Zesty Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic
Cozy nights call for a hearty ground beef enchilada soup that brings zesty southwestern comfort right to your table.
Savory aromas will instantly fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.
Layers of robust flavors merge perfectly in this simple yet satisfying dish.
Mexican-inspired ingredients create a delightful fusion of spices and textures.
Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.
Melted cheese and tender beef make every spoonful irresistibly rich and comforting.
Grab a bowl and let this soup become your new favorite weeknight meal.
Why Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Is a Hit
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Soup
Main Protein:Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:Liquid and Vegetable Components:Toppings:Cooking Fat:How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup
Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it turns a rich, golden brown color and develops a delicious caramelized exterior.
Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until they become soft, translucent, and release their mouthwatering fragrance, creating a flavor foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Build the Soup’s Flavor Profile
Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth. Add:Stir all ingredients together, creating a vibrant and aromatic mixture that promises a taste explosion.
Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it bubble softly for 15-20 minutes.
Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.
Top with:Enjoy your hearty and comforting Ground Beef Enchilada Soup!
Helpful Tips for Enchilada Soup
New Takes on Ground Beef Enchilada Soup
Great Pairings for Enchilada Soup
FAQs
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.
The soup has a mild to moderate spice level from the enchilada sauce and chili powder. You can adjust the heat by using mild enchilada sauce or reducing the chili powder.
Add extra protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or top with additional cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips to make the soup more substantial.
Yes, you can brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
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Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Mexican-inspired ground beef enchilada soup delivers robust flavors with hearty ingredients. Spicy and comforting, this one-pot meal brings southwestern warmth to your dining table.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
Liquid and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Warm a generously sized pot over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to create a foundation for flavor development.
- Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically crumbling and browning the meat until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Pour in enchilada sauce, beef broth, and remaining ingredients: black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to create a harmonious blend.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let the soup gently bubble, developing depth of flavor for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, creating a canvas for garnishing with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crisp tortilla strips, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty flavor profile.
- Dial down the spice by reducing chili powder or using mild enchilada sauce, making it kid-friendly while preserving the signature southwestern taste.
- Enhance meal prep by doubling the batch and freezing portions in airtight containers for quick, convenient future meals that retain their robust texture and taste.
- Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium broth and rinsing canned beans thoroughly, creating a healthier option without compromising the soup’s delicious complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
John Conley
Founder & Culinary Storyteller
Expertise
Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization
Education
Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.
Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.
John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.