Sizzling Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty ground beef enchilada soup bursts with southwestern comfort and zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Peppers and tomatoes add vibrant depth to this soul-warming dish.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust meat and aromatic spices.

Skilled home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together in one pot.

Mexican-inspired ingredients create a memorable dining experience that feels like a culinary adventure.

Each spoonful promises rich, complex layers of taste and satisfaction.

Reheat Enchilada Soup And Keep It Bold

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Flavors That Work with Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

• Spark Zesty Wine Pairing: Match this hearty soup with a bold Zinfandel or spicy Tempranillo to complement the rich ground beef and Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Create Refreshing Beverage Contrast: Pair with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo Negra or Corona to cut through the soup's warmth and enhance its spicy undertones.
• Boost Flavor Companions: Top with crispy tortilla strips, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro to add textural contrast and elevate the soup's complex taste profile.
• Elevate Garnish Magic: Drizzle a dollop of tangy sour cream to balance the soup's heat and create a creamy, cooling element that rounds out each spoonful.

Enchilada Soup with Ground Beef and Zesty Additions

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute corn and beans with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Chicken Enchilada Soup Option: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein variation that maintains the same rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and verify all spice ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this soup recipe.

• How spicy is this enchilada soup?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and spices. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder and choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce.

• Is this soup healthy?

This soup is protein-rich from ground beef and beans, and includes vegetables like corn and tomatoes. It’s a balanced one-pot meal with good nutritional value.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Flavor Punch

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combines classic enchilada ingredients in a comforting soup format, delivering bold Mexican-inspired tastes with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips, making it a hit for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Budget-Friendly Protein Powerhouse: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a filling, nutritious meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Core Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best texture.
• Black Beans: Adds additional protein and creamy texture, opt for low-sodium variety if preferred.

• Onion: Provides foundational aromatic base, fresh yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Enhances overall depth of flavor, fresh cloves recommended over pre-minced.
• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and texture, fresh or canned both acceptable.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings tangy and spicy element, Rotel brand preferred for consistent heat.

• Beef Broth: Creates soup base with rich meaty undertone, low-sodium recommended.
• Enchilada Sauce: Provides authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile, red sauce preferred.
• Chili Powder: Adds warmth and traditional southwestern spice.
• Cumin: Delivers earthy, complex flavor signature to Mexican cuisine.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances overall seasoning.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: Provides cooling contrast.
• Tortilla Strips: Creates crunchy texture.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, bright herb note.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook ground beef until completely browned, breaking it into small pieces.

Drain away any extra fat from the meat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook and stir until the onions become soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Beef broth
• Enchilada sauce
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, which helps blend all the delicious flavors together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dollop of sour cream
• Crispy tortilla strips
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup With Hearty Flavor Strategies

• Toast spices like chili powder and cumin in the pot before adding liquid to enhance their depth and richness.
• Adjust spiciness by selecting mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce, or add extra green chilies for more kick.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) and thoroughly drain fat to keep the soup light and appetizing.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for convenient future meals that reheat beautifully.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Enchilada Soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with robust flavors and creamy richness. Savory beef, zesty spices, and melted cheese create a soul-warming bowl perfect for satisfying hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (red)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Tortilla strips
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel and thoroughly sear the ground beef until completely browned, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully eliminate any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential flavors.
3. Gently fold in hearty black beans, sweet corn kernels, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, robust beef broth, rich enchilada sauce, and a harmonious blend of warming spices including chili powder, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, plus judicious seasoning of salt and pepper.
4. Elevate the temperature to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a deep, complex flavor profile for approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, creating a vibrant canvas for optional garnishes such as sharp shredded cheese, cool creamy sour cream, crisp tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro leaves for a final flourish of texture and taste.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding a diced jalapeño for extra spiciness.
• Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free beef broth and checking enchilada sauce ingredients.
• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or additional beans during simmering.
• Transform leftovers into a hearty casserole by layering with tortillas and extra cheese before baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg