How Many Calories Are in a Chorizo Egg and Cheese Taco?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a chorizo egg and cheese taco varies significantly, but it typically ranges from 270 to over 400 calories based on the ingredients and portion size. This popular breakfast item can be a high-protein start to your day or a substantial calorie indulgence, depending on its specific preparation.

Quick Summary

Calorie content in chorizo egg and cheese tacos varies depending on ingredients, preparation, and portion sizes. Commercial tacos can range from 270 to 400+ calories, while homemade ones can be customized for a healthier approach.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: Expect 270 to over 400 calories for a restaurant chorizo egg and cheese taco, depending on the source.
Homemade Control: A homemade version allows for precise control over ingredients and cooking fats, which can significantly lower the calorie count.
High-Fat Chorizo: Chorizo is the most calorie-dense ingredient due to its high fat content, but draining the fat can reduce this impact.
Ingredient Variations Matter: The type of cheese and tortilla used heavily influence the total calories and nutritional profile.
Lighter Modifications: For a healthier option, use leaner chorizo, lower-fat cheese, corn tortillas, and bulk up with vegetables.
Cooking Method Impact: Preparing the eggs in the rendered chorizo fat adds flavor but also increases the overall fat and calorie count.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Chorizo, Egg, and Cheese Taco

The total calories in a chorizo egg and cheese taco are not a fixed number. Instead, the number depends on several variables. The biggest factors influencing the final tally are the type and quantity of each ingredient, particularly the chorizo and cheese, and the cooking method.

Deconstructing the Ingredients

To understand the caloric profile, it is helpful to look at the main components individually:

Chorizo: A rich, flavorful sausage, chorizo is a major contributor of calories, primarily from fat. Mexican-style chorizo, a raw ground meat, can contain 450 to 500 calories per 100 grams, with a high fat content. Draining some of the rendered fat during cooking can help reduce the overall calorie load.
Eggs: A large scrambled egg prepared simply contains around 90-100 calories. The calorie count increases significantly if cooked with butter or excessive oil. Most tacos use one or two eggs.
Cheese: The type of cheese can dramatically affect the calories. One ounce of cheddar has 114 calories, while an ounce of mozzarella has 85. The amount of cheese used is also critical.
Tortilla: Whether you use a corn or flour tortilla makes a difference. A single corn tortilla is typically around 60 calories, while a medium-sized flour tortilla is closer to 100 calories or more. The choice of tortilla also impacts carbohydrates and fiber.
Toppings: Add-ons like sour cream, avocado, and extra salsa all contribute additional calories. While avocado adds healthy fats, a large dollop of sour cream adds significant saturated fat and calories.

How Preparation Affects Calorie Count

The way a chorizo egg and cheese taco is prepared is just as important as its ingredients. The cooking fats and portion sizes in commercial settings are often higher than what one would use at home. In many restaurants, the chorizo is cooked in its own ample fat and then the eggs are cooked in that same pan, soaking up the flavorful, but high-calorie, residual oils. A homemade version, by contrast, can be controlled more precisely. One can cook the chorizo and drain most of the fat before combining it with the eggs. Using a non-stick pan can also reduce the need for extra oil or butter.

Comparison: Restaurant vs. Homemade Tacos

Here is a comparison of typical restaurant offerings, highlighting the variability in calories and macronutrients.


Item	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
QT Kitchens Chorizo, Egg & Cheese Taco	390-400	20g	37g	15-16g
Fuzzy's Taco Shop Chorizo, Egg & Cheese Taco	310	22g	8g	19g
Taco Cabana Chorizo & Egg Taco	270	17g	20g	9g
Homemade Version (Est.)	250-350	15-25g	15-25g	15-20g

Note: The Homemade Version is an estimate based on using leaner chorizo, one egg, a corn tortilla, and a modest amount of cheese.

Healthier Modifications for Your Chorizo Taco

If you want to enjoy the flavors of a chorizo egg and cheese taco without the high-calorie burden, consider these simple modifications:

Choose a Leaner Chorizo: Some brands offer leaner pork or turkey chorizo options. Alternatively, cook the chorizo and then pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess fat.
Go Easy on the Cheese: Opt for a small amount of a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella or use cotija, a salty cheese that adds a lot of flavor in a smaller quantity.
Use Corn Tortillas: Switching from a large flour tortilla to a small corn tortilla can save 40-50 calories per taco.
Add More Veggies: Bulk up your taco with low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables. Diced poblano peppers, onions, and salsa add flavor and volume without a significant calorie increase.
Control Portion Size: Making your own tacos gives you full control over the amount of each ingredient you add. A single taco can be a sensible meal, while multiple tacos from a restaurant can easily add up.

The Final Word on Your Breakfast Taco

The calorie content of a chorizo egg and cheese taco is not uniform across the board. Restaurant versions tend to be higher in calories due to larger portions and more liberal use of fats, while a homemade version offers far more control. By understanding the calorie contribution of each component and making simple adjustments, you can still enjoy this popular dish while staying on track with your health and fitness goals. To further explore the nutritional content of individual ingredients, authoritative sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offer valuable information on dairy and other foods.(https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/cheese/)

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a chorizo egg and cheese taco is highly dependent on its preparation. Commercial options can range widely, often exceeding 350 calories per taco. At home, you can significantly lower the calorie count by draining excess fat from the chorizo, using a lighter cheese, choosing corn tortillas, and focusing on moderate portion sizes. The key is mindful ingredient selection and preparation to enjoy a delicious meal that aligns with your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

To reduce calories, you can drain the fat from the chorizo after cooking, use lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella, choose corn tortillas instead of flour, and add more vegetables like onions or peppers.

Yes, a homemade version is often healthier because you have control over the ingredients, portion sizes, and the amount of cooking fats used, allowing you to create a lower-calorie and lower-fat meal.

Mexican chorizo can contain between 450 and 500 calories per 100 grams, with a high fat content. The specific calorie amount depends on the type and brand.

A typical small corn tortilla contains about 60 calories, whereas a medium flour tortilla can have 100 calories or more. Opting for corn tortillas can save calories.

Lower-calorie cheese options include part-skim mozzarella or feta, which contain fewer calories per ounce than fattier cheeses like cheddar.

While fresh salsa adds minimal calories, calorie-dense toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra cheese can increase the total calorie count. For example, avocado adds healthy fats but still contributes calories.

For a restaurant taco, the macronutrient breakdown often includes a high percentage of fat, a moderate amount of carbohydrates, and a decent amount of protein, although this varies by restaurant.