How to make Enchilada Beef Chili

Chili is a dish that can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. At its core, it’s a comforting, one-pot meal that combines ground meat, beans, and a variety of spices. However, this chili recipe with enchilada sauce and ground beef is a unique twist on the classic. The enchilada sauce brings a deep, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the ground beef, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients for the Best Enchilada Chili

Ingredients Overview

To make this delicious chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Optional Add-ins

While the base recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it with a variety of optional add-ins to suit your taste preferences:

• Green Chilies: Add a can of diced green chilies for a mild, smoky flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet, crunchy texture and a pop of color.
• Jalapeños: For a bit of heat, dice 1-2 jalapeños and add them to the chili.
• Corn: A cup of frozen or canned corn can add a sweet, crunchy element to the dish.
• Zucchini or Squash: Diced zucchini or squash can add a subtle, earthy flavor and extra vegetables to your meal.

Spices and Seasonings

The spices and seasonings are what really bring this chili to life. Here’s a breakdown of the key spices and how they enhance the flavor:

• Chili Powder: This is the backbone of the spice blend, providing a warm, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor. It’s made from dried chili peppers, cumin, oregano, and other spices.
• Ground Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that complements the ground beef and enchilada sauce.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful red color to the chili. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These are essential for balancing the flavors and bringing out the natural richness of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Chili with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

Sautéing the Ground Beef

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. If you’re using jalapeños or green chilies, dice them as well.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
5. Season the Meat: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the meat with flavor.

Adding Enchilada Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir to combine with the beef and vegetables. The enchilada sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, bringing a rich, smoky flavor that sets this chili apart from traditional versions.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. If you’re using corn, zucchini, or squash, add them now as well.
3. Simmer the Chili: Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.

Simmering the Chili

1. Check the Consistency: After simmering for 30-40 minutes, check the consistency of the chili. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
3. Serve Hot: Once the chili has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Enchilada Chili

Adjusting Spice Levels

One of the great things about this chili recipe is its flexibility when it comes to spice levels. Here are some tips for making the chili mild or spicy:

• Mild: If you prefer a milder chili, omit the jalapeños and use mild green chilies. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder or use a milder variety.
• Spicy: For a spicier chili, add more jalapeños, use hot green chilies, or increase the amount of chili powder. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Adding Beans or Vegetables

While the recipe includes kidney beans and black beans, you can customize it with other beans or vegetables:

• Beans: If you prefer a different type of bean, such as pinto beans or white beans, feel free to substitute. You can also add more beans for a heartier chili.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and squash are great additions, but you can also try adding carrots, celery, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop Cooking

This chili can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, each method offering its own benefits:

• Slow Cooker: For a hands-off approach, brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the enchilada sauce, tomatoes, beans, and water, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Stovetop: The stovetop method allows for more control over the cooking process and is faster. It’s ideal if you want to make the chili in a shorter amount of time.

Delicious Toppings for Your Chili

Classic Toppings

No bowl of chili is complete without the right toppings. Here are some classic options:

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a must-have topping for chili. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor and a gooey texture.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy texture and a bit of saltiness to the dish.

Additional Toppings

For those who want to take their chili to the next level, here are some additional toppings to try:

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the smoky flavor of the enchilada sauce.
• Sliced Avocado: Sliced avocado brings a creamy, smooth texture and a mild, buttery flavor to the chili.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Making It a Meal

Chili is a hearty dish on its own, but you can turn it into a full meal with a few simple additions:

• Cornbread: Serve the chili with a side of warm, homemade cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chili.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili.
• Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve the chili over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa.

Enchilada Chili Variations

Keto and Low-Carb Version

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you can easily adapt this chili recipe:

• Omit the Beans: Skip the kidney beans and black beans to reduce the carb content.
• Add Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, add a cup of cooked cauliflower rice to the chili. It adds a similar texture to rice without the carbs.
• Use Low-Carb Toppings: Top the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado, which are all keto-friendly.

Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian version of this chili, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein:

• Plant-Based Ground Beef: Use a store-bought plant-based ground beef alternative, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Beef.
• Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP): Rehydrate TVP in water or vegetable broth and use it in place of the ground beef.
• Lentils: Cooked lentils can be used as a protein source and add a hearty, meaty texture to the chili.

Adding More Heat

If you’re a fan of spicy food, there are several ways to boost the heat in this chili:

• Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, such as Tabasco or sriracha, to the chili.
• Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chili for an extra kick.
• Extra Chilies: Use more jalapeños or hot green chilies, or add some dried red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Chili with enchilada sauce and ground beef is a comforting, flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. The unique combination of enchilada sauce and ground beef creates a rich, smoky flavor that sets this chili apart from traditional versions. Whether you’re making it on a cozy night in or serving it at a game day gathering, this chili is versatile enough to be customized to your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices, toppings, and cooking methods to find your perfect bowl of chili. We’d love to hear about your variations and tips in the comments below!