Best Spicy Beef and Enchilada Sauce Chili Recipe

chili recipe with enchilada sauce and ground beef dish

1- Introduction

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being welcomed by the warm, bold scent of simmering spices and savory beef. This Spicy Beef and Enchilada Sauce Chili is not just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. Packed with flavor, hearty ingredients, and a little kick, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners, game nights, or anytime you’re craving something satisfying.

2- Imagine Comfort in a Bowl 🌶️

This Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mom introduced this enchilada sauce twist to her traditional chili recipe, and it instantly became a Sunday family favorite. Now, I’m sharing it with you to help create your own warm, delicious memories.

3- Ingredients 🛒

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this savory bowl of chili:

Spicy Beef and Enchilada Sauce Chili
IngredientQuantity
Ground beef1 pound
Onion, diced1
Garlic cloves, minced3
Chili seasoning mix1 packet (1.25 oz)
Enchilada sauce1 can (10 oz)
Diced tomatoes, undrained1 can (14 oz)
Beef broth1 can (14 oz)
Kidney beans, rinsed1 can (14 oz)
Black beans, rinsed1 can (14 oz)
Salt and pepperTo taste
Optional toppingsShredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro

4- Cooking Instructions 🥄

Follow these steps to cook up something truly delicious:

StepInstruction
1️⃣Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
2️⃣Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
3️⃣Coat with Spices: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, ensuring the beef and onions are well-coated. Cook for another minute or two to toast the spices, which enhances their flavor.
4️⃣Add the Liquids and Beans: Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
5️⃣Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer the chili uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the chili to thicken to the perfect consistency.
6️⃣Taste and Season: Taste your chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the acidity from the tomatoes feels too sharp, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.

5- Serve It Your Way 🍽️

This chili is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving it up:

Serving StyleDescription
Over riceSpoon it over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of warm, crusty bread.
With toppingsAdd your favorite toppings—like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Tex-Mex twistUse it as a filling for chili con carne enchiladas or pour it over nachos.
Balanced mealPair it with a crisp side salad or lightly steamed veggies for a wholesome option.
chili recipe with enchilada sauce and ground beef dish

6- Variations to Make It Your Own ✨

This chili is a great base that you can easily adapt to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

VariationDescription
Vegetarian-FriendlyReplace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Spice It UpAdd a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
Lean and HealthyUse ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and opt for low-sodium canned goods.
Gluten-FreeEnsure your chili seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free certified.
Mix Up the BeansTry pinto or black-eyed peas to switch things up.

7- Enchiladas with Gravy Twist 🌮

Looking to create something new? Use this chili as a filling for enchiladas with gravy. Combine the chili with tortillas and top it with a flavorful enchilada gravy for a mouthwatering Tex-Mex experience. For a quick and delicious recipe for enchilada gravy, mix beef broth, flour, chili powder, and a touch of tomato paste into a thick, savory sauce.

8- Best Chili with Enchilada Sauce 🥘

What sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of enchilada sauce. This ingredient deepens the flavor, adding a smoky, tangy note that pairs perfectly with the chili spices. If you’ve been searching for the best chili with enchilada sauce, this recipe is it!

9 -Taste Profile 🥘

This chili brings a bold, savory flavor with depth from the enchilada sauce, accented by a touch of spice. It’s rich and hearty, with the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and warm seasoning. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug—comforting and satisfying in equal measure.

10- Nutritional Information (Per 1 Cup Serving) 📊

NutrientValue
Calories320
Protein23g
Total Fat14g (5g saturated)
Cholesterol50mg
Sodium900mg
Carbohydrates25g (6g dietary fiber, 4g sugar)

11- Recipe for Tex Mex Enchiladas 🌶️

Transform your leftovers into a flavorful dish of Tex Mex enchiladas. Layer the chili with tortillas and shredded cheese in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly and golden. This recipe for Tex Mex enchiladas is the perfect way to repurpose your chili into another meal that’s just as satisfying.

12- A Dish to Share and Savor ❤️

This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s about bringing people together over something warm, delicious, and made with care. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.

13- FAQs ❓

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for ground beef. Each option brings its unique flavor to the chili.

2. What is the best enchilada sauce for chili?
Opt for a rich, medium-spiced enchilada sauce to add depth without overpowering the other flavors.

3. How do I make the chili thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it quickly.

4. Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well for up to three months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

5. What is a simple recipe for enchilada gravy?
Mix beef broth, chili powder, flour, and tomato paste into a smooth sauce. Simmer until thickened for a delicious enchilada gravy to complement your chili.

Check out our Beef recipes