Description

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this Cheesy Enchilada Chili is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist! Combining all the flavors of classic enchiladas—savory ground beef, beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese—this chili is thick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or cozy weekend dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Blend:

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
½ cup cream cheese (softened)

For Toppings:

Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Diced avocado or guacamole
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Jalapeño slices
Crushed tortilla chips or strips

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 3: Add the Core Ingredients
Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, and broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to develop.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Reduce heat to low.
Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the chili is creamy and thick.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings: a dollop of sour cream, avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Use Full-Fat Cheese – It melts better and adds extra richness.
Simmer Low and Slow – Allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adjust Spice – Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños for more heat, or use mild enchilada sauce for a gentle kick.
Add Rice – For an even heartier chili, stir in 1 cup cooked rice at the end.
Use Rotisserie Chicken – Swap beef for shredded chicken for a tasty variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex