There’s just something so comforting and bold about the flavors in my Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe—it’s like waking up to a fiesta in your mouth. This dish brings together spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and a savory egg base that makes breakfast (or brunch!) feel truly special.

A white baking dish with a layered casserole showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is a moist, orange-colored filling, the middle layer looks thick and brown, and the top layer is melted golden-orange cheese with browned spots and sprinkled chopped green herbs. Part of the casserole is taken out, exposing the sides of the layers clearly. The inside dish edges have some orange sauce stains, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. 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 first made this casserole on a chilly weekend morning when I wanted something hearty and packed with flavor. The combination of spicy chorizo with tender potatoes and cheesy goodness was an instant hit, and I’ve kept coming back to it since. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that feels like homemade love in every bite.

Bold Southwest Flavors: The chorizo and green chiles bring a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds first thing in the morning.
One-Dish Convenience: It all bakes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—perfect for busy mornings or brunches.
Customizable & Crowd-Worthy: Adapt the ingredients to your liking and feed a hungry group without stress.

A square piece of baked casserole is held up by a spoon, showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is light yellow with chunks that look soft and tender, the middle layer is brown and crumbly, resembling cooked ground meat, and the top layer is a melted golden brown cheese sprinkled with small green herbs. The casserole is in a white baking dish, and the background has a white marbled texture with a blue cloth underneath the dish. A woman's hand is seen holding the spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a flavorful role, building layers of texture and taste that mesh so well together. Plus, I’ll share a couple of tips I’ve learned when shopping or prepping.

Flat lay of spicy chorizo sausage, bright green diced chiles, cracked raw eggs, shredded Colby Jack cheese spilling softly, frozen potato cubes with red and green peppers, a sprinkle of dried oregano, a dusting of chili powder, and fresh cilantro leaves arranged neatly, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive Oil: Helps cook the chorizo evenly without sticking and adds richness.
Chorizo: This spicy sausage is the star—look for fresh Mexican chorizo for authentic flavor and texture.
Eggs: The binder that holds the entire casserole together, giving it structure without weighing it down.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the eggs for a custardy texture when baked.
Chili Powder: Enhances the Southwest flavor profile with a touch of warmth.
Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy note that balances the spiciness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials that season every layer and brighten all the flavors.
Diced Green Chiles: These bring a mild heat and a fresh, tangy zip—I always use canned for convenience.
Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, creamy flavor; feel free to sub your favorite cheese blend.
Frozen Potatoes O'Brien: These peppers-and-onion-flecked potatoes are a huge time-saver and add a great texture base.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: A bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness perfectly.

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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 switch up the pepper level depending on my mood and who I’m cooking for. Sometimes I add extra jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce on top just before serving. Feel free to adjust the cheese or swap out veggies too.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap chorizo for sautéed seasoned mushrooms or chorizo-style plant-based sausage. I tried this once for a brunch with a vegetarian friend, and it was a total hit without losing any of the boldness.
Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or fresh tomatoes to the potatoes before baking for more color and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Stir in cayenne or add chopped fresh chilies if you want to kick things up a notch.
Cheese Choices: Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar both work beautifully if you want a different cheese flavor.

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

Step 1: Cook the Chorizo Until Crispy

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown the chorizo, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s cooked through and you get those crispy bits I love. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Those crisp edges add texture and concentrated flavor to the casserole.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the drained diced green chiles last to keep their bite fresh. This custard-like mixture is what binds the dish while adding all those Southwest-inspired spices.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the frozen potatoes evenly in your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, then layer the cooked chorizo on top. Sprinkle half the cheese over that, then pour your egg mixture evenly across the whole thing to soak through. Finish with the remaining cheese on top for a gooey crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Set and Golden

Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help everything firm up nicely—giving you perfect squares that hold their shape and don’t fall apart.

Top Tip

Through countless breakfasts, I’ve learned that timing and layering make all the difference for this casserole’s success. Here are my best tips to make sure it’s delicious every time:

Don’t Thaw Frozen Potatoes: I learned to use them straight from the freezer; it saves time and keeps the potatoes from getting too mushy in the bake.
Layer Carefully: Spread ingredients evenly to avoid pockets of dryness or overly saucy spots—this makes every bite balanced.
Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole 5-10 minutes after baking lets it firm up and makes serving much neater.
Use a Sharp Knife: I always sharpen my knife before slicing so the edges stay clean and pretty.

How to Serve Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Southwest chorizo casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh cilantro or parsley over the top right before serving—it brightens up the rich, spicy flavors beautifully. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on the side for creaminess and balance.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines with a simple fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens to cut through the richness. For brunch parties, I often serve it alongside tortillas and salsa so everyone can build their own little Southwest-inspired plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings—super cute and easy to grab. You can even top each mini casserole with a tiny dollop of guacamole and sprinkle of queso fresco for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I cover leftovers tightly in foil or container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I find it best to use the oven or toaster oven to keep that wonderful cheese melty and the texture just right.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I usually bake it fully, then cool it completely before wrapping tightly in foil and freezing. When I want it again, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through and bubbly.

Reheating

Microwaving works in a pinch, but reheating in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes preserves texture best. You get those crispy cheese edges back and the casserole heats evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While chorizo gives this casserole its signature Southwest kick, you can use breakfast sausage or even ground turkey. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder without the chorizo’s spices, so consider adding extra chili powder or smoked paprika to compensate.

Do I have to thaw the frozen potatoes before baking?

Nope! I always use the potatoes straight from the freezer. It saves time and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy. Just be sure to spread them evenly and bake until the eggs are fully set.

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time on busy mornings or for entertaining.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to keep the cheese melted and the texture perfect. Microwaving works but may make the casserole a bit soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe feels like my go-to celebration dish for weekends when I want to treat family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The comforting layers of spicy sausage, potatoes, and cheesy eggs combined with the fresh brightness of cilantro truly make it unforgettable. I’m pretty sure once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your breakfast lineup too—so gather your ingredients and let’s make something delicious together!