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Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef
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This Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish combining hearty ground beef with smoky, tangy enchilada sauce. Easy and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. With bold spices and the option to add beans or veggies, it’s a versatile, freezer-friendly meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1 jalapeño, chopped or red pepper flakes (for extra spiciness)
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini
  • Cheese for topping (Monterey Jack, queso fresco, cheddar)
  • Fresh garnishes: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates the flavorful foundation for your chili.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Add Spices and Enchilada Sauce: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the spices toast for about a minute. Pour in the enchilada sauce and canned tomatoes, mixing everything together thoroughly.
  4. Simmer the Chili: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and monitoring consistency.
  5. Add Beans or Optional Ingredients: If using, stir in beans or chosen vegetables during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking so they remain tender but retain some texture.

Notes

  • Use quality enchilada sauce for authentic flavor and good tomato quality.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef as it intensifies flavor through caramelization.
  • Simmer low and slow to develop a richer, deeper taste.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and tweaking salt, pepper, or spice levels for balance.
  • Double the batch and freeze leftovers for easy future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, enchilada sauce, ground beef, easy chili recipe, hearty meal, freezer friendly, Mexican-inspired, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/chili-recipe-with-enchilada-sauce-and-ground-beef/