There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup. This one-pot wonder is packed with bold, zesty flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Mexican restaurant.
I first discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something quick and satisfying for my family. Little did I know it would become one of our go-to meals, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this dish so special!
Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup
Get ready to fall in love with a soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household for so many reasons.
First, it’s an absolute time-saver. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re rushing in after work or need a quick dinner before heading out, this recipe has you covered.
It’s a flavor explosion in every bite. The combination of ground beef, enchilada sauce, and spices creates a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of melted cheese and the fresh pop of toppings like cilantro and avocado.
This soup is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting friends, this soup is a hit every single time. Plus, it’s as fun to eat as it is to make, especially when served with tortilla chips for scooping.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this soup shine.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering bold, comforting flavors.
Ground Beef: The star of this recipe, ground beef provides a hearty, satisfying base. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully as well.
Enchilada Sauce: This is where the soup gets its signature flavor. A can of red enchilada sauce adds depth and a mild kick of spice. You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own if you prefer.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These add brightness and a bit of heat to the soup. Rotel is a popular brand, but any variety will do. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for plain diced tomatoes instead.
Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber, black beans make the soup extra hearty. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to remove excess sodium.
Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a touch of natural sweetness and balance the savory flavors. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well here.
Don’t forget to grab a large stockpot or Dutch oven for this recipe. It’s all about one-pot cooking, making cleanup a breeze!
How To Make This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup
Making Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is as easy as it gets. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to serve.
Start by browning ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pot.
Next, add your aromatics. Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. This combination forms the rich, zesty broth that makes this soup so irresistible.
Add the remaining ingredients, including black beans and corn, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Finally, stir in shredded cheese for a creamy finish. Serve the soup hot with your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for dipping!
This soup takes less than half an hour from start to finish, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup are just as delicious, if not better, the next day. Store any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a pot over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
This soup is perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and tastes just as fresh as the day you made it.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own with a few tweaks.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.
- Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangier, milder flavor profile.
- Add a cup of cooked rice or quinoa for extra bulk and texture.
- Include extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Spice it up with diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
The beauty of this soup is its versatility, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations!
Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is a meal that warms both the body and the soul. With its bold flavors, simple preparation, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy!
PrintGround Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish loaded with ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce, and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this one-pot soup is a family favorite that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla strips
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla strips.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or extra chili powder.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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