Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili Recipe

Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting dish, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili. This recipe combines the rich, bold flavors of enchiladas with the warm, savory goodness of chili, creating a dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd. Packed with ground beef, cheese, and a variety of spices, this chili will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this cheesy ground beef enchilada chili is sure to impress. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional chili, with the added bonus of gooey melted cheese and the perfect level of heat. Let’s jump into the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making this dish an absolute winner!

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Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before starting, make sure you have the following kitchen tools to make this dish:

Essential Tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener for the canned ingredients
• Knife and cutting board for dicing the onion and garlic
• Grater for shredding the cheese

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How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili

Making this chili is a breeze, and you can have it ready in under an hour. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful dish your whole family will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Remove any excess fat from the beef, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.

Adding the Chili Base

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook with the beef and onions for about 1 minute to bring out their flavors.
4. Add the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Adding the Cheese

6. Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have blended, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the chili is creamy and cheesy.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.

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Tips, Tricks, and Variations for the Perfect Chili

This cheesy ground beef enchilada chili is versatile, and there are several ways to make it your own. Here are a few tips and variations to consider:

Recipe Swaps and Variations:

• Different Meats: If you prefer ground turkey, chicken, or pork, feel free to swap out the ground beef. Ground turkey is a leaner option that still pairs well with the flavors of the chili.
• Spice Levels: If you like a spicier chili, you can add more chili powder, some cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce. For less heat, omit the green chilies or use mild enchilada sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and replace it with more beans or vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Shortcuts to Speed Up the Process:

• Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: Shredded cheese can be bought pre-packed, saving you the time of grating it yourself.
• Canned Beans: Using canned beans saves you the time of soaking and cooking dried beans, making the recipe faster.

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How to Store Leftovers and Reheat

This cheesy ground beef enchilada chili makes great leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storing Leftovers:

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Tips:

• To reheat, place the chili in a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.

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Pairing Suggestions

This cheesy chili pairs well with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are a few ideas:

Perfect Side Dishes:

• Tortilla Chips: Serve the chili with crunchy tortilla chips for a fun, snackable pairing.
• Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.
• Cornbread: A warm, buttery cornbread is an excellent side that complements the chili’s bold flavors.

Perfect Drink Pairings:

• Cold Beer: A light beer or pale ale pairs well with the richness of the chili.
• Iced Tea: Refreshing iced tea, either sweetened or unsweetened, is a great drink option for balancing out the chili’s heat.
• Lemonade: If you prefer a fruity drink, try pairing the chili with a refreshing glass of lemonade.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves rich, cheesy comfort food with a bit of a kick. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a game day party, or just when you’re craving something filling and delicious. The combination of ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish that will keep you coming back for more.

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