Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

There's something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup on a chilly evening. This rich and hearty soup is brimming with bold Mexican flavors, tender beef, and a creamy enchilada sauce base that warms you from the inside out.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when dinner needed to be quick but satisfying. It’s now my go-to for busy weeknights and casual gatherings – always a crowd-pleaser! Let's dive into why you'll love this dish.

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Get ready to add this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup to your regular meal rotation. It's everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, easy, and full of flavor.

First off, this recipe is incredibly fast to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also versatile. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping, add rice for a heartier bowl, or customize it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this soup checks all the boxes. Made with affordable pantry staples like canned enchilada sauce, beans, and ground beef, it delivers big flavor without breaking the bank.

Finally, it's perfect for feeding a crowd. Double the recipe for game day or family gatherings, and let everyone customize their bowls to their liking.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to create a rich, flavorful bowl of comfort. Here's a closer look at what you'll need:

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Drain any excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy soup.
• Enchilada sauce: The heart of this recipe! Use red enchilada sauce for a classic flavor, or experiment with green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist. Opt for a mild or spicy version depending on your preference.
• Beans: Black beans or pinto beans work beautifully here. Their creamy texture and earthy flavor pair perfectly with the bold spices in the soup.
• Corn: Frozen, canned, or fresh – the choice is yours! Corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances the rich flavors.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are the stars here. They build layers of flavor and enhance the enchilada sauce's warmth.

Special equipment isn’t required, but a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works best for evenly cooking the soup.

How To Make This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Making this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is as easy as can be. Follow these simple steps to create a dinner everyone will rave about.

1. Start by browning the beef. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics. In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil, followed by diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Build the base. Stir in the enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these add incredible flavor!
4. Add the extras. Toss in the beans, corn, and cooked ground beef. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer and serve. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

This recipe takes just 30 minutes, and the result is a soup that's bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup stores beautifully, making it an ideal meal-prep recipe.

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to make it your own with these ideas:

• Switch up the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can replace ground beef.
• Add some heat: If you like your soup spicy, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for an extra luxurious texture.
• Tweak the toppings: Try shredded cheese, avocado slices, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
• Include some grains: Cooked rice or quinoa can be stirred into the soup for an even heartier meal.

Experiment with these variations and let this recipe inspire your culinary creativity!

There you have it – a cozy, flavorful bowl of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup that's easy, affordable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to grab some tortilla chips for dipping – they’re the perfect finishing touch!

Print