Enchilada soup is a beloved comfort food, especially during the colder months. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying-perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but still want a lighter alternative to the traditional casserole-style enchiladas. Beef Enchilada Soup takes all the spices, textures, and vibrant flavors of classic enchiladas and transforms them into a warm, soul-soothing soup that’s both easy to make and delicious to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a one-pot meal for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering, this soup checks all the boxes.
Imagine the savory blend of seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, and chilies swimming in a savory, spiced broth. It’s everything you love about enchiladas, but in soup form. Let’s dive deep into this flavorful journey, starting with the ingredients you’ll need, the step-by-step cooking process, and even some expert tips to elevate your dish to the next level.
Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and highly customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your taste. Below, we’ll break down the ingredients, walk you through the cooking process, and provide you with tips for making this dish your own.
Ingredients Needed
To make a delicious Beef Enchilada Soup, you’ll need a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground Beef: The heart of this soup. Use lean ground beef for a balanced texture and richness, or opt for a fattier blend for a more indulgent result.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic will give the soup a fragrant, aromatic base.
- Diced Tomatoes: A key ingredient for the soup’s tomato base. If you can, go for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an added smoky flavor.
- Green Chiles: Typically, canned green chilies provide a mild heat and tangy flavor. You can also use diced fresh chilies if you prefer.
- Beef Broth: This helps to create the soup’s rich base, but you can also use chicken broth if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Black Beans: A great source of protein and texture. Drain and rinse them to avoid excess sodium.
- Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to balance out the savory ingredients.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, and Oregano: These spices bring the enchilada-inspired flavors into the soup, giving it that signature depth and warmth.
- Tortilla Chips: For crunch and authenticity! These will be crushed into the soup just before serving, adding a familiar and satisfying bite.
- Shredded Cheese: A mixture of cheddar and Mexican blend cheese works best for a melty, gooey topping.
- Sour Cream: A creamy garnish to cool down the heat and add richness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds brightness and a hint of herbaceous flavor to contrast the rich broth.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, here’s how you’ll cook up this delicious Beef Enchilada Soup:
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Cook The Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Add The Tomatoes And Chilies
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and green chilies, letting the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Pour In The Broth
- Add the beef broth (or chicken broth) to the pot and bring the soup to a simmer. This is where the soup starts to take on that rich, soupy consistency.
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Season The Soup
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
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Add Beans And Corn
- Toss in the black beans (drained and rinsed) and the corn. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the soup to thicken slightly.
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Serve
- Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have come together, ladle it into bowls. Top with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot!
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: The beef gives the soup its hearty flavor, and you can swap it out for turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner version. For a richer flavor, you can also try using beef chuck, which will have more marbling and bring a deeper taste to the broth.
- Chili Powder: This is a crucial ingredient for an authentic enchilada flavor. It’s a blend of ground chiles, garlic powder, and other spices. If you want a bit more heat, feel free to use ancho or chipotle chili powder for a smoky kick.
- Corn and Black Beans: These two ingredients offer great texture. The corn adds a slight sweetness, while the beans contribute creaminess and protein, making the soup more filling.
Expert Tips
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors have more time to develop, so you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add More Heat: If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your soup. Adjust the heat levels to your preference!
- Use Homemade Tortilla Chips: For an added level of freshness, make your own tortilla chips. Simply cut corn tortillas into triangles, toss them in a little oil, and bake until crispy.
- Cheese Choices: While a cheddar-Mexican cheese blend is the go-to, you can experiment with other cheeses. Cotija cheese, for example, adds a nice crumbly texture and salty contrast to the creamy broth.
- Garnish Generously: The key to a great enchilada soup is in the toppings! Add extra sour cream, cilantro, and even avocado slices for added richness and creaminess.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of Beef Enchilada Soup is its versatility! Here are a few variations to keep things fresh:
- Vegetarian Enchilada Soup: Skip the beef entirely and load up on vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn. You can also substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.
- Chicken Enchilada Soup: Swap out the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts for a lighter alternative.
- Spicy Beef Enchilada Soup: Add a couple of diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Keto Enchilada Soup: Replace the beans and corn with extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or kale for a low-carb version.
Final Words
Beef Enchilada Soup is the perfect cozy meal to satisfy your taste buds. It’s hearty yet flavorful, with just the right balance of spices and textures. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize and doesn’t require a lot of prep time. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to love, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Whether you enjoy it on a cold day with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or as a simple weeknight meal, this soup is sure to bring joy to your table. The best part? You can easily scale it up for a crowd or freeze leftovers for a later date.