Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili Recipe

Craving something bold, cozy, and downright irresistible? Let me introduce you to Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili: a one-pot Tex-Mex marvel that packs zesty beef, plump beans, and melty cheese into every spoonful. This hearty chili is like your favorite enchilada, transformed into a soul-warming bowl that’s perfect for chilly nights, casual get-togethers, or any time you’re aiming to impress without breaking a sweat. Each bite bursts with delicious south-of-the-border flavors and rich, cheesy comfort; once you try it, there’s no going back—this dish might just steal the chili crown in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is how foolproof the shopping list is! Every ingredient brings something vital—whether it’s a punch of flavor, a hearty texture, or a burst of color—so your pot simmers away, building layers of cozy, craveable goodness.

• Lean ground beef: The foundation of our chili, it delivers hearty flavor and rich texture without excess grease.
• Onion, chopped: Sweet and savory, onion sets a deliciously aromatic base for browning the beef.
• Garlic, minced: Just two cloves add a warm, mellow kick that weaves through every bite.
• Taco seasoning (1.25 oz packet): Your shortcut to robust, zesty spice—no spice rack rummaging required!
• Canned black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained: These add creamy texture and a lovely, earthy heartiness.
• Canned kidney beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained: Their sturdiness and color bring both body and visual appeal.
• Canned corn (15 oz), drained: Sweet pops of yellow brighten every spoonful and balance the heat.
• Red enchilada sauce (10 oz can): This is the ingredient that makes the chili sing with deep, tangy flavor.
• Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can), undrained: Juicy tomatoes build the saucy backbone and keep things fresh.
• Beef broth (2 cups): Keeps the chili rich and brothy, allowing all those flavors to mingle beautifully.
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (2 cups): This is where the magic happens—half melts in for creaminess, half melts on top for cheesy bliss.
• Sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips (for serving): These toppings add cool creaminess, fresh herbaceous zing, and irresistible crunch.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a large Dutch oven or your sturdiest soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks. You want to see the beef lose its pinkness and pick up some golden brown bits, while the onion softens and gets fragrant. Once the meat is cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat—this keeps the Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili rich but not greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and your trusty taco seasoning packet. As soon as they hit the warm pan, you’ll smell that magical Tex-Mex aroma! Give everything a stir and let it cook for about a minute. This quick step unlocks a world of deep, toasty flavor that will echo throughout your chili.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Add in the rinsed black beans and kidney beans, drained corn, enchilada sauce, undrained can of diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Each ingredient brings texture and taste—fluffy beans, juicy tomato, sweet corn, and saucy goodness. Stir everything together, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. This is where your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili starts to look (and smell) irresistible!

Step 4: Simmer and Meld the Flavors

Raise the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover and let the chili simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is your chance to let the ingredients get to know each other—the flavors will meld, the beans soak up all the seasonings, and the chili thickens to a perfect, hearty consistency.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once everything is bubbling and delicious, turn off the heat and stir in one cup of your shredded cheese until it melts into the chili. This step adds an unbelievable creaminess throughout, uniting the spicy and savory notes with every spoonful.

Step 6: Serve and Top Your Masterpiece

Ladle the Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili into bowls while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then let everyone add their own sour cream, fresh cilantro, and plenty of tortilla chips for crunch. The result? A bowl absolutely loaded with layers of flavor, color, and gooey cheese!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

Garnishes

Go wild with your toppings! A snowy dollop of sour cream cools every bite and balances out the Tex-Mex spice, while chopped cilantro brings freshness and color. For crunch and extra fun, offer a big bowl of crispy tortilla chips on the side (or even crushed right on top). Every bowl of Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili deserves a personal finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Although this chili is hearty enough to shine on its own, some fluffy rice, warmed flour tortillas, or a simple green salad make wonderful accompaniments. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it with some jalapeño cornbread or classic Mexican rice to round out the meal and soak up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili loaded into fresh bread bowls for edible, showstopping serving vessels. Use it as a topping for crispy baked potatoes, nachos, or even as a dip for a make-your-own chili bar at parties. However you choose, this chili never fails to wow both eyes and tastebuds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Allow your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili to cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors become even more pronounced overnight, making tomorrow’s meal just as wonderful—if not more so.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags (making sure to leave a bit of room for expansion), and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and you’ll have a quick, hearty meal ready to go whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the amount you need to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until steamy. Add a splash of broth if you want to loosen things back up to their original glory.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat or make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work just as well here. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat and add an extra can of beans, plus use vegetable broth.

Is there a way to make Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili spicier or milder?

Definitely—customizing the heat is easy. To turn up the spice, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños. Want it milder? Use a mild enchilada sauce and reduce the taco seasoning, then offer hot sauce at the table for anyone wanting extra kick.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

For sure! Brown the beef and onions on the stove, then add everything except the cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the cheese at the end and serve—so easy!

What can I use if I don’t have red enchilada sauce?

If you’re in a pinch, use salsa or even canned tomato sauce with a little chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder stirred in. The flavor will change slightly but your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili will still pack plenty of character.

How far in advance can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili for a party?

You can prepare the chili up to two days ahead, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving. It tastes even better after the flavors blend, making it the ultimate make-ahead comfort food for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a bowlful of comfort with a Tex-Mex twist, add Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili to your dinner lineup. Whether you whip it up for a cozy family night or serve it at your next party, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to every table. Dive in and let those cheesy, saucy flavors work their magic!

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