Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef | 3 Easy Steps

Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef | 3 Easy Steps

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to warm you up on a chilly evening or to satisfy a hearty craving. And when you add enchilada sauce and ground beef into the mix, you get a dish that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. In this article, you’ll learn how to make a chili recipe with enchilada sauce and ground beef in three simple steps—plus some tips and tricks to elevate your dish even further.

So, if you’re ready for a rich, satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare, keep reading. By the end, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious chili like a pro!

Why Use Enchilada Sauce in Chili?

You may be wondering, why enchilada sauce in chili? Isn’t chili typically made with its own set of spices and tomatoes? While classic chili recipes are fantastic, using enchilada sauce brings something unique to the table—literally!

Enchilada sauce adds a depth of flavor that’s smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy. Whether you choose red or green enchilada sauce, it complements the other ingredients perfectly. Here are a few reasons why you should try adding enchilada sauce to your chili:

• Flavor Complexity: Enchilada sauce is made with ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, which blend together to create a rich, multi-dimensional flavor. This adds an extra layer to your chili.
• Smoky and Tangy: The smokiness of the sauce, especially if you use a red enchilada sauce, balances out the richness of the beef and beans, while the tangy notes cut through the heaviness, keeping the chili bright.
• Quick and Easy: Enchilada sauce brings an immediate boost of flavor, saving you time on prepping individual spices and seasonings.

If you love Tex-Mex flavors or just want to spice up your usual chili, this addition is the perfect twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

Before you get started, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this flavorful chili. The best part? It’s super simple and uses common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s the rundown:

Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef: About 1 lb of lean ground beef will do the trick. You can use regular ground beef for extra richness, but lean ground beef will reduce the fat content without sacrificing too much flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce: You’ll need 1 can (15 oz) of your favorite enchilada sauce. Red enchilada sauce will give your chili a smoky, slightly sweet flavor, while green enchilada sauce adds a tangier, zesty profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes (15 oz) adds juiciness to the chili and helps to balance the heat from the enchilada sauce.
• Kidney Beans: A can of these hearty 15 oz beans is ideal for making chili.They absorb all the amazing flavors while providing a hearty texture.
• Onion: Dice up a medium onion to provide a savory base to your chili.
• Garlic: Mince 2 cloves of garlic to boost the flavor and aroma of your chili.
• Chili Powder and Cumin: These classic chili spices (1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin) are the backbone of the flavor profile. You can add more if you prefer a spicier chili.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust these to taste.

Optional Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Mild or sharp cheddar, or even a Mexican cheese blend, will melt beautifully on top of your chili.
• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy sour cream is perfect for balancing the heat and adding richness.
• Chopped Cilantro: A fresh sprinkle of cilantro can add a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the chili.
• Diced Avocado: For an extra touch of creaminess, add diced avocado just before serving.

Ingredient Table: Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

How to Make Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef (3 Easy Steps)

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to make this delicious chili. The best part? It only takes three simple steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

The first step is to create the foundation of your chili. Begin by warming a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced onion and garlic, and sauté them until fragrant and softened—this should take about 3-4 minutes. The onion should be translucent, and the garlic will start to smell incredible.

Once the onions and garlic are ready, it’s time to add your ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Be sure to stir often to avoid burning. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat, and you’ll be ready to move on.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Next, it’s time to bring the chili together. Add the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the beef is evenly distributed.

Now it’s time to add the spices: chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix these in and taste to check if any adjustments are needed. You can always add more chili powder for an extra kick or more cumin for depth. The great thing about chili is that it’s highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own!

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to combine and develop. Stir occasionally, and taste again to see if you want to add any more seasonings.

Once the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls, and top it with any of the optional toppings you love—shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado all make excellent choices.

Tips for Perfect Chili

If you want to elevate your chili, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These tomatoes are roasted before being canned, which gives them a smoky, rich flavor that will enhance the depth of your chili.
• Let It Simmer Longer: While 20-30 minutes will do the job, simmering your chili for longer—up to 1 hour—allows the flavors to really develop and intensify.
• Add a Sweet Element: If you enjoy a little sweetness with your chili, consider adding a small amount of sugar, honey, or even a bit of dark chocolate to balance out the heat and acidity.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken make great options for a lighter chili. Be sure to brown the meat well before adding the remaining ingredients. For a vegetarian option, you could also use plant-based ground meat or simply load up on beans and vegetables.

What Kind of Enchilada Sauce Should I Use?

Both red and green enchilada sauces are great options. Red enchilada sauce tends to be a bit smokier, while green enchilada sauce brings a tangier, slightly spicier profile. Choose whichever you prefer or even try a blend of both for a unique flavor.

Can I Make This Chili in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! If you’d like to make this recipe in a slow cooker, start by browning the ground beef, onions, and garlic on the stove. Then, transfer everything into the slow cooker along with the enchilada sauce, tomatoes, beans, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker will allow the flavors to blend even more.

Conclusion: Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef

This chili recipe with enchilada sauce and ground beef is a game-changer, offering a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. With just three easy steps, you can prepare a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish will hit the spot.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, feel free to experiment with different toppings, seasonings, or even types of meat. The options are limitless, and the result is always delicious. Ready to give it a try? Head to your kitchen and get cooking!