The Ultimate Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back when I whip up this hearty cheesy enchilada chili that sparks instant comfort.

Robust flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful of warmth.

Mexican culinary traditions inspire this soul-satisfying dish that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of melted cheese, tender meat, and aromatic spices create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners transform into festive occasions with this simple yet magnificent recipe.

Comfort arrives quickly, bringing zesty excitement to your table.

Grab a bowl and let the delectable adventure begin!

Tips To Make Cheesy Enchilada Chili Even Better

• Drain Beef Perfectly: Use a colander to remove excess fat after browning the ground beef, ensuring a cleaner, less greasy chili base.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast the spices in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquid ingredients to enhance their depth and aroma.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the chili powder and add a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love extra spiciness, or reduce for a milder version.
• Meal Prep Magic: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat for quick, delicious meals later.
• Dietary Swap Trick: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains rich, hearty flavor.

How To Store And Reheat Cheesy Enchilada Chili Properly

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover completely to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
• Microwave Option: Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

What Matches Well With Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Sip Mexican Beer Pairing: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the enchilada chili. These light lagers cut through the dish's heaviness and refresh your palate with each crisp swig.
• Crunch Tortilla Chip Side: Serve crispy corn tortilla chips alongside the chili for added texture and a satisfying crunch. Scoop up the cheesy goodness and enjoy the extra salty kick that perfectly balances the hearty chili.
• Cool Creamy Contrast: Top the chili with a dollop of tangy sour cream or creamy guacamole. These cool, smooth additions provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy chili and help mellow out the heat.
• Zesty Lime Margarita: Mix up a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to accompany this Mexican-inspired dish. The citrusy, tequila-based cocktail cuts through the richness and adds a bright, festive touch to your meal.

Fun Flavor Changes For Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like kidney and white beans for a protein-packed meatless version that's equally hearty and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a splash of hot sauce to create a fiery chili that builds layers of complex, bold flavors.
• Slow Cooker Simple: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours, creating a hands-off approach that develops rich, deep taste.
• Chicken Enchilada Remix: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains the classic enchilada-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs About Cheesy Enchilada Chili You’ll Want To See

• What makes this Cheesy Enchilada Chili different from traditional chili?

This recipe combines classic chili ingredients with enchilada sauce, creating a unique Mexican-inspired flavor profile that’s richer and more complex than standard chili.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, using a spicier enchilada sauce, or including a pinch of cayenne pepper to match your heat preference.

• Is this chili recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s perfect for making ahead and reheating throughout the week for quick, delicious meals.

• What can I do if the chili is too thick?

Simply add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. The chili will naturally thicken as it simmers, so adjust accordingly.

Why Cheesy Enchilada Chili Is Packed With Comfort

• Flavor Fusion Fiesta: Blends the rich, hearty essence of chili with the zesty kick of enchilada sauce, creating a mouthwatering crossover dish that tantalizes taste buds with every spoonful.
• Speedy Comfort Cooking: Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder provides a quick, satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner cravings.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Melted cheese stirred directly into the chili and sprinkled on top adds creamy, gooey goodness that transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it irresistible for both kids and adults.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with various toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or avocado, allowing each person to create their perfect bowl of comforting, hearty chili.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Enchilada Chili

• Ground Beef: A rich, hearty protein that provides the main body of the chili with deep flavor and substance. Choose lean beef for less grease..
• Bacon (Optional): Adds smoky, salty depth to the overall dish..

• Black Beans, Pinto Beans: Creamy legumes that add protein, texture, and earthiness. Use canned beans for convenience..
• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the chili. White or yellow onions work best..
• Garlic: Offers a pungent, bold flavor that enhances the overall taste profile..
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, acidity, and a fresh tomato base to the chili..

• Enchilada Sauce: Brings authentic Mexican-style seasoning and rich, tangy flavor..
• Chili Powder: Provides warm, slightly spicy foundation for the chili..
• Cumin: Adds earthy, warm undertones typical in Mexican cuisine..
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky complexity to the dish..
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing other flavors..
• Beef Broth: Creates a liquid base and adds additional depth to the chili..

• Shredded Cheese: Melts creamy and adds rich, tangy flavor. Sharp cheddar or Mexican blend work well..
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, clean garnish..
• Sour Cream, Avocado, Tortilla Chips: Optional toppings for added texture.

Simple Instructions For Cheesy Enchilada Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until golden brown. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Pour in enchilada sauce and canned tomatoes, then stir in black beans and pinto beans. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Simmer for Depth

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let the chili simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with extra cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and diced avocado. Serve alongside tortilla chips.

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Cheesy Enchilada Chili brings zesty southwestern comfort to dinner tables with bold spices and rich flavors. Melted cheese and tender meat create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10 oz/300 ml) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips or strips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein base by searing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, fragmenting the meat into small, uniform pieces until it achieves a rich, caramelized exterior.
2. Infuse aromatic depth by incorporating finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
3. Introduce leguminous elements including black and pinto beans, creating a robust textural foundation for the chili.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and their natural juices, complemented by a hearty enchilada sauce and savory broth to establish a complex liquid profile.
5. Elevate the flavor landscape by sprinkling a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and seasoning agents, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, permitting ingredients to intermingle and concentrate their flavors over approximately 20 minutes.
7. Integrate shredded cheese incrementally, stirring until it melts seamlessly and creates a luxuriously creamy consistency.
8. Transfer the steaming chili into serving vessels, crowning each portion with additional cheese and optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or crisp tortilla chips.

Notes

• Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility, ensuring a cleaner taste and better texture.
• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers robust flavor.
• Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and check bean labels to make this dish completely gluten-free and celiac-friendly.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for spice lovers who want an extra kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg