The Best Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this ground beef enchilada soup that captures the heart of Mexican comfort cuisine.

Rich, hearty flavors dance together in a delightful medley of spices and tender meat.

Robust ground beef melds seamlessly with vibrant tomatoes and aromatic seasonings, creating a soup that warms from the first spoonful.

Weeknight dinners transform with this easy, one-pot wonder that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Chili powder and cumin add depth while shredded cheese melts into silky layers of deliciousness.

Each serving promises a symphony of southwestern-inspired tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Is a Hit

• Speed Up Dinner: Whip up this hearty soup quickly with simple ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Packed with Flavor Punch: Combine bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika that create a rich, robust taste profile that will excite taste buds and satisfy comfort food cravings.
• Customize Your Bowl: Top this versatile soup with endless garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla chips, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone's unique preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Prepare the entire meal in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a long day of cooking and cleaning.

Ingredients for Flavorful Beef Enchilada Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and spicy sauce that gives the soup its distinctive Mexican-inspired taste.
• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall depth of the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
• Black Beans, Corn: Nutritious additions that add texture and complement the soup's Mexican profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: A juicy ingredient that contributes acidity and brightness to the soup.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm, complex flavor profile with a hint of smokiness and heat.

Simple Steps for Hearty Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until completely cooked through.

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

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for a quick minute to activate the spices’ intense flavors.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

• Enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Black beans
• Corn kernels

Mix everything thoroughly to create a rich, hearty blend.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

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

Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to mingle and create a deep, complex taste.

Step 6: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Add a pinch more salt or spices if you desire a more intense flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Top with tempting garnishes.

Soup Tips for Bold Enchilada Flavor

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Let the soup simmer longer than 20 minutes to allow spices and ingredients to develop a richer, more complex taste that will impress your family.
• Chop fresh green onions, grate cheese, and have garnishes ready before serving to make mealtime quick and enjoyable.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of this hearty soup.

Enchilada Soup Variations You’ll Love

• Turkey Transformation: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option with similar spicy flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Venture: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the soup's robust Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Keto-Friendly Kick: Eliminate corn and beans, add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the hearty texture.
• Slow Cooker Solution: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off preparation method with deep, developed flavors.

Serving Up Beef Enchilada Soup

• Fiesta Bowl Upgrade: Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Nacho Soup Twist: Layer crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the bowl, pour hot soup over them, and sprinkle with jalapeños for extra kick.
• Family-Style Feast: Set up a toppings bar with diced avocados, lime wedges, chopped red onions, and different shredded cheeses so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or a simple green salad to create a complete, satisfying dinner that'll make everyone happy.

Soup Storage Tips for the Busy Week

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

• What gives this soup its rich flavor?

The combination of ground beef, enchilada sauce, and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a deep, complex taste that makes the soup incredibly flavorful.

• Is this soup spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, or including diced jalapeños if you want extra kick.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, which allows the flavors to develop even more intensely.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican comfort meets hearty flavor in this ground beef enchilada soup, blending rich spices and tender meat into a soul-warming bowl. Simmering with zesty tomatoes and robust cheese, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic southwestern-style comfort classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1 can (15 ounces) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium flame and thoroughly cook ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently toast spices for 60 seconds to enhance their robust flavors.
4. Pour enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rinsed black beans, and sweet corn kernels into the pot. Stir ingredients to create a harmonious mixture.
5. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow soup to develop depth of flavor for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Conduct a taste test and fine-tune seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced and vibrant profile.
7. Ladle piping hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, or crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent greasy texture and maintain clean, robust flavors.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg