Cozy Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe for Family Dinners

Whipping up a hearty cheesy enchilada chili can turn an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed celebration.

Aromas of smoky spices and melted cheese will drift through your kitchen, promising a meal that comforts and excites.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this soul-warming dish that brings zesty excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of rich flavors create a complex and satisfying experience that goes beyond typical chili recipes.

Each spoonful combines the robust depth of traditional chili with the creamy indulgence of enchilada-style ingredients.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can produce such a memorable meal.

What Makes Enchilada Chili So Bold

• Tackle Family Dinner Night: Packed with hearty ingredients that guarantee everyone at the table will love this chili, from kids to adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick personal touches like adding jalapeños, choosing between pinto or black beans, and serving with tortilla chips or Fritos for a personalized meal experience.
• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Simple one-pot method means minimal dishes, quick preparation steps, and minimal cooking skills required to create a satisfying, flavorful chili that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Combines multiple flavor profiles from Mexican-inspired ingredients like salsa, taco seasoning, and green chilis, creating a rich, complex dish that comes together in a single pot with minimal cleanup.

What’s in Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that adds rich flavor and substance to the chili.

• Taco Seasoning, Salsa: Provides a zesty and spicy Mexican-inspired taste profile to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy texture and tangy richness to balance the spicy elements.

• Potato Soup: Creates a thick and creamy base for the chili.
• Chicken Broth, Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the perfect chili consistency.

• Diced Green Chilis: Introduces a mild, slightly spicy pepper flavor.
• Corn: Provides a sweet and textural element to the chili.
• Pinto Beans, Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and a traditional chili component.

• Tortilla Chips, Fritos: Offer a crunchy texture and additional flavor when served with the chili.
• Jalapenos: Provides extra heat for those who enjoy a spicier dish.

Cooking Instructions for This Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned. Drain off any extra fat to keep things light and delicious.

Step 2: Spice Up the Meat

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and add water. Cook until the liquid disappears and the meat is fully coated with flavor.

Step 3: Transfer to Cooking Pot

Move the seasoned beef into a large Dutch oven or pot, getting ready for the magic to happen.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Salsa
• Potato soup
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Beef broth

Whisk until the sour cream melts completely and everything blends smoothly.

Step 5: Add Hearty Mix-Ins

• Diced green chilis
• Corn kernels
• Pinto beans or black beans

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Bring to Bubbling Life

Crank up the heat and bring the chili to a rolling boil.

Then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking.

Step 7: Simmer and Serve

Let the chili simmer, developing deep flavors.

When you’re ready to eat, it’s time to dish up!

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy

Serve hot with crispy tortilla chips or Fritos.

Sprinkle jalapeños on top for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Tips for Great Enchilada Chili Texture

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner, lighter version of this hearty chili.
• Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• Enhance flavor by using homemade taco seasoning, which allows you to control salt and spice levels precisely.
• Consider topping with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or green onions for added texture and brightness.
• Freeze leftover chili in individual portions for quick weeknight meals, ensuring it stays fresh for up to 3 months when stored properly in airtight containers.

Ways to Switch Up This Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meatless version packed with protein.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potato soup with cauliflower soup and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional chips.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced poblano peppers and chipotle powder for an extra kick of heat and deeper smoky flavor.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat, cook on low for 4-6 hours for enhanced flavor development and hands-off preparation.

Best Pairings for Enchilada Chili Bowl

• Crunch with Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips or Fritos on the side for a satisfying texture contrast and extra salty kick that complements the chili's rich, creamy base.
• Cool and Creamy Complement: Pair with a refreshing sour cream dollop or creamy Mexican-style white cheese to balance the chili's spicy and hearty flavors.
• Beer Pairing Perfection: Choose a light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the richness and provide a crisp, clean palate cleanser that enhances the meal's zesty profile.
• Elevate with Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños to add bright, fresh notes and extra layers of flavor to the comforting chili.

How to Store Chili for Later Meals

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Pour completely cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking steps as you would with ground beef.

• Is this chili spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. For a milder version, select a mild salsa and low-sodium taco seasoning. If you want more heat, opt for a spicy salsa or add extra jalapenos.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy enchilada chili delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with rich layers of flavor and spice. Melted cheese, tender meat, and robust seasonings make this soul-warming dish perfect for gathering friends around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream

Liquid and Vegetables:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can potato soup
• 1 can fire roasted diced green chilis
• 1 1/4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup pinto beans or black beans

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the ground beef, carefully removing any excess grease.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and incorporate water, cooking until liquid completely evaporates.
3. Transfer seasoned beef into a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
4. Pour in salsa, potato soup, and sour cream, stirring continuously until ingredients integrate smoothly and sour cream melts completely.
5. Incorporate green chilis, corn, and selected beans, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Elevate heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir frequently to prevent bottom scorching and maintain consistent texture, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 15-20 minutes.
8. When ready to serve, ladle into deep bowls and accompany with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy Fritos.
9. Customize heat level by sprinkling fresh chopped jalapeños on top for additional zest.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the robust flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broths and homemade taco seasoning, perfect for health-conscious eaters watching their salt intake.
• Create a gluten-free option by ensuring all packaged ingredients like salsa and soup are certified gluten-free, making the chili accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing larger batches and freezing in portion-sized containers for quick, convenient meals that stay delicious for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 465 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg