Description
Warm, hearty, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor, this Cheesy Enchilada Chili is a one-pot comfort food masterpiece. It combines tender ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese into a chili that’s both satisfying and irresistibly cheesy. Serve it with chips, cornbread, or over rice for a dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
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Ingredients
For the Chili:
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1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
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1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)
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1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
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1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
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2 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Finish:
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Optional: 2 oz cream cheese for extra creaminess
Optional Toppings:
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Sour cream
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Chopped green onions
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Fresh cilantro
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Sliced jalapeños
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Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned—about 5–7 minutes.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, and broth.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
For an ultra-creamy chili, mix in cream cheese as well.
Stir until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the cheesy enchilada chili into bowls.
Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, and crushed chips if desired.
Notes
Use Quality Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Simmer Longer – The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
Add Cream Cheese – It adds a luscious, creamy texture.
Don’t Skip the Enchilada Sauce – It’s the secret to the Tex-Mex flavor twist.
Balance the Heat – Adjust with jalapeños or hot sauce as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American