Spanish Chorizo Rice
Chorizo is one of my favorites. When you are craving a rich, flavorful dish that won’t take hours or break the bank, try this Spanish Chorizo Rice. It’s a crowd pleaser too.
More crowd-pleasing recipes that I can get to the table in ten minutes or less? Yes, please! This one can literally be served as soon as it reheats in a skillet. Our Sausage Gnocchi Skillet recipe or Ground Chicken Stroganoff are two other recipes that can be made in one pot in about ten minutes.
Spanish Chorizo Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. cooked chorizo sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 cups rice, cooked and cooled
- 1 onion, chopped.
- 1 red pepper, chopped.
- 14 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 oz. can diced chilies
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper
How to Make Spanish Chorizo Rice
Assembly Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a large resealable freezer bag.
- Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.
Cooking Instructions
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven until heated through.
What if I don’t like chorizo?
While I would encourage you to try different varieties of chorizo, if you are unwilling, you can use a more neutral sausage such as Polish sausage or smoked sausage in the dish. This is a great way to use up your extra smoked sausages after a cookout.
What kind of rice should I use?
Since you are starting with pre-cooked rice, it really doesn’t matter too much what type you start with. I prefer jasmine or basmatti, which are both more flavorful and defined grains than standard medium grain rice. Minute rice would get my lowest recommendation since it is cooked and then frozen for the recipe and is a mushier version of rice to begin with. Whichever rice you choose, cook it according to the package directions before assembling this meal. You can use a rice cooker for this.
How else can I bump up the heat?
I’m glad you asked! If you really want to get things heated up, use half ancho chili powder and half regular chili powder for the recipe, or add a half teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes. If it’s ever too spicy, just add a tablespoon or so of peanut butter. A sprinkling of brown sugar can also help even out the heat.
Conversely, if you want less heat but equal flavor, consider using half paprika, half regular chili powder instead.
I’m a college student, and spices are expensive. How can I avoid buying a whole jar?
Instead of buying individual spices, purchase a packet of taco seasoning or fajita seasoning instead. This will cost far less and doesn’t have to be stored. It’s not exactly the same, but it will carry the dish nicely.
You can also buy seasonings at the bulk store. They are less expensive this way because you aren’t paying for the packaging and you can buy only as much as you need.
Spanish Chorizo Rice Recipe Ideas
Increase the portions of this meal by adding more veggies to the skillet. You could add diced zucchini, summer squash, or frozen corn.
Give it a twist with more protein added on the day of cooking. You could add diced skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken to the pot.
This dish is screaming for black beans. Rinse and drain a can of black beans and add those to the skillet on the day of cooking. This type of bean holds its shape and isn’t as mushy as other beans, making it work better for kids with sensory issues. Another option is to cook black beans with a diced onion, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a sauce pan to serve on the side.
All the different rainbow colors of bell peppers will work in this recipe. Red peppers are the sweetest, and green peppers have the most distinct flavor. If you want to bump up the heat, you can also use seeded and diced poblano or habenero peppers.
The heat and flavor chorizo can vary greatly depending on the regional variation you choose. It can be found in Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American varieties, and they each bring a unique spin on the classic spicy sausage. Experiment with different types to find your favorites. Once you fall in love with chorizo, be sure to join our Freezer Meal 101 Club to find more great recipes!
Canned, diced chilis come in different varieties, from mild to hot. Choose accordingly. I’ve been known to forget to pay attention to the tiny lettering on the four-ounce can.
How do I store Spanish Chorizo Rice
Leftovers should be kept in the refrigerator and will keep for four days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or skillet. This dish is super easy to reheat at work in a microwave. Just take a serving size container and heat it for one or two minutes until everything is good and hot. Give it a stir, and your hot, home-cooked lunch is ready to go!
What to Serve with Spanish Chorizo Rice
One of the amazing things about this meal is that it is a one-pot dish. Everything you need for this meal is right here in the recipe! You’ve got vegetables, carbs, and protein. However, it is also easy to add sides, and it stretches your main dish to serve more people if the guests at your table have more side dishes to enjoy. You could consider adding tortilla chips and salsa, sweet corn cakes, black beans, a salad, or watermelon.
- 3/4 lb cooked chorizo sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 cups rice, cooked and cooled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 oz can of diced chilies
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper
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Place all ingredients into a large resealable freezer bag.
-
Remove excess air, seal, and freeze.
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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
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Reheat in a skillet, in the microwave, or the oven until heated through. The oven will take the longest at 20-30 minutes.
