Transform your weeknight dinner with our incredible Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili! This isn’t just any chili; it’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish inspired by our beloved Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup, reimagined into a rich, beefy, and incredibly cheesy enchilada experience. It’s so effortlessly easy to prepare, it’s destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Chili, for many, conjures images of fiery heat and intense spice. While some embrace that kick, for those of us who prefer a more mellow yet deeply flavorful profile, finding the perfect chili can be a quest. This particular recipe hits all the right notes: it’s robust, incredibly satisfying, and offers a gentle warmth without overwhelming your palate. Even those sensitive to spice will find this chili utterly irresistible.
“I don’t typically leave reviews on recipes…but this one IS SO GOOD! it was quick and easy to make, full of flavor, and my 3 and 5 year olds loved it. They even asked for seconds! So that’s a win! Thank you for creating this yummy dish!”
– OSB READER
One of the defining characteristics of this enchilada chili is its luxurious richness and generous cheesiness. We believe that’s an undeniably good thing! The creamy texture and savory depth are what elevate this dish from a simple chili to an unforgettable comfort food experience.
When you embark on the journey of chili making, you’ll find a myriad of variations, from famous restaurant-style chilis to countless “can” count recipes (2-can, 5-can, 10-can chili!), and even pressure cooker marvels. The world of chili is vast and diverse, constantly evolving with new interpretations. Our Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili may not fit every traditional mold, but it proudly stands as a uniquely delicious and immensely satisfying version that brings together the best of enchiladas and classic chili.
Beyond being a fantastic chili, this recipe boasts an incredible versatility: leave out the broth and condensed soup, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic, cheesy dip! Imagine a bubbling crock pot of this savory concoction, perfectly paired with your favorite tortilla chips, making it the ultimate game-day appetizer or party snack. It’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any football gathering or casual get-together.
The foundation of this delectable chili begins with high-quality ground beef, perfectly seasoned to bring out its best flavor. We highly recommend using our homemade taco seasoning for an unparalleled depth and authenticity that store-bought versions simply can’t match. However, we understand that sometimes convenience calls, and a good quality store-bought seasoning will certainly do the trick if you’re looking to save a step.
A crucial step for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your chili is to thoroughly drain the grease from the ground beef after browning. Skipping this can lead to a greasy, separated chili that lacks the desired creamy consistency. A few extra moments spent draining the fat will make all the difference in the final product, ensuring a rich and inviting meal.
Once your ground beef is seasoned and drained, the rest of the chili comes together with remarkable ease. It’s largely a “dump and simmer” recipe, meaning you simply combine the remaining ingredients in a large pot and allow them to gently simmer. This crucial simmering time allows all the diverse flavors to meld and deepen, transforming individual components into a harmonious and delectable whole.
For this recipe, we’ve thoughtfully chosen to use a combination of both beef and chicken broth. This might seem a little unconventional to some, but it’s a deliberate choice that significantly impacts the flavor profile. The chicken broth contributes a lighter, more nuanced base, preventing the chili from becoming too heavy, while the beef broth introduces a profound umami depth that is absolutely essential for a truly rich and savory chili. This blend ensures a complex and balanced flavor that you’ll absolutely love.
To truly complete this delightful meal, serve your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili with Multigrain Tostitos Scoops. Their sturdy, scoop-friendly shape is perfect for gathering every bit of that cheesy goodness, and the multigrain flavor perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of the chili.
Choosing the Best Ground Beef for Your Chili
Selecting the right ground beef can significantly impact the flavor and health profile of your chili. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose wisely:
- Ground Round: This is an excellent choice for chili, typically containing about 12% fat. Its leaner nature makes it ideal for dishes where it’s mixed with other ingredients, like sauces or stews, as its less intense beefy flavor won’t dominate. Often labeled as ‘extra-lean ground beef,’ ground round is perfect when you’re mindful of fat content but still want a robust beef flavor.
- Ground Sirloin: Even leaner than ground round, ground sirloin usually contains about 7-10% fat. It offers a slightly more pronounced beef flavor and is a great option for those seeking the leanest beef possible without sacrificing taste.
- Ground Chuck: A popular choice for chili, ground chuck has a higher fat content, usually around 15-20%. This extra fat renders down during cooking, adding significant flavor and moisture, resulting in a richer, more tender chili. If you’re not overly concerned with leanness, ground chuck provides fantastic flavor.
- Lean Ground Beef (80/20): This is a versatile and commonly available option, with 80% lean meat and 20% fat. It strikes a good balance between flavor and leanness, making it suitable for most chili recipes. Always remember to drain off any excess grease after browning, especially with higher fat content beef.
Can Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili Be Frozen?
Absolutely! This chili freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping or saving leftovers for a quick and easy future meal. To freeze, first ensure the chili has cooled completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it into a large, heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight plastic container. This prevents freezer burn and maintains its delicious flavor.
How Long Can You Freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili?
When properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili can be safely kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. For best quality, try to consume it within this timeframe. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warm.
For more delicious beef-inspired creations, explore all of our beef recipes here.
Craving more chili? We’ve got you covered with a diverse selection of our favorite CHILI RECIPES:
- Classic Pressure Cooker Chili
- Brisket Chili
- Best Stove Top Chili
- Award Winning Healthy Turkey Instant Pot Chili
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
- Pumpkin Apple Cider Chili
- White Chicken Chili
- Surprise Chili
- White Bean Turkey Chili
- Dr Pepper and Chocolate Chili
- Healthy One Pot Chili Macaroni
- All our Chili, Soup, and Stew Recipes here!
Searching for even more soup recipes to warm your soul?
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 2 Tablespoons [Homemade Taco Seasoning] *see note
- 1 Jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso, 15oz
- 1 Can Cream of Potato Soup
- 1 1/4 Cups Sour Cream
- 1 1/4 Cups Beef Broth, or 1 14.5 ounce can *see note
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 Can Fire Roasted Diced Green Chiles * see note
- 2-3 Cups Frozen Corn *see note
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Cilantro, fresh *see note, plus more for garnish
- 1 Can Black Beans, drained
- Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips
Instructions
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Begin by heating a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef.1 Pound Ground Beef
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Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 3 minutes or until it is almost completely browned throughout.
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Carefully drain all of the rendered grease from the beef. Return the pot to medium heat, then add the water and taco seasoning.2 Tablespoons [Homemade Taco Seasoning] *see note, 1/2 Cup Water
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Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes until the meat and liquid have slightly thickened, infusing the beef with rich taco flavor.
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In a separate large pot, or after cleaning the dutch oven if preferred, combine the salsa con queso, cream of potato soup, sour cream, beef broth, and chicken broth over medium heat.1 Jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso, 1 Can Cream of Potato Soup, 1 1/4 Cups Sour Cream, 1 1/4 Cups Beef Broth, 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
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Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base for your chili.
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Switch to a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, and stir in the fire-roasted diced green chiles, frozen corn, fresh cilantro, and drained black beans.1/2 Can Fire Roasted Diced Green Chiles * see note, 2-3 Cups Frozen Corn *see note, 1 Can Black Beans, 1/4 Cup Chopped Cilantro
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Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. At this point, you can serve immediately or keep it on low heat for 30-60 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen even further.
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Serve your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili hot, accompanied by Multigrain Tostitos Scoops chips for dipping and scooping.Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips
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Store any leftover chili in an airtight plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Our Original: Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you’re looking for a lighter take on this concept, or prefer chicken over beef, you absolutely must try our original inspiration: the Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup. Affectionately known as “The Soup” in our kitchen, this recipe is so incredibly good it almost doesn’t need a formal name. It offers a vibrant, flavorful experience with tender chicken, a medley of Southwestern spices, and that irresistible cheesy finish, all in a delightful tortilla soup base. It’s the perfect alternative for a comforting yet lighter meal.
