chorizo with ground beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute if you prefer a leaner sausage or simply want a different flavor.

How spicy is this chorizo, and can I adjust the heat?

This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level that you can easily adjust by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.