Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili 2025

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If you love the bold, comforting flavors of a Mexican dish, then get ready to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili. Imagine everything you love about enchiladas savory beef, melty cheese, and a rich, seasoned sauce transformed into a soul-warming chili. It’s like a Mexican enchilada met a cozy bowl of chili, and the result is pure magic.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s loaded with cheesy goodness, tender ground beef, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

Easy to make – One pot, minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Super cheesy – Inspired by Chuy’s cheese enchilada, this dish is packed with creamy, gooey cheese.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour this chili with gusto.
Great for leftovers – The flavors only get better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this chili rich, flavorful, and downright irresistible.

Ground beef – The heart of the dish, adding meaty richness.
Water – Helps mix in the seasoning perfectly.
Homemade taco seasoning – A blend of spices that gives this chili its authentic Mexican dish flavor.
Tostitos Salsa Con Queso – This is where the magic happens! It adds a creamy, cheesy kick.
Cream of potato soup – Thickens the chili and adds a comforting creaminess.
Sour cream – Balances the spice with a cool, tangy flavor.
Beef broth – Deepens the richness of the chili.
Chicken broth – Adds an extra layer of savory depth.
Fire-roasted diced green chiles – A little heat and smokiness.
Frozen corn – Adds a pop of sweetness and texture.
Fresh cilantro – Brings a fresh, herby contrast to the rich flavors.
Black beans – A classic chili ingredient that makes it even heartier.
Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips – The perfect crunchy companion!

📌 Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

1. Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add Seasonings & Liquids

Stir in the water and homemade taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef. Then, pour in the beef broth, chicken broth, and fire-roasted green chiles. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

3. Make It Creamy & Cheesy

Stir in the cream of potato soup, sour cream, and Tostitos Salsa Con Queso. Mix until smooth and well combined. The chili should start to thicken beautifully.

4. Add the Beans & Corn

Toss in the black beans and frozen corn, stirring to incorporate all the flavors. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow everything to meld together.

5. Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro. Ladle the chili into bowls, top with extra cilantro, and serve with Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips for dipping. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Variations

Spice it up! Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat.
Make it thicker by letting it simmer a bit longer or adding more sour cream.
Swap the protein – Ground turkey or chicken work just as well!
Want more veggies? Bell peppers or diced tomatoes would be delicious additions.

How to Serve

This Mexican enchilada chili is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try serving it with:

Warm flour or corn tortillas
A dollop of extra sour cream
Shredded cheese (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!)
Sliced avocado or guacamole

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

This cheesy, hearty enchilada chili combines the rich flavors of a Mexican dish with the comfort of a warm, flavorful bowl of chili.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Large pot

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef Browned and drained
1/2 cup Water For mixing seasoning
2 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning See note
15 oz Tostitos Salsa Con Queso Adds creamy cheese flavor
1 can Cream of Potato Soup For creaminess
1 1/4 cups Sour Cream To balance spice
1 1/4 cups Beef Broth Or 1 14.5 ounce can
1/2 cup Chicken Broth For added depth
1/2 can Fire Roasted Diced Green Chiles For mild heat
2-3 cups Frozen Corn For sweetness and texture
1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Fresh, plus more for garnish
1 can Black Beans Drained
Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips For serving

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in water and homemade taco seasoning. Mix well.
Add beef broth, chicken broth, and fire-roasted green chiles. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in cream of potato soup, sour cream, and Tostitos Salsa Con Queso until smooth.
Add black beans and frozen corn. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with Multigrain Tostitos Scoops Chips for dipping.

Notes

Adjust spice level by adding chopped jalapeño or hot sauce.

Keyword Chili, Enchilada, Mexican dish

Make Ahead & Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you!

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat!
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

Do you cook ground beef before adding it to chili?

Yes, always! Browning ground beef before adding it to chili enhances the flavor and removes excess fat. Cooking it first ensures the meat is properly cooked and develops a rich, savory taste that deepens the chili’s overall flavor.

How to make chili beef enchiladas?

To make chili beef enchiladas, cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and chili seasoning. Spread a spoonful of enchilada sauce on each tortilla, fill it with the beef mixture, and roll it up. Arrange them in a baking dish, pour more sauce on top, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for the best flavor!

What seasoning to use for beef enchiladas?

Classic seasonings include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also add cayenne or chipotle powder for a spicier kick, and a touch of cocoa powder or cinnamon can add depth to the flavor.

Do you use taco seasoning in enchiladas?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Taco seasoning often has a higher salt content and slightly different spice ratios compared to enchilada seasoning. If using taco seasoning, consider reducing the salt and adjusting with more chili powder, cumin, and oregano for a more authentic enchilada flavor.

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

The secret is layering flavors and using high-quality ingredients. A well-seasoned filling, a flavorful sauce (homemade if possible), and properly prepared tortillas (lightly fried or warmed) make all the difference. Don’t skimp on cheese, and always bake until everything is bubbling and perfectly melted.

Do restaurants use flour or corn tortillas for enchiladas?

Most authentic Mexican restaurants use corn tortillas because they hold up better and provide the traditional flavor and texture. However, some Tex-Mex or American-style restaurants may use flour tortillas for a softer, chewier bite.

Why do my tortillas get soggy when I make enchiladas?

Soggy tortillas usually happen when they absorb too much sauce or aren’t prepped correctly. To prevent this, lightly fry the tortillas in oil before filling them—this helps create a barrier that keeps them from getting too soft. Also, don’t over-soak them in sauce before baking.

Should I fry flour tortillas before making enchiladas?

If using corn tortillas, yes—lightly frying them prevents breakage and sogginess. If using flour tortillas, it’s not necessary, but warming them up helps make them pliable and less likely to tear.

What cheese for enchiladas?

The best cheeses for enchiladas are melty and flavorful. Good options include:
Mexican cheese blends (pre-shredded options work well)
Cheddar (sharp or mild for a richer taste)
Monterey Jack (creamy and mild)
Queso Oaxaca (melts beautifully)
Queso Fresco or Cotija (for crumbling on top after baking)

Conclusion Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is like a big, warm hug in a bowl—comforting, cheesy, and packed with all your favorite Mexican dish flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chili is guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab your spoon, load up on tortilla chips, and dig in!