Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Best Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Bubbling with zesty southwestern charm, this ground beef enchilada soup brings hearty comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of rich flavors dance through each spoonful, creating a magical meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Tender beef mingles with robust spices, promising a satisfying experience for hungry souls.

Aromatic ingredients whisper stories of mexican kitchen traditions, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

Colorful and robust, the soup delivers a perfect balance between creamy textures and bold seasonings.

Peppers and tomatoes add vibrant depth, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining adventure.

Jump into this delicious journey and let the enchilada soup become your new favorite weeknight companion.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup’s Rich Flavors

  • Craft Fusion Flavor: Blend Chinese and American tastes with this unique peanut butter chicken that delivers a surprising and delightful culinary experience.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minimal steps, using just one skillet and simple ingredients that come together rapidly for a satisfying dinner.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by controlling red chili flakes and modify sauce thickness by adding water, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary chicken dish into a gourmet meal that impresses family and guests without requiring professional cooking skills or extensive preparation time.

Ingredients For Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and main substance of the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Provide texture, nutrition, and southwestern-style complexity to the soup.
For the Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Beef Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the soup's consistency.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavor and slightly spicy undertone.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that enhance the overall taste and create a warm, robust seasoning.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Cooking Method

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pot and cook until it turns a rich brown color.

Tilt the pan and drain any extra grease to keep the soup light and tasty.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Onions

Toss chopped onions into the beef.

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour in the liquid ingredients and hearty mix-ins:
  • Beef broth
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Corn kernels

Step 4: Spice Up the Flavor

Sprinkle in the warming spices to create depth:
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Crank up the heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble softly for 20 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to mingle and intensify.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top with your favorite finishing touches like:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cool sour cream
  • Crunchy tortilla chips
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions

Helpful Notes For Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the soup healthier.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of lime juice or fresh cilantro just before serving.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or using mild enchilada sauce for sensitive palates.
  • Prep this soup in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen.

Flavor Variations Of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Chicken Enchilada Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option. Keeps the same spicy flavor profile with tender meat.
  • Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace ground beef with extra black beans and add diced bell peppers for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Green Enchilada Soup: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangy, zesty variation. Add roasted green chiles to boost the heat and complexity.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, melded flavors with minimal effort.

Best Sides For Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Fiesta Bowl Extravaganza: Layer the soup over cilantro-lime rice for a hearty meal that transforms your soup into a complete dinner. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh avocado slices for extra texture and flavor.
  • Mexican Street Style: Serve in a bread bowl or alongside warm, crusty cornbread. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the rich, bold flavors of the soup.
  • Tailgate Party Starter: Present in small cups as an appetizer during game day. Add mini corn tortilla wedges and a dollop of queso fresco for a crowd-pleasing bite that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.

Storage Recommendations For Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
  • Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing, making it easier to reheat only what you need and maintain the soup's quality and flavor.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices in this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup?

The key spices are chili powder and cumin, which provide the signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile and warmth to the soup.

  • Can I make this soup with a different type of meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without changing the overall recipe’s taste.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free enchilada sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check labels carefully.

  • How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder, or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

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Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired ground beef enchilada soup delivers hearty comfort in one delicious bowl. Home cooks can quickly prepare this zesty meal with simple ingredients and enjoy a satisfying dinner in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • 1 can (10 oz, 280 g) enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz, 410 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz, 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz, 425 g) corn, drained
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and sizzle ground beef until thoroughly browned and crumbled, eliminating any surplus grease.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions into the meat, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour in beef broth, zesty enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn kernels, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling robust chili powder, earthy cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper throughout the mixture.
  5. Elevate the heat momentarily until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Allow the soup to develop rich flavors by simmering uncovered for 20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching.
  7. Ladle the steaming soup into deep bowls and embellish with optional garnishes such as melted shredded cheese, dollops of cool sour cream, or crispy tortilla chip fragments.

Notes

  • Toast ground beef thoroughly to ensure deep, rich flavor and prevent any raw meat taste.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and selecting mild or spicy enchilada sauce.
  • Consider low-fat alternatives like ground turkey or lean ground beef for healthier version.
  • Freeze extra portions in airtight containers for quick future meals, keeping soup fresh up to 3 months.
  • 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: 580 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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