If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a rich, creamy broth bursting with the smoky warmth of enchilada sauce, tender ground beef, and fresh veggies, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melty cheese. It’s like your favorite enchilada reinvented as a soul-satisfying bowl of soup that comes together effortlessly in just about 35 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch with friends, this soup hits all the right notes, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to bringing this delightful soup to life. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory ground beef that adds heartiness to the creamy cheese that smooths every bite. The freshness of the vegetables and the kick from the enchilada sauce and seasoning create a perfect balance in every spoonful.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides the rich, meaty base packed with flavor and protein.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef and softens the vegetables without overpowering the dish.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Adds depth and a savory background to the soup’s robust flavor.
- Enchilada sauce (1 10 oz can): Inspires the soup’s signature spicy, tangy, and smoky notes.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, cubed): Melts in to create a luscious, creamy texture that comforts every bite.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 10 oz can): Brings a lovely zing and subtle heat, plus a bit of color.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Infuses a savory aroma and flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Yellow onion (1, chopped): Adds sweet and earthy undertones while softening in the soup.
- Bell pepper (1, chopped): Offers freshness and a gentle crunch to contrast the creamy broth.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Provides bursts of sweetness and a playful texture.
- Taco seasoning (2 tablespoons): The secret spice blend that brings warmth and complexity.
- Broken tortilla chips or strips: Used for garnish to add satisfying crunch and that classic enchilada flair.
- Sour cream: Cool and tangy topping that balances the heat.
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar): Melts beautifully on top, enriching every spoonful.
- Lime wedges (optional): A fresh squeeze brightens the entire bowl.
- Chopped cilantro: Adds an herbaceous pop and vibrant color.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and cook it until browned, making sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. This step builds a savory foundation, so take your time to get nice, even browning. When done, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook these together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness. This mix adds fresh layers of flavor and texture that complement the meat perfectly.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Bring the entire mixture to a simmer, letting those bold spices and bright tomatoes mingle with the beef broth to create a tantalizing base for your enchilada soup.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese and Enchilada Sauce
Now for the magic touch: add the cubed cream cheese and the enchilada sauce to the pot. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully into the soup, transforming it into a silky, creamy masterpiece that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer with Corn
Finally, fold in the frozen corn and let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step gives the corn a chance to heat through while the flavors meld into one harmonious, irresistible bowl of goodness.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is perfectly blended and piping hot, ladle the soup into bowls ready to be dressed up with your favorite toppings and garnishes. This is where Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe truly becomes a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings elevate this soup from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle broken tortilla chips or strips on top for delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy soup. Add a generous handful of shredded cheese so it melts invitingly, a dollop of sour cream for a cool tang, fresh cilantro for brightness, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime juice to awaken the flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or warm, fluffy cornbread to soak up every last drop. Chips and guacamole on the side can also complement the Mexican-inspired flavor profile perfectly. Keep the sides simple so the soup continues to shine front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in mini cast iron skillets or rustic mugs to give guests a fun, personal experience. Layering with extra crunchy tortilla chip crumbles inside the bowl before pouring in the soup adds an unexpected texture surprise. Garnish with colorful bell pepper slices or a swirl of sour cream designs to make it Instagram-ready!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe tastes just as good the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making reheated bowls even more satisfying.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember that tortilla chip toppings should be added fresh when serving, to maintain their crispness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even warming. If the soup thickens too much upon standing, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you must, heat in short increments, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well if you prefer a leaner protein, though the flavor will be slightly milder. You might want to add an extra pinch of taco seasoning to compensate for the lighter taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or cooked black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The enchilada sauce and spices bring great flavor, so your vegetarian version will still be satisfying and hearty.
What kind of enchilada sauce works best in this soup?
Look for a quality red enchilada sauce with a balance of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy notes. Homemade works if you have it, but good store-bought sauces from the Mexican section of your grocery store are perfect and convenient.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Totally! Add extra diced green chilies, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some chopped jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. Just taste as you go to keep the heat level where you enjoy it.
How thick or thin should the soup be?
This soup should have a creamy but slightly brothy consistency. It’s thickened by the cream cheese but not as dense as a stew. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more beef broth or a splash of water until it reaches your desired texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to cozy meals. It’s a delightful blend of familiar favorite flavors with the ease of a one-pot dish, perfect for feeding family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for a bowl full of comfort and joy you’ll want to savor again and again!
Print
Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Enchilada Soup made with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and a mix of vegetables. This creamy, comforting soup is quick to prepare and topped with crunchy tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 10 oz can enchilada sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Toppings
- Broken tortilla chips or strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup less greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning followed by the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies and the beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Cream Cheese and Enchilada Sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese and the enchilada sauce to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture throughout.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the frozen corn to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish each serving with broken tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a lighter soup.
- Adjust taco seasoning quantity to your spice preference.
- Use sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for rich flavor.
- The cream cheese adds a creamy texture; ensure it melts completely before serving.
- Add more beef broth if you prefer a thinner soup consistency.
- Optional lime wedges add a nice acidity and brighten the flavors.
