Description
Warm, bold, and deeply comforting, this Cheesy Enchilada Chili is everything you love about classic enchiladas—packed into a hearty bowl. With tender beans, juicy chicken or beef, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melty cheese stirred in, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for cozy nights, game days, or meal prepping your week.
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Ingredients
For the Chili:
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1 lb ground beef or shredded cooked chicken
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1 tbsp olive oil (only if using chicken)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
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1 cup chicken or beef broth
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp chili powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cheesy Finish:
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
Optional Toppings:
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Diced avocado
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Sliced jalapeños
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Fresh cilantro
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Tortilla strips or crushed chips
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Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
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If using ground beef: Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
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If using chicken: Heat oil in the pot and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add cooked shredded chicken afterward.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Seasonings
3. Add onion and garlic (if not already added). Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and broth.
5. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
8. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar and ½ cup Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
10. Ladle chili into bowls and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
11. Add your favorite toppings—sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro make it extra delicious.
12. Serve with tortilla strips or warm cornbread on the side.
Notes
Use Quality Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-packaged.
Simmer Slowly – Letting it simmer helps deepen the flavor.
Make It Spicier – Add cayenne or chopped green chilies for more heat.
Go Veggie – Skip the meat and double the beans or add quinoa for a plant-based version.
Batch Cook – Double the recipe and freeze half for a ready-made meal later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired American