Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Quick & Flavorful Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Whipping up a hearty ground beef enchilada soup can turn an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed adventure.

Spices dance through tender meat and rich broth, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Zesty tomatoes and robust seasonings mingle seamlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Mexican-inspired ingredients bring bold layers of taste to every spoonful.

Melted cheese and crisp tortilla strips add delightful texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Comfort and excitement merge in this simple yet spectacular dish that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a culinary journey they won’t soon forget.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup to Warm Up

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup to Warm Up
  • Savor Hearty Flavors: Packed with ground beef, beans, and corn, this soup delivers a robust and satisfying meal that fills you up with delicious Tex-Mex inspired goodness.
  • Quick One-Pot Wonder: Prepare everything in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Top with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips, allowing each family member to personalize their soup and create their perfect comfort meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, bold flavors and customizable toppings, making it an ideal dinner solution for families with varying taste preferences.

Ingredients in Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the soup that provides rich protein and meaty texture.
Liquid Base:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Adds a classic Mexican-inspired spicy and tangy flavor to the soup.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a savory and robust liquid foundation for the soup.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and fresh tomato flavor to the soup.
  • Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the soup.
  • Corn: Brings a sweet and crisp element to the overall dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Delivers a complex and authentic southwestern spice profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the soup.
Garnish Options:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and melts beautifully into the hot soup.
  • Sour Cream: Provides a cool and tangy contrast to the spicy soup.
  • Cilantro: Offers a fresh and bright herb note to the dish.
  • Tortilla Chips: Gives a crunchy texture and traditional Mexican-inspired element.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Completely drain away any excess fat to keep the soup clean and rich.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Combine the following ingredients in the pot:
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Corn

Stir everything together until well mixed and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Season the soup with a powerful blend of:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the soup gently simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help blend the flavors together.

Step 5: Taste and Perfect

Do a quick taste test. Add more seasoning if the soup needs extra punch or depth of flavor.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with delicious garnishes such as:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crunchy tortilla chips

Enjoy this warming and satisfying meal that brings Southwest comfort to your table.

Tips to Perfect Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version of the soup.
  • Enhance flavor depth by sautéing fresh diced onions and minced garlic before adding ground beef.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and checking enchilada sauce salt content.
  • Boost protein and texture by adding quinoa or extra beans during simmering stage.
  • Make it spicier by incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

Flavorful Twists on Enchilada Soup

  • Chicken Enchilada Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option. Follow the same cooking method and seasonings.
  • Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace ground beef with additional black beans or plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers for more texture.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Reduce beans and corn, add riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Use low-carb enchilada sauce and garnish with fewer tortilla chips.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a crockpot after browning beef. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for deeper flavor development and easier preparation.

What Pairs Well with Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Cozy Movie Night Companion: Ladle this hearty soup into large bowls during family movie nights for a comforting meal that keeps everyone warm and satisfied.
  • Tailgate Party Favorite: Serve in small cups or mugs as a delicious appetizer during game day gatherings, letting guests top with their favorite garnishes.
  • Weeknight Meal Hack: Pair with warm cornbread or a simple green salad to transform this soup into a complete, quick dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Lunch Prep Champion: Store in meal prep containers for an easy, protein-packed lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps you full throughout the afternoon.

Best Storage for Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate ground beef enchilada soup for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for long-term storage up to 3 months.
  • Label containers with date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchilada soup recipe and provides similar texture and flavor.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has mild to moderate spice levels. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder, or including diced jalapeños if you want extra kick.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add additional protein by stirring in cooked quinoa, extra black beans, or topping with shredded rotisserie chicken when serving.

  • What if I want to make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free beef broth and check that your enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.

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Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Spicy Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Ground beef enchilada soup delivers hearty Mexican-inspired comfort in a single pot. Spicy, rich broth mingles with tender beef, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. Carefully drain accumulated fat, preserving the meat in the pot.
  3. Pour enchilada sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn into the pot, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the surface, then gently fold to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Reduce heat and allow soup to simmer gently for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure consistent flavor melding.
  6. Taste the soup and fine-tune seasonings, adding more salt or spices if desired.
  7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, topping with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro leaves, and crunchy tortilla chips for textural contrast.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the soup that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
  • Create a gluten-free option by using certified gluten-free enchilada sauce and checking that all spices are gluten-free.
  • Enhance the soup’s richness by adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Prep ingredients in advance and store in separate containers to make this soup a quick weeknight meal that can be assembled in minutes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 277 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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