Description
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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Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
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1 cup beef or chicken broth
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
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Optional: ¼ cup cream cheese or sour cream (for added creaminess)
For Topping & Serving:
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Chopped cilantro
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Diced avocado
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Crushed tortilla chips
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Sliced jalapeños
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Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
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Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex