Name: Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chorizo; 1 (28 ounce) bag frozen Potatoes O'Brien (with peppers and onion); 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained; 10 eggs; 1 1/3 cups milk; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated; Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for serving (optional)

The hearty blend of spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and tender potatoes makes this Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe an unforgettable start to any morning. It’s packed full of bold flavors and comes together easily, making your brunch feel like a special occasion without the fuss.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish with two handles, filled with a golden brown layered baked dish. The top layer is melted cheese that has dark golden spots indicating it is well cooked. Small green herb pieces, likely parsley, are sprinkled evenly on top. The dish sits on a blue cloth with a white grid pattern, all placed on a white marbled surface. The texture of the cheese on the top looks slightly crispy and bubbly, suggesting a rich and savory meal photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely enjoy making this casserole when friends come over because it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes impressive but is super straightforward. The balance of spices from the chorizo combined with creamy eggs and cheese hits all the right notes.

Bold Flavors: The chorizo adds a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds in the best way.
One-Dish Ease: Everything bakes together in a single casserole, saving you time on cleanup.
Versatile for Any Meal: While it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, it can easily serve as an easy dinner with a salad.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, making busy weekends stress-free.

A close-up view of a square slice of baked casserole being held above a white baking dish by a woman's hand. The casserole slice shows three clear layers: the bottom layer is light beige and chunky with potato-like texture, the middle layer is dark brown and crumbly resembling cooked ground meat, and the top layer is melted golden-yellow cheese with some browned spots and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The casserole and white baking dish are set on a blue cloth with a white grid pattern, and the background is a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients brings together texture and flavor in a way that feels hearty yet balanced. Each element plays a crucial part in building layers of yum, plus most of these are pantry or freezer staples you can keep on hand.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of fresh raw chorizo sausage links with a reddish hue, ten brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white bowl filled with creamy milk, a small white bowl of vibrant red chili powder, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of diced fresh green chiles, a mound of shredded Colby Jack cheese with white and orange hues, a neat pile of frozen diced potatoes mixed with red and green peppers and chopped onions, and a few fresh sprigs of cilantro with bright green leaves all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Keeps the chorizo from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Chorizo: The star protein with its spicy, smoky, and slightly tangy character – look for fresh or cured versions, whichever you prefer.
Eggs: Provide the fluffy, custardy base that binds everything together beautifully.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the eggs, creating that perfect soft, tender texture.
Chili powder: Amplifies the Southwest flavors without overpowering the dish.
Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbaceous note to complement the spices.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors.
Diced green chiles (canned): Give a mild heat and a little tang – if you like it spicier, add more!
Colby Jack cheese: Melts into a smooth, gooey layer that enriches the casserole.
Frozen potatoes O’Brien: The diced potatoes with peppers and onion add hearty texture and built-in flavor boost.
Cilantro or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs at the end brighten the whole dish and add a pop of color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to experiment with this casserole by swapping cheeses or adding veggies I have on hand—nothing fancy, just what I want to eat that morning. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: Adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños amps up the heat and crunch, which I love when I want something extra spicy.
Dairy-Free: You can substitute almond or oat milk and use a vegan cheese to make it dairy-free without losing creaminess.
Make It Vegetarian: Just swap chorizo for a plant-based sausage or hearty roasted veggies for a twist.
Lower Carb: Replace frozen potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets for a low-carb version that still fills you up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chorizo to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the chorizo and cook it until it’s browned and a bit crispy—about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently to break it up, and once it’s ready, set it aside. This step is key for infusing that irresistible smoky flavor throughout the dish.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together your eggs, milk, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. Then gently fold in the diced green chiles. This spiced egg mixture will soak into the potatoes and chorizo, binding everything with balanced seasoning.

Step 3: Layer the Magic

Spread the frozen potatoes evenly in your prepared baking dish—they’ll thaw and cook while baking. Next, sprinkle the cooked chorizo on top, then add 1 ½ cups of grated Colby Jack cheese. Pour the egg mixture over everything, using a spatula to make sure it covers the layers beneath. Finish with the remaining cup of cheese on top—this creates that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Set

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese looks melted and bubbly, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean (the eggs should be set, not runny!). Let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps it settle and makes slicing easier.

Top Tip

After making this Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that help it come out just right every time.

Use a nonstick or well-greased baking dish: It saves you from any sticky mess and makes cleaning a breeze.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking chorizo: Cook in batches if needed to get a nice crisp without steaming the meat.
Evenly distribute the egg mixture: Gently pour and spread to ensure every bite is rich and flavorful.
Let it rest before slicing: This simple pause means cleaner slices and better presentation on your serving plate.

How to Serve Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Southwest chorizo casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with freshly chopped cilantro for brightness, but parsley works beautifully too. If you want a little extra kick, a drizzle of hot sauce or dollop of sour cream on the side makes it even better.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a simple green salad for a lunch or dinner twist. On chillier days, I like serving it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or weekend gatherings, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins or muffin tins—perfect single servings that look adorable and help with portion control. You could also top each slice with avocado slices or a sunny side up egg for an extra splash of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay tender and flavorful for up to 3 days. It’s such a convenient meal for busy mornings when you want something homemade but quick.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you wrap the cooled casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through. It’s a great solution for batch cooking and meal prep.

Reheating

I usually reheat single portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but for better texture, popping the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes refreshes the crispy cheese topping nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?

Yes! While chorizo provides a unique smoky-spicy flavor, you could swap it for breakfast sausage or even ground turkey if you prefer a milder taste. Just adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain that Southwest flair.

Do I have to use frozen potatoes O’Brien?

Frozen potatoes O’Brien are convenient because they already contain peppers and onions, adding flavor and texture. However, you can use fresh diced potatoes and sauté them with peppers and onions first if you prefer a homemade twist.

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake for the full recommended time. It’s a real time-saver for busy mornings or special brunches.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the ingredients on your chorizo and frozen potatoes to ensure no hidden gluten. It’s a great hearty option for those avoiding gluten without chasing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe, it reminds me why simple, flavorful dishes become staples. It’s my go-to when I want to treat myself or host friends without spending all morning in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition.