Southwest Chorizo Casserole: Spicy & Cheesy Breakfast Favorite

Name: Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb chorizo; 10 eggs; 1 1/3 cups milk; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained; 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated; 1 (28 oz) bag frozen potatoes O'Brien (with peppers and onion); Cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for serving (optional)

There’s a certain magic to breakfast casseroles, and this Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe really hits all the marks with its bold flavors and melty cheese. It’s that perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and hearty that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration at the table.

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 with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for a breakfast dish that’s easy to throw together, feeds a crowd, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe does just that with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Plus, the spicy chorizo paired with creamy Colby Jack is simply irresistible.

Bold and flavorful: The chorizo and green chiles bring a smoky, spicy kick that livens up your breakfast plate.
Cheesy goodness: Melty Colby Jack cheese adds that gooey texture everyone loves in a casserole.
One-pan convenience: You prep everything in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Make-ahead friendly: Easy to prepare in advance and still tastes fantastic warmed up for leftovers.

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

This recipe balances bold southwestern flavors with comforting breakfast staples. Each ingredient plays a role, whether it’s the spicy chorizo, tender potatoes, or rich cheese. If you’re shopping, look for quality chorizo and fresh cheeses to really elevate the dish.

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 and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Chorizo: The backbone of this dish—adds spice and a meaty kick.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide protein-rich fluffiness.
Milk: Keeps the egg mixture tender and moist.
Chili powder: Brings smoky warmth that complements the chorizo.
Dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors.
Diced green chiles: Offer a gentle heat and authentic Southwest vibe.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild tang.
Frozen Potatoes O’Brien: Convenient and flavorful with peppers and onions already mixed in.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on top.

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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

One of the best things about this Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or what you have on hand. I often swap cheeses or spice levels depending on my mood.

Variation: I sometimes add diced jalapeños for extra heat—or swap Colby Jack for pepper jack cheese if you love things spicy.
Vegetarian option: Try using a plant-based chorizo or spicy sausage alternative and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the ingredients on your frozen potatoes and chorizo.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the chorizo until crispy and flavorful

Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chorizo. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s fully done and starting to get crispy edges (about 7-8 minutes). This crispiness adds a wonderful texture contrast in the casserole. When done, transfer it to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Whisk the egg mixture

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Then gently fold in the drained diced green chiles. This mixture is going to soak through the potatoes and bind all the ingredients beautifully.

Step 3: Layer the casserole

Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread the frozen Potatoes O'Brien into an even layer on the bottom—it’s great that these come with peppers and onions already included. Next, sprinkle the cooked chorizo evenly over the potatoes, then top with 1 ½ cups of the Colby Jack cheese. Pour the egg mixture gently over the layered ingredients, moving the dish slightly if needed so the eggs spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake with cheese topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese on top, then pop the casserole in the oven at 350°F. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the eggs are fully set. It should have a slight golden crust on top and feel firm to the touch.

Step 5: Let it rest and serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes—this helps it set up further and makes slicing neater. I like to sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness right before serving. Then dig in and enjoy!

Top Tip

This Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe is such a versatile and forgiving dish, but I’ve learned a few tricks over time that help it shine every single time.

Don’t overmix the eggs: When whisking, mix just until combined to keep the final texture light and fluffy instead of rubbery.
Use frozen potatoes for convenience: The Potatoes O’Brien add extra flavor and save chopping time—just make sure they’re evenly spread in your dish.
Crisp the chorizo well: A few crispy bits here and there add so much texture and flavor punch.
Rest before slicing: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a few minutes lets the casserole firm up and slice cleanly.

How to Serve Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

Southwest chorizo casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Freshly chopped cilantro is my go-to garnish—it adds a bright, slightly citrusy note that balances the richness of the cheese and chorizo. Sometimes I switch it up with parsley or even a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess and contrast.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this casserole with simple sides like fresh fruit salad or a tangy tomato salsa. For a fuller brunch spread, crispy bacon or a green salad with lime vinaigrette complement the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute personal touch. Or layer it in a cast-iron skillet right before guests arrive for a rustic presentation. Adding sliced avocado and radish on top makes it instantly festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I usually cut it into portions, wrap each piece well in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F to keep the top crisp—about 15-20 minutes covered with foil. You can microwave if you’re short on time, but the texture isn’t quite the same.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

You absolutely can! If you opt for fresh, dice them small and sauté beforehand until tender, since frozen potatoes cook faster and more evenly in this recipe. That prep helps avoid sogginess.

How spicy is this casserole?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the chorizo and green chiles, but it’s not overpowering. You can always dial up spice by adding jalapeños or hot sauce, or tone it down by using mild chorizo and reducing chili powder.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything in your baking dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese?

Colby Jack is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even a blend. Just keep the cheese mild so it doesn’t overpower the chorizo and chiles.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe has become a trusted favorite in my kitchen for weekend breakfasts and relaxed brunches with friends. It’s approachable but packs so much flavor and is endlessly adaptable. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—it’s a dish that brings cheer to any morning table, guaranteed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southwest Chorizo Breakfast Casserole with Green Chiles and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe