Cheesy Enchilada Chili

Hearty, rich, and loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Enchilada Chili is a satisfying one-pot meal that brings the bold essence of enchiladas into a warm, comforting bowl. With tender beans, seasoned ground beef or turkey, and a velvety cheese-enriched enchilada base, it’s perfect for chilly nights, game day, or anytime you crave bold Tex-Mex comfort food.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Enchilada Flavor – All the classic enchilada taste in spoonable form.
Super Cheesy – A creamy, melty twist on traditional chili.
One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup and perfect for batch cooking.
Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and cheesy goodness.
Freezer-Friendly – Ideal for leftovers and future meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili Base:
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
1½ cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Finish:
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese or sour cream
Optional: ½ cup frozen corn or chopped jalapeños

For Serving:
Fresh cilantro or green onions
Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread
Avocado slices or lime wedges
Extra shredded cheese

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Chili
Stir in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and broth.
Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and let cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese (or sour cream) and shredded cheddar.
Mix until fully melted and creamy.
If adding corn or jalapeños, stir them in now and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Ladle chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—extra cheese, chips, herbs, avocado, or lime.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Enchilada Chili
Use a Mix of Beans – Adds variety in texture and color.
Go Smoky – Add chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Make It Creamier – Stir in more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Spice It Up – Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Meal Prep Ready – Doubles easily and tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions
With Cornbread – Sweet, crumbly cornbread pairs perfectly.
As a Dip – Serve with tortilla chips for a party-worthy starter.
Chili Mac – Spoon over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Loaded Nachos – Top tortilla chips and bake for chili cheese nachos.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Use as a topping for roasted spuds.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if thickened.
Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   Yes—shredded rotisserie chicken works great in place of ground meat.
2. Is this chili spicy?
   It’s mild as written. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely—skip the meat and use extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except cheese) and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Stir in cheese before serving.
5. How do I thicken it?
   Simmer uncovered longer, or mash some beans to naturally thicken the chili.

Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Enchilada Chili brings together everything you love about enchiladas and chili in one warm, comforting bowl. It’s loaded with flavor, wonderfully cheesy, and totally satisfying—perfect for family dinners, parties, or lazy Sundays. One taste, and this dish will become a regular on your meal plan!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 740mg

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