Prepare for a bowlful of cozy comfort that packs a punch of flavor and warmth: Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is a hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly zesty spin on the classic Tex-Mex favorite. Imagine all the bold, saucy depth of your go-to enchilada plate, but in a spoonable, soul-hugging soup form—the kind of meal that wins over fans of all ages and has everyone clamoring for seconds. Whether you’re whipping this up for a busy weeknight or craving a crowd-pleasing dish, Ground Beef Enchilada Soup delivers pure satisfaction from the very first bite.

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, yet every item brings its own magic to Ground Beef Enchilada Soup. From smoky spices to vibrant veggies, each part of this recipe adds layers of taste, texture, and eye-catching color, making this soup as fun to look at as it is to dig into.

Ground Beef: The flavorful backbone that makes the soup hearty and satisfying—lean or regular, choose your favorite.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, fruity base while helping to sauté the onion and garlic to sweet, fragrant perfection.
Yellow Onion: Diced and sautéed, it brings a gentle sweetness that balances the spices and beefiness.
Garlic: Just two cloves are enough to give the soup an instant aromatic lift.
Red Enchilada Sauce: The essential flavor bomb—choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
Black Beans: These add creaminess, protein, and a gorgeous pop of color to every spoonful.
Corn: Sweet and juicy, corn also gives little bursts of texture.
Diced Tomatoes (with juices): They form the fresh, tangy backbone of the soup base, keeping it vibrant.
Beef Broth: Rich and savory, it turns all those ingredients into a luscious, sippable bowl.
Ground Cumin: Delivers earthy, smoky depth that feels deeply “Tex-Mex”.
Chili Powder: Just enough to amp up color and flavor without overpowering.
Smoked Paprika: The secret ingredient for a subtle, irresistible hint of smokiness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple, essential seasonings to lift and balance the flavors.
Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into the soup for velvety richness and that signature cheesiness.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, crushed tortilla chips—let everyone customize their own bowl!

How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in your favorite big soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and let it soften for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another 30 seconds, just until it blooms with flavor. This aromatic base sets the stage for the rest of your delicious Ground Beef Enchilada Soup.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Scoot the onions and garlic to the side, then stir in the ground beef. Use your spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks, and give it time to brown all over—this brings out those deep, savory flavors that make the soup so hearty. If your beef releases extra fat, go ahead and drain most of it, so you get all of the taste without any greasiness.

Step 3: Add the Soup Base Ingredients

Now the fun begins! Pour in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the veggies, beans, and spices mingle with the beef so every bite gets those signature enchilada soup flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 15–20 minutes. This gives all the ingredients a chance to get to know each other, creating the deep, developed flavor profile that makes Ground Beef Enchilada Soup so craveable. Stir occasionally, and enjoy the scent wafting through your kitchen.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese. Stir steadily as the cheese melts right into the soup, creating that signature creamy, velvety finish. Once everything’s combined and irresistibly cheesy, give it a quick taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Dish Up and Top Off

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then let everyone garnish to their heart’s content—think dollops of sour cream, bright cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and a generous handful of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is all about big flavors and personal touches!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings for your Ground Beef Enchilada Soup! A spoonful of cool sour cream, a shower of fresh cilantro, rich avocado slices, or a scattering of tortilla chips transform each bowl into a fiesta of textures and tastes. Each person can customize their bowl for maximum enjoyment.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with sides like warm cornbread, cheese quesadillas, or a crisp green salad. The sides add a little extra variety and turn dinner into a cozy, family-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to bring extra pizzazz to your presentation? Serve Ground Beef Enchilada Soup in rustic bread bowls, top with a sprinkle of cotija cheese, or create a DIY toppings bar and let everyone design their own bowl. For parties, try mini servings in mugs or small cups—fun, interactive, and totally irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Enchilada Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in airtight containers and let the flavors deepen overnight—this soup gets even better the next day. Just remember, it thickens as it sits, so be ready to loosen it up with a splash of broth or water.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer star! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label clearly with the date, and stash it in the freezer for up to three months. When that inevitable craving strikes, you’ll have a homemade bowl of comfort ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. If it’s extra thick from chilling, add a bit of broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lighter swap that still delivers plenty of flavor. You can also try ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a new spin on this classic soup.

Is this soup spicy?

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup can be as mild or as fiery as you like. Using mild enchilada sauce keeps it gentle, but you can add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

The key is to use a certified gluten-free enchilada sauce, as some brands contain wheat. Double-check the labels on your broth and other canned ingredients too, and your soup will be completely gluten-free.

What cheese is best for melting into the soup?

A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar are both excellent choices—they melt smoothly and add just the right creamy, gooey finish. Pepper jack is great if you like a bit of spice!

Can I make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the beef and onion first, then add everything (except the cheese) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in the cheese at the end for a perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table, give Ground Beef Enchilada Soup a try. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and filled with flavor that gets even better the next day. Trust me—once you ladle up a bowl, you’ll want this recipe in your regular rotation!

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a bowl of hearty Ground Beef Enchilada Soup, a flavorful and comforting twist on classic enchiladas. This easy stovetop soup is packed with tender beef, beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican spices, finished off with a gooey cheese topping. Perfect for a cozy night in or to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Enchilada Soup:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (plus more for topping)

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream
Chopped cilantro
Avocado
Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

This soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or water to loosen leftovers.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired