Tangy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Bubbling with comfort and packed with zesty flavors, this ground beef enchilada chili delivers a mouthwatering twist on traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Tender beef simmers alongside robust spices, creating a harmonious blend that dances across your taste buds.

Rich tomato sauce and melted cheese intertwine, promising a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.

Beans and corn add delightful texture to this one-pot wonder that comes together effortlessly.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of southwestern spices and satisfying ingredients.

The dish transforms simple components into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this chili with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream to elevate your dinner game.

Why This Chili Is So Filling

• Quick and Easy Comfort Food: Whip up this hearty chili in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with robust ingredients like ground beef, beans, and enchilada sauce, this dish delivers a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Meal for Any Occasion: Equally amazing as a cozy family dinner, game day favorite, or potluck showstopper, this cheesy chili adapts to any gathering and always impresses.
• Customizable Toppings Galore: Personalize your bowl with a variety of fresh garnishes like creamy avocado, zesty cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips, making each serving a unique culinary experience.

What’s Inside Beef Enchilada Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and nutrition.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor.
• Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy vegetables that enhance the chili.

• Enchilada Sauce: Zesty sauce that gives Mexican-inspired taste.
• Chili Seasoning: Warm spice blend that creates a robust profile.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty dairy that makes the chili creamy and rich.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Green Onions, Avocado Slices, Tortilla Chips, Lime: Fresh garnishes that add color and extra flavor.

Make Cheesy Enchilada Chili at Home

Step 1: Brown The Beef And Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pot, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.

Once the meat starts turning golden, add diced onions and cook until they become translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and stir for another minute to release its aromatic flavors.

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic

Step 2: Build The Chili Base

Pour in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, and chili seasoning.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn
• Enchilada sauce
• Chili seasoning

Step 3: Melt The Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into the chili.

Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

If the chili seems too thick, splash in some water or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Water or chicken broth

Step 4: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with extra shredded cheese and an array of exciting garnishes like sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, creamy avocado, crispy tortilla chips, and a zesty squeeze of lime.

Tips for the Perfect Chili Blend

• Brown ground beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients to develop a rich, deep taste that enhances the overall chili.
• Adjust liquid by adding water or chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• Stir cheese gradually and completely to create a smooth, creamy texture without clumping or separating.
• Layer different garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, and avocado to add freshness, texture, and personal flair to the dish.
• Let the chili simmer on low heat to allow spices and ingredients to meld together, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile.

Keep and Reheat Beef Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the chili cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems dry to restore moisture and prevent scorching.
• Pour chili into a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature and add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor before serving.

What Pairs With Enchilada Chili

• Pair with Cool Corn Chips: Crisp tortilla chips provide the perfect crunch and scoop for this hearty chili, adding textural contrast and complementing the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Recommend Southwest Amber Ale: A malty, slightly hoppy craft beer balances the rich, spicy chili with its caramel undertones and cleansing carbonation that cuts through the cheesy, meaty layers.
• Choose Zesty Jalapeño Margarita: A spicy, citrusy cocktail matches the chili's bold flavors, with tequila's warmth and lime's brightness enhancing the dish's complex seasoning and cheesy richness.
• Select Fresh Avocado Salad: A light, tangy green salad with cilantro and lime dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, robust chili, providing a crisp and cooling accompaniment.

Creative Takes on Enchilada Chili

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip beans and corn, increase meat portion, and use cauliflower rice as a base to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or vegan shredded cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Customize heat by using mild or hot enchilada sauce, adding jalapeños, or incorporating different chili powders like chipotle or ancho for varied flavor intensity.

FAQs

• How spicy is this chili?

The chili has a moderate spice level from the chili seasoning. If you prefer less heat, use a mild chili seasoning or reduce the amount. For more kick, add extra spices or a dash of hot sauce.

• Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. It’s leaner and works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check your enchilada sauce and chili seasoning labels to confirm they’re gluten-free. Most beans, vegetables, and cheeses are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt the recipe.

• What if I don't have both cheese types?

No problem. You can use just cheddar or just Monterey Jack cheese. The goal is to have melty, flavorful cheese that blends well with the chili. Use whatever cheese you have on hand.

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ground beef meets Mexican comfort in this hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili, blending rich spices and melted cheese into a soul-warming dish. Generous layers of flavor create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 pound (1 lb) turkey (optional alternative)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 packet chili seasoning (or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, methodically breaking it into small crumbles. Incorporate diced onions and sauté until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
2. Pour in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, and chili seasoning. Thoroughly blend ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and allow flavors to meld for 15-20 minutes.
3. Gradually fold in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and the chili develops a rich, creamy texture. If the mixture appears too dense, incrementally thin with water or chicken broth.
4. Ladle steaming chili into serving bowls. Embellish with additional cheese, complementary toppings like tangy sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, creamy avocado slices, crisp tortilla chips, and a zesty lime wedge for brightness.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for diverse dietary preferences.
• Adjust spice levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and chili seasoning to match individual heat tolerances.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process for added nutrients and texture.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reducing overall calorie content without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg