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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot or Dutch oven and warm oil over medium heat, creating a perfect base for the chili.
- Introduce ground beef into the heated pot, methodically breaking it down and browning thoroughly, eliminating any excess grease.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
- Pour in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, vibrant enchilada sauce, and rich broth to build layers of flavor.
- Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Gradually fold in three-quarters of the shredded cheese, creating a luxuriously creamy texture and melding all ingredients together.
- Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- 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