Cheesy Enchilada Chili

Bold, rich, and ultra-comforting, this Cheesy Enchilada Chili blends the smoky, spicy flavors of enchilada sauce with the hearty texture of classic chili—all finished with melty cheese for a creamy, savory kick. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and plenty of Tex-Mex spice, it’s the perfect cold-weather comfort food or game-day crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Enchilada-Chili Fusion – All the best flavors in one bowl.
Cheesy & Creamy – Gooey cheddar makes it extra rich.
One-Pot Meal – Easy prep and cleanup.
Hearty & Filling – Protein-packed with beef and beans.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• Optional: ¼ cup cream cheese or sour cream (for added creaminess)

For Topping & Serving:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sliced jalapeños
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
3. Stir in garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Base
4. Stir in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, both beans, corn, and broth.
5. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili
7. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld together.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and optional cream cheese or sour cream.
9. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
10. Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, jalapeños, or lime juice as desired.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Enchilada Chili
Use Bold Cheese – Sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend adds depth.
Simmer Low & Slow – Gives the flavors time to develop.
Adjust the Heat – Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños for spice lovers.
Add Cream Cheese – Makes the texture rich and silky.
Double the Batch – It freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
Cornbread – A slightly sweet side to complement the spice.
Mexican Rice – Adds bulk and soaks up all that cheesy sauce.
Tortilla Chips – Great for scooping or crumbling on top.
Fresh Salad – Light greens with lime vinaigrette offer contrast.
Quesadillas – Cheese-stuffed tortillas pair perfectly on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring often.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes—try ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based meat alternative.
2. Is this chili spicy?
   It’s mildly spicy. You can adjust the chili powder and add jalapeños to turn up the heat.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Absolutely. Brown the meat first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
4. Is this gluten-free?
   Check your enchilada sauce and broth to be sure—they sometimes contain gluten.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes—omit the meat and use an extra can of beans or lentils.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Enchilada Chili is the ultimate one-pot comfort food—warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every spoonful. With just the right blend of Tex-Mex spices, cheesy richness, and easy prep, it’s guaranteed to be a repeat recipe in your kitchen. Whether for a weeknight dinner, tailgate party, or cozy weekend meal, it never disappoints.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your cheesy chili bowls.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 6 servings):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 740mg

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