What is Beef Chorizo? A Spicy Sausage Worth Trying

Beef chorizo is a tasty and versatile type of sausage that adds a delicious kick of spice to many dishes. With its deep red color and zesty flavor profile, this chorizo variety made from beef offers a leaner alternative to the more common pork chorizo. While both share that addictive chorizo taste, beef chorizo has a slightly different flair thanks to the beef.

I’ve been a big fan of chorizo for years, but I only recently tried beef chorizo for the first time Now, I can’t get enough of it! If you love spice and are eager to experiment with new ingredients, beef chorizo is definitely worth a taste. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this unterraced sausage.

What is Beef Chorizo?

Beef chorizo is a seasoned sausage made from ground beef and a blend of spices and herbs It has a deep reddish-orange color that comes from paprika and other spices used in the seasoning The taste is bold, spicy, and a little tangy from vinegar commonly added to the mix.

While traditional chorizo uses pork as the main meat, beef chorizo substitutes ground beef. This gives it a slightly different texture and leaner nutritional profile. However, the overall smoky, spicy chorizo flavor remains largely the same.

Beef chorizo originated in Spain and Latin American countries where it is still popular today. It makes a frequent appearance in tacos, burritos, pizza, eggs, pasta, soups, and more.

Ingredients in Beef Chorizo

The main ingredients in beef chorizo are:

• Ground beef
• Paprika – Provides the signature red hue
• Chili peppers – Adds heat and spice
• Vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Salt
• Coriander
• Onion powder
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

Recipes can vary based on regional traditions and personal preferences. Some versions also include oregano, onion powder, soy protein, or vinegar.

How is Beef Chorizo Made?

Beef chorizo is made by combining ground beef with the aforementioned dry spices, herbs, vinegar, and other seasonings. The meat soaks up these strong flavors as it’s mixed together.

The seasoned beef can be stuffed into casings to form sausages or simply left as bulk loose meat. Authentic versions go through a curing and smoking process to impart even more flavor. However, you can also cook up fresh chorizo right away without curing it first.

Key Differences Between Beef and Pork Chorizo

While beef and pork chorizo are similar, there are a few key differences:

• Meat – The main component is either pork or beef.
• Fat content – Pork chorizo tends to be fattier while beef chorizo is leaner.
• Flavor – Beef chorizo has a slightly different taste profile due to the meat swap.
• Texture – Pork versions can be a little softer while beef gives a firmer, crumbly texture.
• Cooking method – Pork chorizo links need to be removed from the casing before cooking. Beef chorizo is often sold as loose bulk sausage.

Despite these variations, both offer that quintessential chorizo experience of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors.

How to Cook with Beef Chorizo

When cooking with beef chorizo, it can be used in many of the same ways as pork chorizo. Here are some of my favorite recipes:

• Breakfast tacos or burritos – Mix crumbled beef chorizo into eggs or breakfast potatoes.
• Quesadillas – Add chorizo and cheese between tortillas.
• Nachos – Top nacho chips with chorizo, beans, salsa, etc.
• Pizza – Use chorizo as a pizza topping instead of sausage or pepperoni.
• Pasta sauce – Sauté chorizo and add it to tomato or cream based pasta sauces.
• Chili – Brown chorizo and add to chili along with beans and veggies.
• Soups – Drop chorizo chunks or crumbles into soups like potato, black bean, or tortilla soup.

Beef chorizo also works nicely in casseroles, sandwiches, omelets, enchiladas, stuffed peppers, and more. Get creative!

Tips for Cooking with Beef Chorizo

When cooking with beef chorizo, keep these tips in mind:

• Remove casing – If using links, squeeze meat out of the casing before cooking. The casing is not edible.

• Cook thoroughly – Cook until browned and 160°F internal temperature for food safety.

• Drain excess fat – Beef chorizo releases a good amount of grease when cooked. Drain it from the pan as needed.

• Add spices – Boost flavor by adding extra spices like cumin, oregano, garlic, or chipotle powder.

• Adjust spice level – For less heat, remove seeds from chili peppers in the recipe.

• Store properly – Refrigerate raw chorizo for up to 2 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Beef Chorizo Substitutes

If you can’t find beef chorizo, these make solid stand-ins:

• Pork chorizo – The most direct swap. Use it in the same amount.

• Soy chorizo – For a vegetarian/vegan option, use soy-based chorizo.

• Spiced ground beef or turkey – Make your own seasoning blend to mimic chorizo.

• Andouille sausage – Brings smoky, spicy flavors.

• Spanish chorizo – Dry cured pork chorizo that doesn’t require cooking.

Any of these will provide lots of flavorful heat to your dish! Pork chorizo is the closest match when beef isn’t available.

Does Beef Chorizo Require Cooking?

Yes, beef chorizo always needs to be thoroughly cooked before eating. Raw beef chorizo contains harmful bacteria that can only be eliminated through proper cooking.

Cook beef chorizo to an internal temperature of 160°F as measured by a food thermometer. This ensures any bacteria present is killed. Undercooked beef chorizo poses a health risk, so never eat it raw or undercooked.

Can You Freeze Beef Chorizo?

Freezing is a great way to store extra beef chorizo for later use. To freeze:

• Portion chorizo into airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible.

• Label packages with contents and date.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen chorizo in the refrigerator before cooking. It may lose a little texture, but will retain its flavor.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Beef chorizo is high in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A 3 oz serving provides about:

• 290 calories
• 24g fat
• 16g protein
• 2g carbs
• 25% DV iron
• 15% DV zinc

However, it’s also relatively high in saturated fat and sodium as a processed food. Enjoying beef chorizo in moderation is recommended, especially for those with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Is Beef Chorizo Gluten-Free?

Most beef chorizo is naturally gluten-free since it contains no wheat products. However, some recipes do add wheat fillers or soy sauce as an ingredient. Be sure to check labels for gluten-containing additives if you need a gluten-free option.

Just How Spicy is It?

Beef chorizo packs a pinch of heat thanks to spices like chili powder, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes commonly used. However, spice level can range from mildly hot to fiery depending on the amount and type of peppers added.

Mexican-style chorizo usually tends to be highly seasoned with a heavier dose of heat. Spanish-style versions are often more tame. Taste a small sample if you are sensitive to spice so you know what to expect.

Can You Make Homemade Beef Chorizo?

You bet! Homemade beef chorizo is surprisingly easy to whip up. Simply mix ground beef with your favorite blend of spices modeled after traditional chorizo. A basic recipe calls for:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp oregano
• 1⁄2 tsp cumin
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Customize the spice profile to your preferences. Make a big batch to keep in the fridge or freezer.

Where to Buy Beef Chorizo

Beef chorizo can be found at many grocery stores, specialty markets, butcher shops, and Latin American markets. Check the packaged sausage or ground meat sections.

Well-known brands like Cacique and El Monterey make convenient pre-seasoned options. You may also find small batch local producers in your area. If you struggle to source it locally, purchase beef chorizo online.

Time to Try Beef Chorizo!

If you love bold, vibrant flavors, beef chorizo needs a spot on your menu. This zesty sausage adds Southwestern flair and spice to so many dishes. With its leaner nutritional stats compared to pork chorizo, beef offers a lighter yet still lip-smacking alternative.

Beef chorizo’s dynamic taste works wonders in tacos, nachos, pizza, pasta, eggs, soups, and more. Add it to your breakfast burrito or late night quesadilla for an instant flavor upgrade. Or simply cook it up solo and enjoy this smoky, spicy, and addictive sausage on its own. However you use it, beef chorizo always brings the heat. ¡Buen provecho!