Cheesy Comfort Bowl

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This fusion dish combines classic chili elements with enchilada flavors, featuring ground beef, queso sauce, and vegetables for a hearty, cheesy meal.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:46 GMT
A bowl of flavorful chili, topped with melted cheese and cilantro, is being scooped up with a tortilla chip. Pin it
A bowl of flavorful chili, topped with melted cheese and cilantro, is being scooped up with a tortilla chip. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my family's new favorite - Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Chili! It's like your favorite enchiladas and hearty chili had a delicious baby. Every time I make this my kitchen fills with the most amazing aromas and everyone comes running to grab a bowl.

What Makes This Special

I love how this dish combines two comfort food favorites into something even better. The creamy cheesy base with that smoky enchilada sauce and hearty beef and beans just works magic together. Plus it all happens in one pot makes cleanup a breeze.

What You'll Need

  • Ground Beef: One pound nice and browned creates our base.
  • Taco Seasoning: Two tablespoons homemade is best.
  • Salsa Con Queso: One jar makes everything creamy cheesy.
  • Potato Soup: One can adds such nice richness.
  • Sour Cream: One and quarter cups for tang.
  • Broths: Both beef and chicken create depth.
  • Green Chiles: Fire-roasted gives that perfect kick.
  • Black Beans: One can drained adds protein.
  • Corn: Two to three cups frozen works great.
  • Cilantro: Fresh chopped brightens everything up.
A bowl of chili topped with melted cheese and cilantro, with a tortilla chip being lifted out. Pin it
A bowl of chili topped with melted cheese and cilantro, with a tortilla chip being lifted out. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Cook Together

Start With The Beef
Brown it up in your dutch oven drain off any extra fat we want it nice and lean.
Season It Right
Mix in that taco seasoning splash of water let it get all saucy and thick.
Build The Base
In goes our queso potato soup sour cream both broths whisk until silky smooth.
Add The Goodies
Time for chiles beans corn and fresh cilantro makes it colorful and hearty.
Let It Simmer
This is where the magic happens let those flavors mingle at least 30 minutes.

Time To Serve

I love serving this piping hot with extra cilantro on top and those Multigrain Tostitos Scoops for scooping up all that goodness. Want to make it a meal? Add a fresh salad or some Mexican rice on the side. And don't forget the toppings - shredded cheese jalapeños maybe some creamy guacamole makes every bowl special.

My Best Tips

Give it at least that 30 minutes to simmer trust me it makes all the difference. Like it spicy? Add more of those fire-roasted chiles or a pinch of cayenne. And use fresh taco seasoning the flavors are so much better than the old stuff in your pantry.

A close-up of a bowl of chili topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, with a tortilla chip scooping some of the chili. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of chili topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, with a tortilla chip scooping some of the chili. | cookingwithcasey.com

Keep It Fresh

This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge about four days or freeze it up to three months. When you're ready for more warm it slowly on the stove stirring now and then. Need to thin it out? Just add a splash of broth brings it right back to life.

Mix It Up

Try ground turkey if you're keeping it light or plant-based meat works great too. Sometimes I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein. Love trying different toppings those caramelized onions are amazing and a dash of hot sauce takes it to another level.

Perfect For Everything

This chili fits every occasion quick weeknight dinner game day gathering family potluck you name it. It's that perfect comfort food that brings everyone to the table and always gets people asking for the recipe.

Why You'll Fall In Love

There's something about that creamy cheesy texture with those bold enchilada flavors that just works. It's easy enough for beginners packed with good stuff and you can make it your own. No wonder it's become one of my most requested recipes all year round.

A bowl of chili topped with cheese and cilantro, with a tortilla chip lifting a portion, showcasing a gooey, melted cheese pull. Pin it
A bowl of chili topped with cheese and cilantro, with a tortilla chip lifting a portion, showcasing a gooey, melted cheese pull. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this lighter?
Yes, use ground turkey instead of beef and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also use reduced-fat cheese sauce.
→ How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broth.
→ Why simmer for so long?
The extended simmering time allows flavors to meld together and develops a richer taste. However, the dish is still edible after shorter cooking time.
→ Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add more green chiles or include cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy queso sauce for extra heat.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this chili reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enchilada Chili

A hearty blend of ground beef, cheese sauce, and vegetables creating a rich and satisfying chili with Mexican-inspired flavors.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef.
02 1/2 cup water.
03 2 tablespoons taco seasoning.
04 15 oz jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso.
05 1 can cream of potato soup.
06 1 1/4 cups sour cream.
07 1 1/4 cups beef broth.
08 1/2 cup chicken broth.
09 1/2 can fire-roasted diced green chiles.
10 2-3 cups frozen corn.
11 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.
12 1 can black beans, drained.
13 Multigrain Tostitos Scoops for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook ground beef until almost done, about 3 minutes.

Step 02

Add water and taco seasoning, simmer until thickened.

Step 03

Combine queso, soup, sour cream, and broths until smooth.

Step 04

Stir in chiles, corn, beans, and cilantro.

Step 05

Cook on low 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 06

Garnish with cilantro and serve with chips.

Notes

  1. Can use turkey instead of beef.
  2. Adjustable thickness.
  3. Can be made spicier.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or large pot.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, sour cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 22 g