This Cheesy Enchilada Chili is a rich and hearty dish that combines classic chili flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Packed with seasoned ground beef, velvety queso, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso (15 oz)
- 1 can potato soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
- 1 can fire-roasted diced green chilis (4 oz)
- 1 1/4 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Add the water and stir well, allowing the seasoning to coat the meat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Add the Creamy Elements: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Salsa Con Queso, potato soup, sour cream, diced green chilis, and beef broth. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The queso will melt into the chili, creating a thick, creamy base.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and the chili thicken to the perfect consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. If the chili is too thick, add a little more broth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Ideas
- With Tortilla Chips: Great for dipping and scooping.
- Over Rice: Makes the dish even heartier.
- Topped with Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread complements the chili’s spice.
- Stuffed in Baked Potatoes: A fun twist for a loaded potato night.
- In Bread Bowls: A cozy presentation perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool the chili completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the chili if necessary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under an hour.
- Ultra Creamy: The queso and sour cream create a velvety texture.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Versatile: Works as a main dish, dip, or even a burrito filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
This Cheesy Enchilada Chili is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re ladling it into bowls or scooping it with tortilla chips, every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. Give this recipe a try — it might just become your new go-to comfort meal.
20 Tips to Make Cheesy Enchilada Chili Perfect
- Use Fresh Spices: Swap store-bought taco seasoning for a homemade blend to control flavor intensity.
- Brown the Beef Well: Let the ground beef develop a deep, rich flavor by browning it thoroughly.
- Drain Excess Grease: If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before adding seasonings to prevent a greasy chili.
- Add Garlic and Onion: Saute garlic and onion with the beef for added depth of flavor.
- Roast Your Own Chilis: For a smoky touch, roast fresh green chilis instead of using canned ones.
- Balance the Creaminess: Adjust sour cream to taste — add more for a richer chili or less for a lighter option.
- Try Different Queso: Experiment with various queso brands or even homemade queso for unique tastes.
- Thicken or Thin as Needed: Add more broth to thin or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the chili to your liking.
- Slow Cook for Depth: Let the chili simmer longer to intensify flavors — or use a slow cooker.
- Char Your Veggies: Slightly char diced bell peppers or corn to enhance the smoky notes.
- Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Swap potato soup for fire-roasted tomatoes for a heartier chili base.
- Incorporate Beans: Add black or pinto beans for extra protein and texture.
- Layer the Seasoning: Season in stages to build a well-rounded, flavorful dish.
- Add Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Include Cilantro: Stir in fresh cilantro at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Use Leftover Taco Meat: Repurpose leftover taco-seasoned meat for a faster prep time.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne or chipotle powder if you prefer extra heat.
- Try a Different Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor profile.
- Top with Crunch: Serve with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for added texture.
- Double the Batch: This chili freezes well, so make extra for an easy future meal.
20 Delicious Variations of Cheesy Enchilada Chili
- Chicken Enchilada Chili: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the meat and add extra beans, corn, and bell peppers.
- Pork Carnitas Chili: Use slow-cooked, shredded pork for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Chorizo Chili: Replace beef with chorizo for a bold, spicy kick.
- Tex-Mex Chili: Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilis.
- Creamy White Chili: Substitute queso with white queso and use ground turkey.
- Southwest Chili: Toss in diced sweet potatoes and swap potato soup for cream of corn.
- BBQ-Style Chili: Add a splash of BBQ sauce and smoked paprika for a smoky-sweet variation.
- Loaded Chili: Top with avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and shredded cheese.
- One-Pot Pasta Chili: Stir in cooked pasta for a chili-mac hybrid.
- Street Corn Chili: Add charred corn, cotija cheese, and Tajín seasoning.
- Buffalo Chili: Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.
- Breakfast Chili: Serve over crispy hash browns or with fried eggs on top.
- Sweet & Spicy Chili: Add diced pineapple and a dash of honey for a balanced flavor.
- Beer Chili: Replace some broth with a light Mexican beer for extra depth.
- Cajun Chili: Use andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning for a Southern flair.
- Zesty Lime Chili: Finish with extra lime juice and zest for a citrusy punch.
- Taco Bowl Chili: Serve over rice or quinoa with taco toppings.
- Bacon Chili: Add crispy bacon bits for extra savory richness.
- Stuffed Pepper Chili: Use this chili as a filling for roasted bell peppers.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cheesy Enchilada Chili
- Can I make this chili ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better the next day!
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- What if I don’t like sour cream? Swap it for Greek yogurt or leave it out for a less creamy chili.
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground or shredded chicken works great.
- How do I make it spicier? Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
- Can I use Velveeta instead of queso? Yes, melted Velveeta adds extra creaminess.
- What sides go well with this? Cornbread, tortilla chips, or garlic bread.
- Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
- Is there a dairy-free option? Use dairy-free queso and skip the sour cream.
- Can I add veggies? Definitely — try bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- What if my chili is too thick? Add more broth or a splash of milk.
- Can I use ground turkey? Yes, turkey works as a leaner alternative to beef.
- How long does it last in the fridge? Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Can I use homemade queso? Absolutely, homemade queso adds a personal touch.
- What cheese melts best? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
- Can I skip the potato soup? Yes, but it helps with texture and creaminess.
- What toppings work best? Cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, avocado, and extra cheese.
- Can I add rice or pasta? Yes, cooked rice or pasta can make it heartier.
- What if I don’t have taco seasoning? Use chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
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Can I turn this into a dip? Yes, reduce the broth and serve it warm with chips.