Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

The Heartiest Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a hearty ground beef enchilada soup can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Aromatic spices dance through this comforting bowl, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Tender meat blends seamlessly with rich tomato and chili undertones.

Mexican-inspired flavors burst from each spoonful, creating a meal that feels like a celebration.

Cozy ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for busy households.

Weeknight dinners just got more exciting with this soul-warming creation.

Dive in and let your taste buds experience a delicious journey through southwestern comfort.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Highlights

  • Whip Up a Hearty Meal: This ground beef enchilada soup delivers a robust flavor profile that satisfies comfort food cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Versatile toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro let everyone personalize their soup experience for maximum enjoyment.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pot recipe comes together super fast, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combining classic Mexican-inspired spices like chili powder and cumin creates a zesty soup that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates all around.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this soup.
Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, deep base flavor and aromatic essence to the soup.
Liquid and Vegetable Components:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Adds a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the soup.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a savory and rich liquid base for the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides additional moisture and a tangy tomato flavor.
  • Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and a traditional southwestern element.
  • Corn: Introduces a sweet and crunchy component to the soup.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: These spices create a warm, complex flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the other ingredients.
Optional Toppings:
  • Cheese, Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add extra flavor, creaminess, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook the ground beef until it turns brown and crispy.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot.

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and release their incredible fragrance, which takes about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Pour Flavor Explosion

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend of southwestern flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

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

Let the soup gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the spices and ingredients to mingle and create a rich, complex taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions

Enjoy your hearty and comforting southwestern-style soup!

Helpful Tips for Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary fat.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version that's equally delicious.
  • Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips to add extra texture and flavor layers.
  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals that reheat beautifully.

Flavor Variations for Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Vegetarian Enchilada Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Chicken Enchilada Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and verify all spices are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Version: Reduce corn and beans, add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower to maintain soup volume while lowering carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Cozy Game Night Companion: Ladle this hearty soup into bowls during board game sessions for a comforting and satisfying meal that keeps everyone warm and energized.
  • Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform your traditional taco night by serving this enchilada soup as the main dish, letting everyone customize their bowl with favorite toppings like crispy tortilla strips or diced avocado.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the soup into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week, ensuring a delicious and quick meal that stays fresh and flavorful for several days.
  • Fiesta Style Gathering: Create a build-your-own soup bar at your next gathering, setting out various toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, green onions, and lime wedges for guests to personalize their bowls.

Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Ensure soup reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • What makes this enchilada soup different from traditional soup?

This soup combines the flavors of enchiladas with a hearty soup base, using ground beef and classic Mexican-inspired spices like chili powder and cumin for a unique, comforting meal.

  • Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or using a spicier enchilada sauce to customize the soup’s heat level.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free enchilada sauce and check that your broth is certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

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Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Hearty ground beef enchilada soup blends Mexican flavors with comforting ingredients. Rich broth and tender beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 1 (10 ounces) can red enchilada sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature, crumble ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, eliminating any accumulated fat.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour enchilada sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn into the pot, creating a robust liquid base.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Elevate heat until contents reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 18-22 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  6. Once soup reaches desired consistency and beef is completely cooked, remove from heat and prepare for serving.
  7. Ladle into deep bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding diced jalapeños for extra spiciness or reducing spices for milder palates.
  • Control sodium content by using low-sodium broth and rinsing canned beans thoroughly before adding to the soup.
  • Enhance meal prep by making larger batches and freezing individual portions for quick future meals, ensuring best texture by adding fresh toppings after reheating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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