Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you love slow-cooked flavors, check out our Easy Beef Recipes for more delicious ideas.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works great as a lighter alternative. You might also enjoy our Hominy Recipes for more Mexican-inspired flavors.

What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of tomato sauce and extra chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex flavors, you may also love these Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs .

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your enchilada sauce and tortilla strips are certified gluten-free. For more meal inspiration, check out our Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes . This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is everything you want in a comforting, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a cozy dinner, this one is a guaranteed hit!

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Ground beef – Adds rich, meaty flavor.; Onion – Brings depth and sweetness.; Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor.; Diced tomatoes – Adds a tangy and hearty texture.; Tomato paste – Provides concentrated tomato richness.; Enchilada sauce – Infuses the dish with bold, smoky flavors.; Beef broth – Keeps the chili thick yet slightly saucy.; Black beans – Adds creaminess and protein.; Kidney beans – Gives extra texture and heartiness.; Corn kernels – Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.; Chili powder – The essential chili seasoning.; Cumin – Adds a smoky, earthy depth.; Paprika – Provides mild heat and a touch of sweetness.; Oregano – Gives an herby background note.; Salt & black pepper – To taste.; Shredded cheese – Melts into the chili and adds creaminess.; Tortilla strips – Optional, but adds a nice crunch.; Fresh cilantro – For a fresh, vibrant garnish.; Sour cream – A cool contrast to the spice.

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is the ultimate fusion of bold Tex-Mex flavors and hearty chili comfort. Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, this one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy nights, game days, or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal. Serve it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or over rice for a deliciously filling dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

Ground beef – Adds rich, meaty flavor.
Onion – Brings depth and sweetness.
Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor.
Diced tomatoes – Adds a tangy and hearty texture.
Tomato paste – Provides concentrated tomato richness.
Enchilada sauce – Infuses the dish with bold, smoky flavors.
Beef broth – Keeps the chili thick yet slightly saucy.

Beans & Corn

Black beans – Adds creaminess and protein.
Kidney beans – Gives extra texture and heartiness.
Corn kernels – Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

Spices & Seasoning

Chili powder – The essential chili seasoning.
Cumin – Adds a smoky, earthy depth.
Paprika – Provides mild heat and a touch of sweetness.
Oregano – Gives an herby background note.
Salt & black pepper – To taste.

Toppings

Shredded cheese – Melts into the chili and adds creaminess.
Tortilla strips – Optional, but adds a nice crunch.
Fresh cilantro – For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Sour cream – A cool contrast to the spice.

Instructions

Brown the beef – In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Sauté the aromatics – Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the seasonings – Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Incorporate tomatoes & sauce – Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and enchilada sauce. Stir well to combine.
Simmer with broth & beans – Pour in the beef broth, then add the black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Melt in the cheese – Stir in half of the shredded cheese and let it melt into the chili.
Serve & garnish – Ladle the chili into bowls, top with the remaining cheese, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For extra thickness, let the chili simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Slow cooker method – After browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for extra beans or plant-based crumbles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: enchilada chili, cheesy chili, ground beef chili, tex-mex chili, one-pot chili, enchilada soup, beef enchilada recipe, chili with beans, easy chili recipe