Introduction
If you love enchiladas but want a hearty, comforting chili, then this Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is the perfect recipe for you! It combines tender ground beef, savory beans, bold spices, and gooey melted cheese into a thick and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Whether you’re making this for game day, a cold winter night, or just craving something delicious, this easy one-pot dish will be a family favorite. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in 30 minutes on the stovetop or let it simmer for extra flavor.
✔ One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes to clean!
✔ Loaded with Flavor – Tastes like a delicious enchilada in chili form.
✔ Cheesy & Comforting – Melty cheese makes it extra indulgent.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine.
- Simmer
- Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add Corn & Cheese
- Stir in the frozen corn and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro.
Slow Cooker Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients (except cheese).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in cheese 15 minutes before serving, letting it melt into the chili.
- Serve with toppings and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Enchilada Chili
✔ Make it Spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
✔ Thicker Chili – Reduce the broth to 1 cup for a thicker consistency.
✔ Extra Cheesy – Stir in ½ cup of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
✔ Meat Variations – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo.
Serving Suggestions
🥖 With Cornbread – A sweet, buttery slice of cornbread complements the chili perfectly.
🌮 As a Topping – Serve over nachos or inside burritos for a fun twist.
🥑 With Guacamole & Chips – Scoop it up with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or warm on the stovetop.
Freeze:
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is bold, hearty, and full of flavor—perfect for when you’re craving enchiladas but want a cozy bowl of chili. Whether you serve it for dinner, meal prep, or a party, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Try this easy one-pot recipe and let us know how you like it! 🌮🔥🍲
