Cozy Up with Our Hearty Enchilada Chili Recipe Tonight

Spicy aromas swirl through the kitchen as this hearty enchilada chili recipe delivers a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Comfort meets boldness in every steaming spoonful of this robust dish.

Layers of rich ground beef mingle with smoky spices and vibrant tomatoes.

Beans add depth and texture to this warming meal that promises satisfaction with each bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden crown atop this soul-warming creation.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you savor this incredible chili.

Grab a bowl and let the culinary adventure begin.

Making Cheesy Enchilada Chili for Comfort and Spice

• Brown the Meat

Heat oil in a large pot and sizzle ground beef until it’s nicely caramelized and crumbly, breaking it down with a wooden spoon.

• Sauté Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant until soft and translucent.

• Build the Flavor Base

Pour in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and broth, creating a rich and hearty foundation.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the warm, complex seasonings throughout.

• Simmer and Develop

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat, allowing flavors to mingle and deepen for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Melt and Blend

Stir in most of the cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a creamy texture that binds the chili together.

• Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls, top with remaining cheese, and add fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips for extra excitement.

Chili-Making Tips for That Enchilada Flavor Punch

• Quick flavor-boosting techniques that elevate your dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein options that maintain the rich, hearty texture.
• Prepare the chili a day in advance to let flavors intensify. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent scorching.
• Adjust heat by reducing chili powder or adding mild enchilada sauce. For extra kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions in individual containers. Thaw and reheat for quick meals, maintaining delicious flavor and saving time on busy nights.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Mexican Fiesta Night: Host a casual dinner party where guests can customize their chili bowls with various toppings and sides, creating a fun interactive meal experience.
• Game Day Comfort Feast: Serve this hearty chili during sports watching parties, pairing it with crispy tortilla chips, cold beer, and additional shredded cheese for maximum enjoyment.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chili into individual containers for easy weekday lunches, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal that reheats perfectly in the microwave.
• Tex-Mex Family Favorite: Create a family-style dinner by placing the chili in a large serving dish with toppings on the side, letting everyone build their perfect bowl with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Store Cheesy Enchilada Chili Without Losing Its Kick

• Let the chili cool completely at room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Transfer chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, ensuring a tight seal to lock in flavors and prevent contamination.
• Portion chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Top with fresh cheese and garnishes to refresh the flavors and bring the dish back to life.

FAQs

• What gives this chili its unique enchilada flavor?

The enchilada sauce and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika create the distinctive enchilada-inspired taste profile in this chili.

• Can I make this chili spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice. To make it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder and skip any additional spicy ingredients.

• Is this chili good for meal prep?

Yes, this chili is perfect for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Definitely! While the recipe calls for black and pinto beans, you can easily substitute with kidney beans, white beans, or a mix of beans you prefer or have on hand.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein base for the chili, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Black Beans: Adds creamy texture and plant-based protein, select canned beans with no added salt for healthier option.
• Pinto Beans: Contributes extra protein and creamy consistency, rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium content.

• Onion: Builds foundational savory depth, select firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic: Infuses robust aromatic undertones, choose fresh cloves with tight, compact skin.
• Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired zesty profile, opt for medium-heat versions for balanced taste.
• Chili Powder: Creates warm, complex spice layer, choose high-quality blends for superior depth.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, smoky notes, purchase whole seeds and grind for maximum freshness.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and rich color, select Spanish varieties for authentic flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy brightness, choose fire-roasted for extra complexity.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness, select sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers bright, herbal garnish, pick vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Sour Cream: Adds cool, tangy contrast, choose full-fat version for creamiest texture.
• Avocado: Provides creamy, buttery counterpoint, select ripe fruits with slight give.

Tools to Create This Cheesy Enchilada Chili Bowl

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the chili, giving you plenty of space to mix ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps you add precise amounts of spices like chili powder and cumin.
• Cutting Board: Ideal for chopping onions and preparing garnishes like cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions and chopping fresh herbs cleanly.
• Ladle: Great for serving the chili into individual bowls with ease.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating your own cheese for topping.

Hearty Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili blends Mexican comfort with southwestern spice. Robust flavors merge seamlessly, delivering a rich culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10 oz/300 ml) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Tortilla chips or strips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium, adding oil to create a flavorful foundation for the chili.
2. Meat Development: Brown ground beef thoroughly, breaking it down and draining excess fat to ensure a robust base with rich, caramelized textures.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Sauté onions and garlic until they transform into a fragrant, translucent mixture, releasing deep, savory notes throughout the pot.
4. Liquid Ensemble: Combine black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and broth, creating a complex liquid landscape that builds remarkable depth and moisture.
5. Spice Integration: Introduce chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring energetically to distribute seasonings uniformly and activate their intricate flavor profiles.
6. Simmering Transformation: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop intense, harmonious flavors for 20-25 minutes.
7. Cheese Fusion: Incorporate three-quarters of shredded cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and the cheese seamlessly integrates with the chili’s robust character.
8. Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile that celebrates each ingredient’s unique contribution.
9. Presentation: Ladle chili into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining cheese and optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips to enhance visual appeal and textural contrast.

Notes

Manage Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is completely browned without moisture to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent watery chili texture.

Control Spice Intensity: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels based on personal heat preference, starting conservatively and tasting gradually during cooking process.

Optimize Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent separation, creating smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.

Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for vegetarian version, maintaining robust flavor profile and protein content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg