Spicy Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic

Whipping up a hearty chili with cheesy enchilada flavors promises pure comfort on chilly nights.

Spices dance across your palate, creating a warmth that goes beyond temperature.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this fusion of Mexican-inspired ingredients and classic chili traditions.

Bold peppers and rich cheese weave together in a melody of robust taste.

Layers of depth emerge from carefully selected spices and slow-simmered goodness.

Satisfying and filling, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Cheesy Chili Everyone Loves For Game Night Or Dinner

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this hearty chili in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combining enchilada sauce, multiple beans, and spices creates a rich, robust taste that delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction right at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Easily customize with optional toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or extra cheese, making it adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day.

Cheesy Enchilada Chili – Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty base and protein for the chili, choose lean variety for less fat.
• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and nutrition, canned beans work perfectly.

• Red Enchilada Sauce: Signature flavor base that brings Mexican-style taste, look for authentic brands.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the chili, low-sodium options recommended.
• Diced Tomatoes: Creates juicy base and adds slight acidity, fire-roasted variety enhances flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide aromatic foundation, fresh ingredients preferred.
• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and complexity, choose canned for convenience.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend that creates authentic chili flavor profile, check freshness of spices.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness, shredded for easy melting.
• Sour Cream, Tortilla Chips: Optional toppings for serving that provide extra texture and cool contrast.

Chili Simmering Instructions for Cheesy Enchilada Goodness

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Select lean ground beef and sizzle it in a spacious pot over medium heat.

Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat into small, delicious pieces.

Once cooked, carefully drain away excess grease to keep the chili light and flavorful.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and freshly minced garlic into the pot with the browned meat.

Let these ingredients dance together for 3-4 minutes, releasing their rich, savory fragrances and softening beautifully.

Step 3: Build Complex Flavors

• Red enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Beef broth

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until fully combined and harmonized.

Step 4: Develop Depth and Richness

Allow the chili to gently simmer, bubbling softly for 20-30 minutes.

Stir occasionally, watching as the liquid thickens and the flavors meld into a delectable symphony.

Step 5: Introduce Cheesy Decadence

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the chili’s surface.

Cover the pot, letting the cheese transform into a molten, golden blanket.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chili into waiting bowls.

Crown each serving with a luxurious dollop of sour cream and a handful of crispy tortilla chips for the perfect textural contrast.

Flavor Boosting Ideas for Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Brown ground beef thoroughly, ensuring deep caramelization for richer taste and enhanced depth of flavor.
• Swap or mix bean varieties like pinto or white beans for different textures and nutritional profiles.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to make the dish mild, medium, or extra spicy according to personal preference.
• Grate cheese fresh and sprinkle in layers for more even melting and better cheese distribution throughout the chili.
• Cook chili in advance and refrigerate, as flavors intensify and develop more complexity when allowed to sit overnight.

Chill Cheesy Enchilada Chili Leftovers

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Chili freezes wonderfully for up to 4 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Flavorful Sides for Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Elevate Chili's Flavor Profile: Pair this hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili with crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, cutting through the rich, spicy notes.
• Complementary Crunch Companion: Serve with warm, buttery cornbread to soak up the robust chili sauce, adding delightful textural contrast.
• Wine Lover's Chili Match: Select a bold Zinfandel with peppery undertones that mirror the chili's spice complexity and stand up to its meaty depth.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Whip up a zesty lime-cilantro coleslaw to provide cool, tangy balance against the chili's warm, intense flavors.

New Flavor Pairings for Enchilada Chili

• Vegetarian Enchilada Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Chicken Enchilada Chili: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and ensure all canned beans are certified gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip beans and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional tortilla chips, reducing overall carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from traditional chili?

This chili combines classic chili ingredients with enchilada sauce, giving it a unique Mexican-inspired flavor profile that sets it apart from standard beef chili.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot enchilada sauce, or including a pinch of cayenne pepper to match your preferred spice level.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili freezes well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for quick meals during the week.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef in this recipe. It will create a leaner version of the chili while maintaining similar flavor and texture.

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili blends Mexican and American comfort food traditions with rich, bold flavors. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (150 grams) pinto beans or black beans
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen corn

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso
• 1 can fire roasted diced green chilis

Liquid and Creamy Components:

• 1 can potato soup
• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) beef broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a skillet, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooking through. Sprinkle taco seasoning and incorporate water, allowing the liquid to fully absorb.
2. Transfer the seasoned meat into a robust pot, creating a hearty base for the chili. Pour in salsa, potato soup, and sour cream, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate vibrant green chilis, sweet corn kernels, and protein-rich pinto or black beans. Gently fold ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the developing chili.
4. Elevate the temperature, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat, allowing the chili to simmer gently, developing deep, complex flavors. Stir periodically to prevent scorching and ensure uniform heating.
5. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls. Accompany with crisp tortilla chips or crunchy Fritos. For adventurous palates, garnish with sliced jalapeños to intensify the dish’s spicy profile.

Notes

• Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences.
• Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning and adjusting salsa heat intensity to suit personal taste.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra beans or incorporating diced rotisserie chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Boost vegetable variety by including bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg