Campbell Soup Beef Enchilada Recipe

When you think of comfort food, there are a few dishes that instantly come to mind: warm casseroles, hearty stews, and, of course, anything with a bit of spice and cheese. Enter the Campbell Soup Beef Enchilada Recipe, a delightful blend of savory beef, zesty spices, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, all drenched in a rich and flavorful sauce. What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to whip up! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend dinner when you want to impress but not spend hours in the kitchen.

Using Campbell’s soup as a base gives you a shortcut to creating that deep, satisfying flavor without sacrificing taste. Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s break down the recipe, the ingredients, some tips, and even a few ways you can make this dish your own.

Campbell Soup Beef Enchilada Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine but doesn’t want to spend all day cooking. The idea behind this enchilada recipe is simple: combine a few basic ingredients, like ground beef, tortillas, and Campbell’s soup, and you’ll have a flavorful meal that everyone at the table will love. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile-you can adjust the level of spiciness or swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are your building blocks to creating an incredibly satisfying and delicious enchilada dish.

• Ground beef (1 lb): The beef provides that rich, savory flavor that’s perfect when paired with the boldness of the enchilada sauce.
• Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup (1 can): This is your base for the sauce. It brings in that smooth, rich tomato flavor that pairs beautifully with the other spices. You’ll get a deep, hearty sauce with minimal effort.
• Corn tortillas (8-10): Soft and slightly chewy, corn tortillas are traditional in enchiladas. They absorb the flavors of the sauce wonderfully.
• Shredded cheese (2 cups): This will give the dish that melty, gooey cheese pull everyone craves. Use a sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend for an extra kick.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a slight sweetness and a crunch to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that aromatic flavor to complement the other ingredients.
• Chopped green chilies (1 can): These bring a gentle heat to the dish. You can adjust this to your desired spice level by using mild or hot chilies.
• Chili powder (1 tsp): This adds that smoky, earthy flavor that is characteristic of enchiladas.
• Cumin (1 tsp): Gives a warm, slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course. These are essential for rounding out the dish’s flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic and browning the beef.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the cooking process. Don’t worry-it’s simple and quick! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner ready in no time.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when it’s time to bake the enchiladas.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the spices and chilies: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices. Add the green chilies and stir everything together. Cook for another minute, letting the flavors meld.
5. Stir in the Campbell’s Soup: Pour in the Campbell’s Tomato Soup, and stir until everything is well combined. This will create a thick, rich sauce that coats the beef and vegetables. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so the flavors blend together.
6. Assemble the enchiladas: In a baking dish, lightly coat the bottom with a bit of the sauce mixture. Then, take your corn tortillas and lightly warm them in a skillet for a few seconds, just to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the beef mixture and a handful of shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam side down in the baking dish.
7. Top with sauce and cheese: Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining beef mixture over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
8. Bake the enchiladas: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:

• Campbell’s Tomato Soup: This may seem like a shortcut ingredient, but it really enhances the overall texture and flavor of the sauce. The soup’s creamy base creates a velvety sauce that clings to the tortillas and beef, adding richness without being too heavy.
• Green chilies: These provide a tangy heat that doesn’t overpower the dish. They add just the right amount of kick without making it too spicy for those who aren’t big on heat.
• Cumin and chili powder: These two spices are the backbone of the dish’s flavor profile. Cumin brings that warm, earthy essence, while chili powder adds depth and smokiness, making the whole dish taste more complex than the sum of its parts.
• Corn tortillas: These are traditional for enchiladas because they soak up the sauce beautifully, becoming soft and flavorful in the oven.

Expert Tips

To make this dish even better, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

• Brown the beef well: The more you brown the beef, the deeper and richer the flavor will be. Don’t rush this step-it’s worth taking the extra few minutes to ensure the beef gets that nice caramelization.
• Warm your tortillas: If you don’t warm the tortillas before rolling them, they can crack when you try to roll them. A few seconds in a hot pan makes them more flexible and easier to handle.
• Customize your cheese: Use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. A combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even a bit of pepper jack can really elevate the taste.
• Make it ahead: This recipe can be made a day in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is super flexible, and you can make it your own with a few simple tweaks:

• Chicken Enchiladas: Swap out the beef for shredded chicken or even ground turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely and load up the tortillas with beans, roasted vegetables, and cheese. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use spicy enchilada sauce instead of the tomato soup base.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the corn tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, and you’ll have a gluten-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Final Words

The Campbell Soup Beef Enchilada Recipe is a fantastic dish for anyone looking for a delicious, comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to make. With the richness of the beef, the gooey cheese, and the flavorful sauce, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with variations, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.