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
Units
Scale
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