Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Simmering Fiesta: Zesty Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty ground beef enchilada soup that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Savory spices dance through each spoonful, creating a melody of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Tender beef melts into a rich, tomato-based broth that hugs your taste buds with every bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this one-pot wonder comes together after a long day.

Fragrant cumin and chili powder infuse the soup with depth and complexity that feels like a culinary embrace.

Crispy tortilla strips or fresh cilantro make perfect finishing touches to this satisfying meal.

Soup Storage Tricks For Maximum Enjoyment

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the soup will maintain best quality for 2-3 months. Leave slight space at top for expansion.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this enchilada soup recipe.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and enchilada sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild enchilada sauce or reducing the chili powder.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like shredded chicken or top the soup with additional cheese, crispy tortilla strips, or diced avocado to make it more substantial.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Beef Enchilada Soup Brings Big Flavor

  • Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a hearty soup in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast.
  • Packed with Flavor: Combine ground beef with zesty enchilada sauce, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables for a taste explosion that'll make everyone at the table happy.
  • Customizable Comfort: Top your soup with favorite garnishes like melted cheese, cool sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips to create a personalized meal that suits every palate.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum taste make this recipe a winner for home cooks looking to simplify mealtime without sacrificing deliciousness.

Beef Enchilada Soup Ingredient Essentials

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the foundation of this robust soup.
  • Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that adds texture and additional nutritional value to the soup.
Vegetable Blend:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a deep, savory base flavor to the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Corn: Fresh vegetables that contribute brightness and natural sweetness to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A zesty Mexican-style sauce that gives the soup its distinctive spicy and tangy character.
  • Beef Broth: A rich liquid that enhances the overall depth of flavor and provides a smooth consistency.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Warm spices and seasonings that create a complex and balanced taste profile.
Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Tortilla Chips: Delicious garnishes that allow for personalized flavor and texture enhancement.

Preparing Hearty Beef Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Sear the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the soup light and flavorful.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Cook these ingredients until they become soft and release their delightful fragrant aroma, which takes about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Combine the following ingredients into the pot:
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together to blend the flavors completely.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Seasoning Check

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Add more salt, pepper, or spices to match your personal flavor preference.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy.

Cooking Tips For Richer Enchilada Soup

  • Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary fat.
  • Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the depth of the enchilada soup's taste profile.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your preferred heat intensity, using more for extra kick or less for milder flavor.
  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans to create a delicious meat-free version of the soup.
  • Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution throughout the soup.

Flavor Variations For Beef Enchilada Soup

  • Vegetarian Bean Blast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Chicken Enchilada Soup Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Fiesta: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap beans and corn for additional low-carb vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional toppings.

Serving Beef Enchilada Soup Hot

  • Fiesta Bowl Companions: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese on top for a creamy, melty texture that blends perfectly with the soup's spicy base.
  • Crispy Crunch Topper: Crush tortilla chips or add crisp corn strips right before serving to give the soup an exciting textural contrast and authentic Mexican-inspired crunch.
  • Fresh Flavor Boost: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the soup's rich and spicy profile, adding brightness and depth.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad to transform this soup into a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
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Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

Description

Hearty ground beef enchilada soup brings Mexican comfort to your dinner table with rich, bold flavors. Spicy, cheesy goodness awaits you in this one-pot wonder that promises warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14 ounces) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14 ounces) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 (10 ounces) can enchilada sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess fat.
  2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour enchilada sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn into the pot, seasoning with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
  5. Conduct a flavor assessment, fine-tuning seasonings to personal preference.
  6. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess oil floating on soup surface, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing presentation.
  • Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising rich flavor profile.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for spice enthusiasts who enjoy extra kick.
  • Transform into vegetarian option by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans, maintaining hearty texture and protein content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 292 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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