A hearty and flavorful dish, this Slow Cooker Chorizo includes quinoa for a wholesome and filling twist! It’s a breeze to prepare and turns out perfectly every time.
Even beginner home chefs will nail this tasty dinner, and your family and guests will be so impressed with the quality of the meal! Thanks to the slow cooker, this simple dish is super hands-off and ready to serve come dinner time.
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🩵 About This Recipe
Looking for a quick and easy dinner with lots of flavor? This super-filling slow cooker quinoa and chorizo requires minimal prep and comes together throughout the day without any work!
With veggies for some added heartiness, this is an all-in-one meal that works all on its own but goes great with your favorite sides! However you serve it, this is a great hands-off dish that's packed with bold flavor and a slight kick of heat from the chorizo.
And for more great recipes featuring quinoa, try my Quinoa Cucumber Tomato Salad or this Simple and Flavorful Quinoa Curry!
What readers are saying...
What a gorgeous dinner! I love how easy this recipe is - perfect for a busy week! And so flavorful… chorizo and quinoa? Love it!
- Kathryn
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- chorizo - this flavorful and spicy sausage infuses this slow cooker dinner with lots of warmth.
- quinoa - cooks to perfection in the slow cooker and is a great ingredient to keep on hand.
- chicken broth - you could also use vegetable broth, but you might need to add some salt or more of the seasonings to make up for the flavor difference.
- chopped onion - add a savory, slightly sweet note to the flavor.
- diced tomatoes - I like to used canned tomatoes to cut down on prep time.
- fresh spinach - adds a lot of nutrition and a pop of color.
- Parmesan cheese - contributes a savory creaminess to the dish.
- minced garlic - feel free to use jarred minced garlic if you want a shortcut.
- Italian seasoning - contrasts with the smoky heat of the chorizo.
- smoked paprika - reinforces the smoky, spicy flavor of the chorizo.
🔪 Let's Make Slow Cooker Chorizo!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Chop Chorizo
Cut the chorizo into bite sized pieces.
Slow Cook
Combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Buy pre-rinsed quinoa so you don't have to rinse it yourself. Otherwise, you'll need to give it a good rinse to get rid of the thin outer coating that has a slightly bitter flavor.
- If you want to cut down on prep even more, use frozen diced onion instead of dicing your own fresh onion!
- Use frozen spinach instead of fresh — just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the slow cooker.
❔ FAQs
Absolutely, as long as you cook it all the way through, you can put pretty much any kind of raw meat in your slow cooker!
Chorizo is a kind of pork sausage that's distinct for its bold and well-seasoned flavor profile. Other sausages range in how much seasoning is included as well as the spice level, but chorizo is always flavorful and packs a bit of heat.
No, quinoa can be cooked without soaking. Some people find that soaking it helps remove any bitter flavor, but because it's cooking all day in the slow cooker, your quinoa will be infused with the flavors of this dish. A good rinse beforehand is all you'll need!
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Ground chorizo can be used instead of sausages, but you'll want to brown it before adding to the slow cooker.
- For more texture and flavor, add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
- Kale can be used instead of spinach.
- Use feta cheese instead of or alongside the Parmesan.
- Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos for even more spicy flavor.
Kristin’s Kitchen Tip
To make things even faster, chop your chorizo the night before and store in the fridge! Then just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning.
🥡 Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers of your slow cooker chorizo and quinoa, store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze in serving-sized portions for several months.
Reheat in the microwave or over the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Allow frozen leftovers to thaw overnight before reheating.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this slow cooker chorizo recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Top your slow cooker chorizo and quinoa with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh lime juice or lime zest. Chopped cilantro and avocado slices are also great topping options!
Enjoy your chorizo and quinoa on its own, serve in wraps, or use as a filling for stuffed peppers. You could also pair with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for added nutrition!
😋 More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
- Crockpot Beef Stroganoff - Featuring hearty cream of mushroom soup, this is the perfect comfort meal!
- Slow Cooker Red Lentil Stew - With lots of spinach and other veggies, this is a filling and nutritious stew that's perfect to make in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice - A family favorite recipe that's great for weeknight dinners and more.
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Quinoa and Chorizo in the Slow Cooker
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📋 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Chorizo and Quinoa
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chorizo
- 1 ⅓ cups quinoa (rinse well unless it's pre-rinsed)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped onion (frozen is fine)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cut the chorizo into bite-sized pieces.16 ounces chorizo
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low 4-5 hours.1 ⅓ cups quinoa, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup chopped onion, 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 2 cups fresh spinach, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Use pre-rinsed quinoa to save a step, or rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- Frozen chopped onion works great and saves time—no need to thaw.
Variation Suggestions:
- Substitute ground chorizo if that’s what you have—just brown it first before adding to the slow cooker.
- Try adding chopped bell peppers, black beans, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Use kale instead of spinach, or susbtitute feta or shredded cheddar for the Parmesan.
- Make it spicier by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or avocado slices.
- Enjoy it as a main dish, or use it as a hearty filling for wraps or stuffed peppers.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage Info For Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
- Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in May 2016, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in May 2025.
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Happy cooking!
Ryan says
Did you use dried or fresh chorizo in this recipe? I've read use half as much when using dried. Please let me know what you used so I can get the proportions correct.
Kristin says
I used fresh. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Maya says
Hello, I tried this. It tastes really flavourful but it's wetter than I thought it would be. Do you think baking it would dry it up a bit?
Kristin says
I am sorry to hear that! I would say that letting it sit in the crock pot, still set on low, for 30 minutes with the lid off may help. The next time, cut a back on the chicken broth a bit, maybe add 2 1/2 cups instead of 3, and see how that turns out. Thanks for the feedback and for stopping by! 🙂
Paige Vogel says
Would this recipe fit into a 3 quart slow cooker?
Kristin King says
I think it might, although it would be a tight fit. But I am totally guesstimating, so please don't get mad if I am wrong! I don't have a 3 qt slow cooker. Mine is a 5 qt but there was plenty of room, which is why I am saying it might fit. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Frugal Hausfrau says
What a wonderful combo of flavors and it's right up my alley! Thanks for linking up to us on Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Yum! We've been chorizo eating fools over here lately,, os this looks right up my alley!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
I'm always looking for new slow cooker recipes and this one looks really good! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Share The Wealth Sunday! xoxo
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
What a gorgeous dinner! I love how easy this recipe is - perfect for a busy week! And so flavorful... chorizo and quinoa? Love it! Pinned!
Peter says
I am a huge Cajun fan and always put chorizo in my dishes. This is a very comforting dish.