Name: Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, cilantro

There's nothing like the comforting aroma of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup simmering on the stove to make your home feel warm and inviting. This rich, hearty soup is packed with bold flavors, tender ground beef, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed a quick dinner solution that didn't skimp on flavor. With minimal prep time and ingredients I already had on hand, this soup quickly became a household favorite. Let me show you why this dish deserves a spot in your meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this vibrant and satisfying soup. It's more than just a meal—it's a lifesaver for busy days and a crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and a few pantry staples, you can have a flavorful dinner ready in under 30 minutes. No need to spend hours in the kitchen!

The flavor profile is out of this world. Imagine all the savory, zesty flavors of classic enchiladas, but in a cozy soup form. It’s a fiesta in a bowl that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

This soup is perfect for meal prep or freezer meals. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for batch cooking or a make-ahead weeknight dinner.

Finally, it's highly customizable. Whether you like your soup spicy or mild, loaded with toppings or simple and classic, this recipe adapts to your preferences effortlessly.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each component works together to create a harmonious balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness.

Ground beef serves as the hearty base of this soup. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or go for ground chuck for a richer flavor. Either way, be sure to drain excess fat for the best results.

Enchilada sauce is the star ingredient that brings all the enchilada-inspired flavors. Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience, or whip up a homemade version for an extra personal touch.

Black beans and corn add texture, color, and nutrition. Be sure to rinse and drain the beans to reduce excess sodium. For the corn, frozen or canned works equally well.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies give this soup its zesty kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead.

A blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder adds depth and warmth. These pantry staples make the soup irresistibly aromatic.

You’ll also need chicken or beef broth to create the perfect soup consistency. For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.

How To Make This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Making this soup is as easy as it gets! Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a steaming bowl of enchilada goodness in no time.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same pot, add a splash of oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Stir in the enchilada sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Add your spices—cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder—and mix well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked ground beef back into the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a creamier texture, stir in some sour cream or shredded cheese before serving.

Storage Options

This soup is a dream to store and reheat, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

When reheating frozen soup, heat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, to preserve its texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
Like it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Want to add more vegetables? Bell peppers, zucchini, or diced potatoes would be fantastic additions.
For a creamier soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the final simmer.
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner alternative.

With this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup recipe, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own—after all, the best recipes are the ones you love to create and share!