Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili that is sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. This recipe marries the savory goodness of traditional chili with the creamy, cheesy flavors of a classic enchilada, resulting in a dish that is simply irresistible. The star of the show? The Tostitos Salsa Con Queso that adds a velvety texture and a hint of cheesy goodness to every spoonful.

I stumbled upon this culinary gem while hosting a spontaneous football watch party, and it has since become a staple at all my fall and winter gatherings. The secret lies in the unique combination of ingredients that blend together to create a harmonious symphony of flavors. The best part? This Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili only gets better with time, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or looking for a lighter option, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. From ground beef to turkey, or even a plant-based alternative, feel free to make it your own. So, grab a bowl, load it up with your favorite toppings, and savor each spoonful of this hearty and satisfying Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili that is bound to become a family favorite in no time.

Quick Benefits

• Combines the best flavors of Mexican cuisine and traditional chili for a unique taste experience.
• Make-ahead quality allows for easy meal prep on busy weeknights or entertaining days.
• Flexible recipe allows for ingredient substitutions based on dietary preferences or availability.
• Stores well and can be reheated without compromising flavor, making it perfect for leftovers or meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: Combining the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the heartiness of chili, this dish offers a rich and creamy texture that is comforting and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and parties, this recipe is a hit with guests who can’t get enough of the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Ease of Preparation: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is easy to make, even for beginners. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
• Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen and meld together over time, making this chili a great make-ahead option. It can be prepared up to two days in advance, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile Options: The recipe offers variations for different dietary preferences, allowing for substitutions like ground turkey or vegetarian options. It’s adaptable to different tastes and needs.
• Customizable Spiciness: Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by adding jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or hot sauce. You can tailor it to be as mild or as fiery as you like.
• Serving Suggestions: The chili pairs well with a variety of sides such as cornbread, garlic bread, or salads, enhancing the meal experience. It can also be served in creative ways like over baked potatoes or as a dip for tortilla chips.

Ingredients for Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso
• 1 can fire-roasted diced green chiles
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1¼ cups beef broth
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 can condensed potato soup
• 1¼ cups sour cream
• 1 cup pinto beans or black beans (drained and rinsed)

Pro Tips for Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious

For a creamy, cheesy enchilada chili that’s bursting with flavor, don’t be afraid to experiment with different protein options. Ground turkey or chicken can be delicious substitutes for beef, offering a lighter twist to this hearty dish. Vegetarians can easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based ground or adding extra beans and mushrooms for a meaty texture.

To amp up the spiciness of your enchilada chili, feel free to customize the heat level to suit your taste preferences. Add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the seasonings and spiciness until it reaches your desired level of heat, making each spoonful perfectly tailored to your liking.

To make hosting stress-free, take advantage of the make-ahead quality of this chili. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When reheating, simply warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the chili thickens while chilling, add a splash of broth to reach your desired consistency. This convenient feature makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or entertaining, giving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests.

How to Make Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. Mix in taco seasoning and water, and cook until water is mostly absorbed.

Step 2: Combine the Base

Place the seasoned beef in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add salsa con queso, potato soup, sour cream, beef broth, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined and the sour cream is melted into the mixture.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Combine diced green chiles, frozen corn, and beans, stirring until well mixed.

Step 4: Heat and Serve

Bring the chili to a boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and simmer until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Serve the dish hot with tortilla chips, Fritos, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth if the chili thickens while chilled. Heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching the creamy base. This dish actually improves in flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

To serve the chili, consider pairing it with complementary sides such as a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or warm cornbread with honey butter. For a fun twist, you can also enjoy the chili over baked potatoes or as a dip with tortilla chips for a game day snack. Feel free to customize the recipe by using ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative, or incorporating vegetarian options like plant-based ground or extra beans with mushrooms. Experiment with additional seasonings like diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or hot sauce to adjust the spiciness levels according to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives work well in this dish and can help lighten the overall calorie content.

For a meat-free version, consider using a vegetarian meat alternative in place of the ground beef. You can also increase the quantity of beans and add diced mushrooms for a meaty texture and added flavor.

If you’re unable to find Tostitos Salsa Con Queso, any jarred queso dip will work as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make your own queso by melting together 1 cup of shredded cheese with 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa. Additionally, if condensed potato soup is not available, cream of chicken or mushroom soup can be used as replacements with a similar creamy consistency.

These ingredient substitutions offer flexibility to cater to various dietary preferences and ingredient availability while maintaining the delicious and comforting essence of this creamy cheesy enchilada chili.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, create a DIY chili bar for your next gathering. Set up a spread with bowls of different toppings like shredded cheese, tortilla chips, Fritos, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, and hot sauce. Let your guests customize their creamy cheesy enchilada chili bowls to their liking, adding layers of flavor and texture for a truly personalized dining experience.

Another creative way to enjoy this creamy cheesy enchilada chili is to turn it into a hearty dip for your next game day event. Simply transfer the chili into a baking dish, top it with extra shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve it alongside sturdy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices for a delicious and addictive appetizer that will disappear in no time. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will have your guests coming back for more!

FAQs for Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use a vegetarian meat alternative for a meat-free version.

How can I make the chili spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Can I prepare this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili stores well. Prepare it up to 2 days ahead, and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this chili?

Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with a dollop of guacamole.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili as much as I do. The combination of hearty chili flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness is truly a winner. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply cozy evenings at home.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own by trying out different protein options, spice levels, or garnishes. The beauty of cooking is in the creativity and personal touch you bring to each dish. And remember, good food is meant to be shared, so invite your loved ones to the table and let the delicious aroma of this Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili bring smiles all around.

Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili: Creamy and Delicious

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with Creamy Cheesy Enchilada Chili, a flavorful blend of Mexican and chili goodness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings~

Ingredients

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) jar Tostitos Salsa Con Queso
• 1 can fire-roasted diced green chiles
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1¼ cups beef broth
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 can condensed potato soup
• 1¼ cups sour cream
• 1 cup pinto beans or black beans (drained and rinsed)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. Mix in taco seasoning and water, and cook until water is mostly absorbed.
2. Combine the Base: Place the seasoned beef in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add salsa con queso, potato soup, sour cream, beef broth, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined and the sour cream is melted into the mixture.
3. Add the Mix-Ins: Combine diced green chiles, frozen corn, and beans, stirring until well mixed.
4. Heat and Serve: Bring the chili to a boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. Reduce heat and simmer until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the dish hot with tortilla chips, Fritos, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.