Get ready to dive into a flavor-packed, comfort-food favorite with this Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet recipe! Combining spicy, smoky chorizo with creamy beans and a luscious blanket of melted cheese, this dish is the perfect quick meal that satisfies cravings and warms the soul. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this skillet brings bold flavors and rich textures right to your table effortlessly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, irresistible flavors: Spicy chorizo pairs perfectly with creamy beans and gooey cheese for a mouthwatering combination that hits all the right notes.
- Quick and easy preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and hearty.
- One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time on cleanup and maximizing flavor melding.
- Versatile meal: Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and easily customizable to suit your taste buds or pantry staples.
- Comforting and satisfying: Warm, cheesy, and packed with protein and fiber, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that leaves you feeling full and content.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, staple ingredients that come together to create a hearty and flavorful dish. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance taste, texture, and appearance, making your Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
- Chorizo sausage: Provides the bold, spicy flavor and a satisfying meaty texture that is the heart of the dish.
- Canned beans: Creamy white or pinto beans add a smooth texture and help balance the spice from the chorizo.
- Shredded cheese: A melty mix like cheddar or Monterey Jack gives that indulgent, gooey finish.
- Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base to elevate the other ingredients.
- Bell peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to brighten the skillet.
- Tomato paste or diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and depth, cutting through the richness.
- Spices and herbs: Smoked paprika, cumin, and fresh cilantro or parsley make the flavors pop and add freshness.
Variations
The Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make tweaks based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Customizing this recipe is simple and fun, allowing it to shine in different ways.
- Protein swaps: Use turkey chorizo or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Bean alternatives: Black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas can be excellent substitutes to mix up the texture and flavor.
- Dairy-free cheese options: Try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free but still cheesy experience.
- Extra veggies: Add zucchini, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Heat levels: Add fresh jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to customize the spice to your liking.
How to Make Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chorizo, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and releases its flavorful oil, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté until softened and fragrant, roughly 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to blend flavors.
Step 3: Add Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in the drained beans and tomato paste (or diced tomatoes), mixing everything thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer so the tomatoes can break down and flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste. Let the skillet cook gently so the spices infuse every bite, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the mixture, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Let it melt slowly for a creamy, gooey finish, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve right away while everything is warm and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet
- Use high-quality chorizo: It makes a big difference in flavor and texture, so choose a fresh or quality packaged option.
- Drain excess fat carefully: Keep some of the chorizo fat for flavor but remove excess to avoid a greasy dish.
- Warm your skillet before cooking: This prevents sticking and helps achieve a nice sear on the chorizo.
- Layer cheese thoughtfully: For an extra melty effect, add cheese in two layers—half before simmering and half on top as a finishing touch.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the skillet to sit covered for a couple of minutes before serving, giving flavors time to marry.
How to Serve Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. A squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the spicy richness.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or crusty bread for scooping. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance out the hearty skillet for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skillet straight from the pan for a rustic feel, or portion it onto plates topped with sliced avocado and pickled onions for a festive touch. You can even stuff it into baked potatoes for a portable, creative meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave, covering loosely to keep moisture in. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo gives a distinctive flavor, spicy Italian sausage or even ground beef can be used as tasty alternatives, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can make a vegetarian version by substituting chorizo with a plant-based sausage or spiced mushrooms that replicate its texture and flavor.
What kind of cheese works best for melting?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully and complement the smoky chorizo flavors perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chorizo and other ingredients do not contain gluten additives.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends largely on the type of chorizo used and any additional spices you add, so you can easily adjust it by selecting milder or hotter chorizo products.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet is a surefire winner when you want a quick, satisfying, and soul-warming meal. Its bold flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness come together in a way that feels like a special treat every time. You’re just one skillet away from making dinner feel like a celebration—go ahead and give it a try!
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Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A bold and comforting one-pan meal that combines spicy, smoky chorizo with creamy beans and melted cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Cheesy Chorizo and Bean Skillet is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering rich flavors and hearty textures in a quick, easy preparation.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 8 oz chorizo sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Tomatoes and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chorizo: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chorizo, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and the oil is released, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté until softened and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to blend flavors.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained beans and tomato paste or diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes so the tomatoes break down and flavors meld.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Cook gently for 3-4 minutes to infuse the spices into the dish.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet contents, cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let the cheese melt slowly for about 5 minutes until creamy and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and bubbly.
Notes
- Use high-quality chorizo for the best flavor and texture.
- Drain excess fat but keep some to maintain richness without greasiness.
- Warm the skillet before cooking to prevent sticking and get a nice sear.
- For extra melty cheese, add in two layers: half before simmering, half on top as a finishing touch.
- Let the skillet rest covered for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg