Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

If you’re in search of a comforting and delectable dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table, look no further than the Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe. This dish combines the heartiness of a classic chili with the mouthwatering, cheesy goodness of enchiladas, creating a perfect symphony of taste that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cheesy Comfort: The rich, gooey cheese melds beautifully with the spices, delivering an indulgent taste in every bite.
  • Filling & Hearty: Packed with protein from beef and beans, this chili is perfect for satisfying hearty appetites.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare and minimize cleanup, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Perfectly tweakable to suit mild or fiery palates, depending on your mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring a unique element to the table, enhancing the texture or adding that perfect punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound ground beef: Provides a robust base full of flavor, but feel free to swap with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: This seasoning blend infuses the chili with its unmistakable Tex-Mex flair.
  • 1/4 cup water: Helps distribute the taco seasoning evenly throughout the meat.
  • 1 jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso: This cheesy salsa adds a creamy, dreamy layer of flavor.
  • 1 can potato soup (10.75 oz): Adds thickness and depth, complementing the chili’s heartiness.
  • 1 1/4 cups sour cream: Ensures the chili is deliciously creamy and balances out the spices.
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced green chilies (4 oz): Adds a smoky flavor and just the right amount of heat.
  • 1 1/4 cups beef broth: Intensifies the beefy flavors within the chili.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides a subtle background taste that enriches the chili’s overall flavor.
  • 1 cup frozen corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and color for a visually pleasing dish.
  • 1 cup pinto beans or black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts protein content and adds texture. Choose your favorite or mix both!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize dishes to your liking, and this Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe is no different. Here are a few ideas on how you can tweak this dish to make it your own:

  • Meat Variations: Swap the beef for turkey or chicken to lighten the chili, or try a mix of meats for complex flavor layers.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrition and texture without overwhelming the dish.
  • Cheese Choices: Use Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Colby Jack for a milder taste.

How to Make Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Let it cook until it achieves a beautiful brown color, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary, as this will keep our chili light and less greasy.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Add in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Stir them in and allow the beef to absorb all those wonderful seasonings. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is bursting with rich, spicy flavor.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Transfer your seasoned taco meat into a Dutch oven or large pot. Add the jar of salsa, the can of potato soup, sour cream, and both the beef and chicken broths. Stir well until the sour cream has melted smoothly into the mixture, creating a rich and creamy base.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Introduce the fire-roasted green chilies, corn, and your chosen beans to the mix. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly distributed throughout the chili, bringing both color and texture diversity.

Step 5: Heat Through and Serve

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, allowing it to heat through completely. You can then reduce the heat and let it simmer until you’re ready to serve. Stir occasionally to keep the chili from sticking. Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos, and add a few jalapeño slices if you’re feeling adventurous!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

  • Layered Spices: Don’t rush the seasoning step; let the taco seasoning fully infuse to create complex layers of flavor.
  • Consistent Stirring: Stir often after adding the sour cream to prevent a curdled texture and ensure a silky finish.
  • Simmering Secrets: Allow your chili to simmer gently for an extended time to meld flavors beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor!
  • Cheese Selection: Don’t shy away from experimenting with different cheeses in your toppings for a personalized touch.

How to Serve Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnishing plays a crucial role in enhancing dishes visually and flavor-wise. Top your chili with freshly chopped cilantro, a generous handful of shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for that extra indulgence. A few slices of avocado could also add a creamy contrast to the chili’s bold flavors.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Enchilada Chili pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its robust flavors. Fresh cornbread muffins, a crisp green salad, or simple Spanish rice can make your meal feel like a fiesta!

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this dish in a rustic bread bowl for an artisanal touch, or individual pots for a warm, cozy aesthetic. For parties, present it with an assortment of toppings like a chili bar, allowing guests to personalize their bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your chili fresh, store it in an airtight container once cooled. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing flavors to intensify and making it an even better meal the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to extend its life, this chili freezes exceptionally well. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop it into a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, a microwave works wonders for individual portions, ensuring a quick, delicious meal anytime.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

    Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef with additional beans or a plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version.

  2. How do I adjust the spice level?

    To modify the spice, simply tweak the amount of taco seasoning or try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to taste.

  3. What kind of cheese works best on top?

    Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend work beautifully. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!

  4. Is this chili gluten-free?

    Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels, especially on taco seasoning and potato soup, to ensure they’re gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts

With its unbeatable blend of flavors and textures, the Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience waiting to be savored. I warmly encourage you to give it a try; it might just become the highlight of your dinner rotation!

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Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 149 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex

Description

A hearty and cheesy enchilada chili combining ground beef, creamy salsa con queso, beans, corn, and green chilies, simmered to perfection for a flavorful comfort dish. Perfect for a quick dinner or gathering, this chili offers a rich, cheesy flavor with a smoky kick from fire-roasted chilies.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat & Seasonings

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water

Base and Flavor

  • 1 jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso (about 15 oz)
  • 1 can potato soup (10.75 oz)
  • 1 1/4 cups sour cream
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced green chilies (4 oz)
  • 1 1/4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Add-ins

  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup pinto beans or black beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions

  1. Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Season Beef: Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the water is absorbed and the beef is coated with seasoning.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the seasoned beef to a large Dutch oven or pot. Add salsa con queso, potato soup, sour cream, and both broths. Stir well until the sour cream is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Mix in diced green chilies, frozen corn, and beans. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Heat Through: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop flavors without boiling over.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with tortilla chips or Fritos. Garnish with jalapeños or toppings like shredded cheese or green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein.
  • Beans: Black beans can be used instead of pinto beans depending on your preference.
  • Spice Level: Adjust spice by adding hot sauce or more taco seasoning for a kick.
  • Toppings: Try adding shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 500 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1000 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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