Cozy Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Comfort meets excitement in this mouthwatering cheesy enchilada chili that promises a flavor explosion.

Family dinner conversations will suddenly become animated around this hearty dish.

Mexico’s culinary traditions inspire every spoonful of this delectable creation.

Bold spices dance through tender meat and melted cheese, creating a symphony of taste.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction that makes you feel instantly connected to a rich cultural tradition.

Fall in love with this irresistible meal that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of deliciousness.

What Makes Cheesy Enchilada Chili So Satisfying

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this chili requires minimal prep and cooks in under 45 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, two types of beans, and a rich enchilada sauce base, this chili delivers bold flavors that will impress both adults and kids at the dinner table.
• Streamline your cooking process by using a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal with minimal kitchen mess and effort.
• Top your chili with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado, allowing each person to personalize their bowl and create their perfect comfort food moment.

Everything You’ll Need for Enchilada Chili

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source with deep flavor, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Black Beans, Pinto Beans: Hearty legumes providing additional protein and texture, canned beans work perfectly.

• Chili Powder: Warm and complex spice blend that gives traditional chili taste.
• Cumin: Earthy spice adding depth and authentic southwestern flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky undertone and rich color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Onion: Aromatic vegetable adding sweetness and foundational flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient providing robust taste base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Acidic component creating sauce-like consistency.
• Enchilada Sauce: Adds Mexican-inspired tangy and spicy character.
• Broth: Helps create desired liquid consistency and adds extra flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: Creamy topping that melts beautifully and adds richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb providing bright, fresh garnish.

How to Simmer Up a Hearty Bowl of Enchilada Chili

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Station

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat
• Choose a spacious Dutch oven for best results

Step 2: Brown the Protein

• Add ground beef to the heated pot
• Break meat into small crumbles while cooking
• Cook until beef turns golden brown
• Drain excess fat if needed

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Vegetables

• Toss diced onions into the pot
• Add minced garlic
• Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant

Step 4: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Enchilada sauce
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in the pot and stir thoroughly

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavor

• Bring mixture to a rolling boil
• Reduce heat to low
• Let chili simmer uncovered
• Stir occasionally
• Cook until sauce thickens and flavors merge

Step 6: Melt and Enhance

• Stir in most of the shredded cheese
• Mix until cheese melts completely
• Taste and adjust seasonings

Step 7: Serve with Flair

• Ladle chili into serving bowls
• Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
• Garnish with fresh cilantro
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips

Tips for Creamy, Spiced Chili Success

• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy chili and maintain a cleaner, more enjoyable flavor profile.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for maximum flavor and creamy texture in your enchilada chili.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and spices to suit your heat preference, adding extra cayenne or using milder seasonings for a family-friendly version.
• Boost Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly alternative without compromising taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for advance cooking and quick weeknight meals- just thaw and reheat gently.

Keep Enchilada Chili Warm Without Overcooking

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Leave small space for expansion.
• Transfer chili to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chili in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Ensure even heating throughout.

What Complements Cheesy Chili Bowls

• Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly complement the chili's rich, spicy flavors with their crisp, light refreshment.
• Smooth, cool sour cream adds a delightful contrast to the hearty chili, mellowing its robust spiciness and enhancing overall comfort.
• Tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch, offering textural variety and acting as an ideal scoop for capturing every delicious chili bite.
• Sliced avocado brings creamy smoothness and bright green color, balancing the chili's warmth with its cool, buttery essence.

Variations of This Cheesy Chili to Try

Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like kidney or cannellini, maintaining protein richness and hearty texture.

Gluten-Free Version: Ensure enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free broth to accommodate sensitive diets without compromising flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except cheese to slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cheese during last 15 minutes for a hands-off preparation technique.

Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and increase chili powder and cumin quantities to create a more intense, fiery chili experience for heat lovers.

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Cheesy Enchilada Chili brings comfort and bold flavors to dinner tables with remarkable depth. Spicy, cheesy goodness awaits when hungry diners scoop this irresistible one-pot wonder onto their plates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats and Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 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

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10 oz/300 ml) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips or strips

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large pot or Dutch oven and warm oil over medium heat, creating a perfect base for the chili.
2. Introduce ground beef into the heated pot, methodically breaking it down and browning thoroughly, eliminating any excess grease.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
4. Pour in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, vibrant enchilada sauce, and rich broth to build layers of flavor.
5. Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the chili to develop depth and complexity for 20-25 minutes.
7. Gradually fold in three-quarters of the shredded cheese, creating a luxuriously creamy texture and melding all ingredients together.
8. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
9. Transfer the chili into serving bowls, crowning each portion with the remaining cheese and optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, cool sour cream, creamy avocado, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that keeps the dish protein-packed.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of dark beer or red wine during simmering to deepen the chili’s rich, savory undertones.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and introducing diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for those craving extra spiciness.
• Make this a meal-prep friendly recipe by storing in airtight containers for up to 5 days, with flavors developing and improving overnight in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg