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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Infuse aromatic depth by incorporating finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
- Introduce leguminous elements including black and pinto beans, creating a robust textural foundation for the chili.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and their natural juices, complemented by a hearty enchilada sauce and savory broth to establish a complex liquid profile.
- Elevate the flavor landscape by sprinkling a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and seasoning agents, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- 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.
- Integrate shredded cheese incrementally, stirring until it melts seamlessly and creates a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- 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