If you are craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and cozy comfort, this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine a rich, creamy soup brimming with seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and that unmistakable hint of enchilada sauce all melting together in a hearty broth. Each spoonful offers a mouthwatering blend of textures and zesty warmth, making it perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or simply whenever you want a delicious bowl of joy. This soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also comes together quickly, making it a true winner in both convenience and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable soup. Each element plays a crucial role, layering flavor, richness, and a little pop of color that makes the dish inviting and irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory base and satisfying protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps cook aromatics perfectly.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a flavorful, hearty liquid foundation for the soup.
- 1 10 oz can enchilada sauce: Brings authentic spice and deep, zesty flavor.
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed): Melts in for a wonderfully creamy texture.
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds freshness and gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses a robust aroma and subtle bite.
- 1 yellow onion (chopped): Softens and sweetens the soup base beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper (chopped): Offers a crisp, slightly sweet crunch and color.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Adds bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Elevates spices with a lively Mexican flair.
- Broken tortilla chips or strips: Provide delightful crunch and visual appeal as a topping.
- Sour cream: Adds cool creaminess to balance the heat.
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar): Melts deliciously to finish the soup.
- Lime wedges (optional): Squeeze for a fresh, tangy brightness that brightens every bite.
- Chopped cilantro: Garnishes with herbaceous freshness and vibrant green color.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks so every bite gets that rich, meaty texture. Once browned, make sure to drain any excess fat; this keeps the soup from becoming greasy and lets the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Into the same pot, toss in the chopped yellow onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant—this step brings a wonderful depth to the soup by unlocking natural sweetness and savory aroma.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now, stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Bring everything gently to a simmer, allowing those vibrant components to mingle and create a richly flavored base for your soup.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Enchilada Sauce
This is where the magic truly happens. Add the cubed cream cheese and the entire can of enchilada sauce to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the soup takes on a luscious, creamy consistency that feels indulgent but still perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Simmer with Corn
Throw the frozen corn into the pot, then let the soup simmer gently for another 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering lets all the flavors marry beautifully and the corn adds a satisfying sweetness and texture contrast that makes every spoonful interesting and fun to eat.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Give the soup one last stir, making sure everything is heated through and deliciously combined. Your Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls and garnished with all your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The fun of serving this soup lies in the finishing touches. Sprinkle broken tortilla chips or strips on top for wonderful crunch, add a generous handful of shredded cheese that melts into the warm broth, dollop with cool sour cream, scatter chopped cilantro for fresh, herbaceous notes, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty brightness that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips turns your meal into a full-on festive experience. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress and delight everyone at the table. Or create a “build-your-own topping” bar, letting guests personalize their bowls with avocado slices, jalapeño slices, or extra cheese for a fun and interactive dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup too! Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a comforting bowl any time you wish without much effort.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the creamy texture intact without curdling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works wonderfully here, though it may produce a slightly lighter flavor. Just brown it the same way and continue with the recipe as written.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level mainly depends on your enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies. It generally has a mild to moderate kick, but you can easily adjust it by selecting milder or hotter sauces or adding extra chili powder if you prefer bold heat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based protein or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative, and you’ll still get fantastic flavor and creaminess.
How thick is this soup supposed to be?
It should have a creamy, slightly thick texture thanks to the cream cheese, but still be ladle-friendly and broth-rich. If you want it thicker, you can let it simmer longer or add a little cornstarch slurry. If too thick, just thin it out with broth.
What toppings do you recommend besides the basics?
Besides tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and lime, consider avocado slices, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or even some crispy bacon bits to add an exciting crunch and smoky depth.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe is truly a spectacular blend of simplicity and bold flavor that will light up your dinner table any time of year. With its satisfying heartiness and comforting creaminess, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to make a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start simmering—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Ground Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup is a hearty and creamy Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal, it’s topped with classic garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and cilantro for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Garnishes
- Broken tortilla chips or strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Broth: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Add Cream Cheese and Enchilada Sauce: Incorporate the cubed cream cheese and enchilada sauce into the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy.
- Simmer Soup with Corn: Add the frozen corn to the pot, then simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes to let all ingredients meld together and the flavors deepen.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with broken tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot enchilada sauce and taco seasoning according to preference.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Add extra vegetables like black beans or jalapeños for variation.
