The Ultimate One-Pot Beef Enchilada Soup: Hearty & Flavorful
Warm up with a bowl of this incredibly satisfying Beef Enchilada Soup, a recipe designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. This hearty soup is brimming with savory ground beef, tender sweet potatoes, and plump black beans, all simmered to perfection in a rich, bold, and perfectly spiced enchilada-flavored broth. It’s a comforting, filling, and family-friendly meal that comes together quickly in just one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You Will Love This Beef Enchilada Soup
This Beef Enchilada Soup recipe draws inspiration from a fan-favorite – the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. We’ve taken those beloved, comforting flavors and transformed them into an even more convenient and delightful soup experience. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, offering a delicious combination of textures and tastes that satisfies everyone.
What makes this enchilada soup truly special?
- Rich & Bold Flavor: The secret lies in a single can of red enchilada sauce, which infuses the broth with authentic, deep, and spicy notes without requiring a complex blend of many individual spices.
- Packed with Goodness: It’s loaded with lean protein from the ground meat and an abundance of nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Wholesome & Balanced: With sweet potatoes and black beans, this soup offers a fantastic balance of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, making it a complete meal in a bowl.
- Dairy-Free Friendly: For those with dietary restrictions, this soup is naturally dairy-free if you simply omit the optional cheese and sour cream toppings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single large pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference and customize with a variety of toppings to make each bowl uniquely yours.
Key Ingredients for Your Hearty Beef Enchilada Soup
Crafting this flavorful Beef Enchilada Soup requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that work together to create a harmonious and satisfying dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat. A good quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity depth to the base of the soup.
- Onion & Red Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor foundation. Dicing them small and evenly ensures they cook through consistently and blend seamlessly into the soup’s texture without overpowering it.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star vegetable, sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, a creamy texture when cooked, and a vibrant color. They are also packed with vitamins and fiber. You can choose to peel them for a smoother texture or leave the skin on for added nutrients and rustic charm; just ensure they are diced into small, uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Ground Meat (Beef or Turkey): Lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey are excellent choices. Leaner meats prevent the soup from becoming greasy. Either option provides a robust protein base that makes this soup wonderfully filling.
- Fresh Garlic & Aromatic Seasonings: Minced garlic offers pungent depth. The blend of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano introduces classic Tex-Mex warmth and complexity. These spices are key to achieving that authentic enchilada flavor profile.
- Beef Bouillon Powder: This ingredient is a flavor enhancer, intensifying the savory, meaty notes of the broth. It adds an extra layer of richness that complements the ground beef beautifully.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: This is truly the “secret weapon” for a bold and authentic enchilada flavor. Using a good quality canned sauce, like Old El Paso Mild Red Enchilada Sauce, saves time and delivers consistent spice and richness, creating a deeply flavored broth without extra effort.
- Black Beans: Drained and rinsed black beans contribute plant-based protein, fiber, and a delightful texture to the soup. They absorb the rich flavors of the broth, adding to the heartiness of each spoonful.
- Chicken Broth (or Stock): This liquid forms the primary base of the soup. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth or stock for the best overall flavor. Beef broth can also be used for an even deeper beefy taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, always taste and adjust these to your preference throughout the cooking process.
Elevate Your Bowl: Delicious Toppings for Beef Enchilada Soup
While this soup is undeniably delicious on its own, adding a few thoughtful toppings can transform it into an even more spectacular culinary experience. Toppings add contrasting textures, refreshing flavors, and creamy finishes.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese melting into the hot soup adds a luxurious, creamy, and salty counterpoint to the rich broth. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend would also be fantastic.
- Cool Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A small dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for a lighter, tangier option) introduces a creamy coolness that balances the soup’s warmth and spice.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips or Strips: Crushed tortilla chips or homemade tortilla strips provide a delightful crunch and an extra layer of texture. This is a must-have for many soup lovers!
- Creamy Avocado or Guacamole: Sliced fresh avocado or a spoonful of homemade guacamole adds healthy fats, a velvety texture, and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the robust soup.
- Fresh Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro brightens the entire dish with its distinctive fresh, citrusy aroma. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley is a good alternative.
- A Squeeze of Fresh Lime Juice: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is a game-changer. It cuts through the richness, enhances all the flavors, and adds a zesty finish.
Pro Tip: For a completely dairy-free version, simply load up on avocado, fresh cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, opt for fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt and extra fresh lime to brighten the flavors without added richness.
Extra Flavor Boosts
For those who love to fine-tune their flavors, these simple additions can truly make your Beef Enchilada Soup sing:
- Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds an unmatched freshness and a slightly citrusy note that enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors. If you or your guests aren’t cilantro fans, fresh parsley works as a milder alternative.
- Lime Juice: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice is crucial. Its bright acidity elevates all the existing flavors, adding a wonderful zing that balances the richness of the soup.
To accommodate different preferences, consider adding cilantro and lime juice to individual bowls rather than mixing them into the entire pot. This way, everyone can enjoy their soup exactly how they like it!
What to Serve with Beef Enchilada Soup
This Beef Enchilada Soup is a hearty meal in itself, but pairing it with a complementary side can round out the dining experience beautifully. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Cheesy Quesadillas: A classic pairing! Simple cheese quesadillas or black bean quesadillas make a delicious, gooey, and satisfying side that kids and adults alike will love.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light and crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, adding freshness and crunch.
- Crusty Bread or Cornbread: A warm slice of crusty bread or a piece of sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy and flavorful addition, serve alongside roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. They add vibrant color and a tender-crisp texture.
- Quinoa or Rice: A small serving of fluffy quinoa or white/brown rice can be stirred directly into the soup or served on the side, making the meal even more filling and substantial.
How to Adjust the Spice Level in Your Enchilada Soup
This Beef Enchilada Soup has a pleasant mild-to-medium kick that most families, including children, find enjoyable. However, it’s easy to customize the spice level to your exact preference!
- For Less Spice: Opt for a mild red enchilada sauce (like Old El Paso Mild) and ensure your chili powder is also mild (brands like McCormick® typically offer milder versions). You can also reduce the amount of chili powder slightly if you’re very sensitive to heat.
- For More Spice: Elevate the heat by using a medium or hot red enchilada sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper added with the other seasonings will also significantly increase the warmth. Fresh diced jalapeños or serrano peppers added with the onion and bell pepper will also infuse more heat.
- To Cool It Down: If you find the soup too spicy, toppings like shredded cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) are excellent for cooling down the heat. Avocado also provides a creamy, soothing contrast.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Making the Most of Your Beef Enchilada Soup Leftovers
This Beef Enchilada Soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches!
- Fridge Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Leave a little headspace in the container as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating on the Stove: Gently warm the soup in a pot over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. This helps prevent scorching and ensures even warming.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For individual servings, microwave in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring well between each interval, until hot.
- Adjusting Consistency: The soup may thicken slightly as it sits, especially after being refrigerated. If needed, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
More Delicious Ground Meat Recipes You’ll Love:
If you enjoy the versatility and flavor of ground meat, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Green Chile Ground Turkey: A zesty, flavorful dish often topped with melted cheese.
- Ground Turkey Bowls: Customizable bowls featuring lean ground turkey and a creamy, spicy mayo sauce.
- Asian Ground Turkey: A vibrant stir-fry packed with healthy veggies and savory Asian-inspired flavors.
- Ground Turkey Stir Fry: A quick and easy stir-fry recipe with tender cabbage and carrots.
- Turkey Picadillo: A comforting and savory dish with seasoned ground turkey and golden potatoes.
Print Recipe
Beef Enchilada Soup
Chelsea Lords
25
30
55
4 servings
Equipment
- Large pot 6-quart
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion (1 large)
- 1 finely diced red pepper
- 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potato (1 pound, about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey, 93/7)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste, start with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper)
- 1 (10-ounce) can mild red enchilada sauce (see Note 1 for spice adjustment)
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- Toppings as desired (see Note 2)
Instructions
- 1. Sauté Aromatics and Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a large (6-quart) pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and red pepper and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Push the vegetables to the edges of the pot, then add the ground meat to the center. Increase the heat to high and allow the meat to sear for a few minutes before crumbling it with a spoon and cooking until mostly browned.
- 2. Add Garlic and Spices: Once the meat is mostly cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, beef bouillon powder, salt, and pepper (we suggest starting with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper). Continue to stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spices are wonderfully fragrant, toasting them slightly.
- 3. Simmer the Soup: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat them in the spices. Pour in the red enchilada sauce and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- 4. Finish and Serve: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and cook for 1-2 minutes until they are warmed through. If desired, now is the time to stir in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or broth if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: Topping Suggestions: Enhance your soup with delicious toppings such as shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), crushed tortilla strips, and/or slices of ripe avocado or guacamole. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice are also highly recommended for a vibrant finish.
Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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