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Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

This Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef is a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for warming up any night. Combining pantry staples like ground beef, enchilada sauce, beans, and spices, it delivers a rich, smoky depth and hearty comfort. Quick to prepare and versatile, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, or meal prep, with customizable spice levels and options for vegetarian variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Beans

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauce & Liquids

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and break it apart into small crumbles. Cook until browned evenly and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner chili.
  3. Add Spices and Vegetables: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and diced bell peppers. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aromatic oils and enhance flavor complexity.
  4. Incorporate Enchilada Sauce and Tomatoes: Pour in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.
  5. Add Beans and Simmer: Fold in the drained beans and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, which thickens the chili and deepens its smoky flavor.

Notes

  • Brown the meat well to develop a richer flavor base.
  • Use a high-quality enchilada sauce for the best taste.
  • Simmer the chili gently to deepen flavors and achieve a hearty texture.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and adding salt, pepper, or extra spices as needed.
  • Let the chili rest; flavors improve when served the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, enchilada sauce, ground beef, one pot meal, hearty dinner, Mexican-inspired, comfort food, weeknight recipe