Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

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

  • Unleash Bold Flavors: Packed with zesty enchilada sauce, hearty ground beef, and vibrant spices, this soup delivers a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare this satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and filling.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro to create a personalized soup experience that suits every family member's preference.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients mean you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen or creating a mountain of dishes.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the soup.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and aromatic warmth to the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that create a robust and authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning.
Liquid and Vegetable Components:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Adds a tangy and spicy Mexican-style flavor to the soup.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the soup's overall depth.
  • Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Hearty vegetables that contribute texture, nutrition, and additional flavor layers.
Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and a melty texture to the soup.
  • Sour Cream: Provides a cool and tangy contrast to the warm soup.
  • Tortilla Strips: Offers a crunchy texture and traditional Mexican-inspired garnish.
  • Cilantro: Brings a fresh and bright herb note to finish the dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the ground beef and create a flavorful base for the soup.

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:
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper

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:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Crispy tortilla strips
  • Fresh cilantro

Enjoy your hearty and comforting Ground Beef Enchilada Soup!

Helpful Tips for Enchilada Soup

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
  • Drain excess grease after browning beef to prevent an oily soup texture.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option without sacrificing flavor.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for easy meal prep, keeping portions fresh for up to 3 months.

New Takes on Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Vegetarian Chili Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Chicken Enchilada Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option that complements the Mexican-inspired seasonings.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Soup: Reduce beans and corn, add spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the rich, spicy essence of the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Enchilada Soup: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and verify all ingredient labels to ensure no wheat-based products are included, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Great Pairings for Enchilada Soup

  • Hearty Taco Night Twist: Transform this soup into a fun taco night experience by setting up a topping bar with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocados, and fresh cilantro. Let everyone customize their bowl.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the soup into meal prep containers for a quick and satisfying lunch during the week. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making each bite more delicious.
  • Comfort Bowl Upgrade: Serve the soup over warm rice or with a side of cornbread to make it extra filling and comforting. The additional carbs will soak up the rich, spicy broth perfectly.
  • Nacho Soup Fusion: Top the soup with crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños, and a drizzle of nacho cheese for a playful take that brings the nacho experience into a soup format.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.

  • Is this soup spicy?

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.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or top with additional cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips to make the soup more substantial.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

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.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Warm a generously sized pot over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to create a foundation for flavor development.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically crumbling and browning the meat until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star