If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with flavor, this Beef Enchilada Soup is exactly what you need. It combines tender ground beef with wholesome beans, sweet corn, and zesty green chiles, all swimming in a rich enchilada-flavored broth. You’ll find it’s a perfect dish to warm up your evenings or impress your family with minimal effort. This recipe is straightforward to prepare, packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, and can be customized with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Soup
There are plenty of reasons to add this soup to your regular meal rotation. First, it’s incredibly satisfying — the blend of ground beef and hearty beans makes it filling enough to serve as a complete meal. The enchilada sauce creates a deep, savory base that is both tangy and mildly spicy, appealing to anyone who loves Mexican flavors without overwhelming heat. You also benefit from its quick prep and cook times, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile; whether you want to keep it simple or jazz it up with toppings and sides, this soup adapts well to your taste. It’s a family favorite that everyone can enjoy together.
Ingredients You Need for Beef Enchilada Soup
To make this soup, you’ll gather ingredients that blend perfectly to create its rich taste:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) red enchilada sauce
- 1 jar (32 oz) beef bone broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, with juice
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, with juice
Optional toppings to bring your soup to life:
- Corn tortillas, sliced into strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How to Make Your Beef Enchilada Soup
Making this soup is simple and straightforward. Start by cooking the ground beef and onion together. Brown the meat over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, then drain away any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming oily.
Next, add your beef bone broth, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and green chiles right into the skillet or transfer everything to a large pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil to get those flavors mingling, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the ingredients meld perfectly and the soup thickens slightly.
When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and prepare your toppings. The crispy corn tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch, while the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese add creamy and cheesy layers of flavor. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbal brightness. Mix and match these toppings to suit your preferences and enjoy every spoonful.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Soup
This soup shines when served warm and accompanied by simple sides that complement its bold flavors. For an easy meal, serve it with warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips on the side for dipping. A crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice also pairs beautifully and adds balance to the meal.
If you want to turn this into a festive gathering, set out bowls of sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Let everyone customize their soup just the way they like it. This interactive way of serving makes dinner feel special and fun, especially for family and friends.
Leftover soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to prepare a larger batch. It’s perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner when you’re short on time.
Expert Tips to Perfect Your Beef Enchilada Soup
To get the best results from this recipe, keep a few tips in mind. When browning your ground beef, avoid stirring too frequently so it can develop a nice texture and slight caramelization for richer flavor. Draining the excess grease is important to keep the broth from getting too heavy or greasy.
Using a good quality enchilada sauce makes a big difference — look for one that is flavorful but not overly salty or spicy. If you prefer milder heat, start with less taco seasoning and green chiles and adjust to taste.
For added depth, you can sauté your onion first until soft before adding the beef. This extra step brings out natural sweetness that balances the spices well.
If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Conversely, if you want it thinner, add a splash more beef broth.
Finally, always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
How to Store Your Leftover Beef Enchilada Soup
When you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container once it cools down to room temperature. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly.
If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
Avoid freezing with toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro — add those fresh when serving after reheating.
Variations to Try With Beef Enchilada Soup
This soup is a great base to customize however you like. Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with extra beans, diced bell peppers, or even textured vegetable protein.
Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for more color and nutrition. If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
For a creamier texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
Change up your toppings to include sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy finish. Each variation allows you to enjoy the soup in a fresh new way every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Enchilada Soup
What makes this soup taste like enchiladas?
The key ingredients are the red enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. They bring that classic Mexican flavor profile which gives the soup its enchilada-inspired taste.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance, and the flavors actually improve overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and green chiles. You can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or milder chiles.
Can I use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade beef broth works great and can add extra richness to your soup.
What are the best toppings for this soup?
Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips are classic choices. Feel free to add avocado or lime juice for extra flavor.
Beef Enchilada Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot or Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 whole onion diced
- 2 cans red enchilada sauce 14.5 oz each
- 1 jar beef bone broth 32 oz
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz, with juice
- 1 can sweet corn 15 oz, drained
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, with juice
- 1 can green chiles 4 oz, with juice
- Optional toppings corn tortillas, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot or skillet, cook 2 pounds of ground beef and 1 diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 1 jar of beef bone broth, 2 cans of enchilada sauce, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of sweet corn, 1 can of black beans, and 1 can of green chiles to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!