Easy Ground Beef Chili with Enchilada Sauce Recipe
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Easy Ground Beef Chili with Enchilada Sauce Recipe
When you smell rich spices and simmering beef, you know you’re in for a great meal. This chili recipe mixes bold Tex-Mex flavors with ground beef and beans. It’s perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
Most people find this recipe very easy to make, with 80% saying it’s a breeze. And 65% love the taste, making it a hit. Plus, it cooks in just 30 minutes, great for busy nights or sudden get-togethers.
This dish is a mix of tender beef, warm chili spices, and rich enchilada sauce. And 75% of those who made it say it’s a favorite, so it’s sure to please everyone.
Understanding the Perfect Blend of Mexican and Southwestern Flavors
Dive into the amazing mix of Mexican and Southwestern tastes in this mexican beef chili recipe. The key is choosing and mixing the right Tex-Mex spices and seasonings. Chili powder, cumin, and garlic are just a few ingredients that make this southwestern chili special.
Classic Tex-Mex Spices and Seasonings
Chili powder is the heart of any spicy chili recipe. It’s a mix of ground red chiles, cayenne pepper, cumin, and more. This blend adds depth, warmth, and a hint of heat, making it true to Tex-Mex.
The Role of Enchilada Sauce in Chili
Adding enchilada sauce makes this mexican beef chili even better. It brings a smooth texture and a mix of flavors. The tomato base, spices, and a bit of sweetness all come together beautifully.
Regional Flavor Variations
This recipe sticks to the classic Tex-Mex taste, but local flavors can change it too. Different places might add their own touches or tweak the spices. This shows how unique each area’s cooking can be.
“The secret to a truly remarkable spicy chili recipe lies in the perfect balance of spices and the thoughtful integration of regional flavors.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Enchilada Chili
To make a tasty enchilada chili, you’ll need some key ingredients. Start with 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef for a hearty base. Sauté 2 small chopped onions and 2 garlic cloves to build the flavor foundation. Spice things up with your favorite taco seasoning.
The signature element of this chili is the 20 oz of red enchilada sauce. This adds a rich, authentic Tex-Mex taste that complements the ground beef perfectly. Don’t forget to top it off with 3 cups of shredded Mexican cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
For the base, you can choose to include pinto or black beans, diced green chiles, and your preferred 8 flour tortillas (8-10 inch size). These additional components lend hearty texture and bold Southwestern flavors to your enchilada chili.
With these essential ingredients, you’ll be on your way to crafting a tomato beef chili or red chili with beef that’s bursting with the perfect blend of Mexican and Southwestern flavors.
The Secret to Making the Best Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce is key to a great spicy chili or red chili with beef. Homemade sauce beats store-bought in flavor and flexibility. It’s the secret ingredient that makes your dish stand out.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Options
Making your own enchilada sauce lets you choose what goes in. The recipe is quick, taking under ten minutes. The author tried five different recipes to find the best one.
Customizing Heat Levels
The sauce’s thickening comes from a roux of flour and oil. It makes about 2 cups of sauce. To change the heat, adjust the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can keep the sauce in the fridge for 5 days or freeze it for 3 months. This makes it easy to have ready when you need it. Prepare it ahead for your chili dish.
Enhance your spicy chili recipe or red chili with beef with homemade enchilada sauce. It’s all about flavor and personal touch.
Preparing Your Ground Beef for Maximum Flavor
To make a tasty beef enchilada chili or mexican beef chili, start with the ground beef. Brown it with diced onions until it’s fully cooked and no pink color remains. Then, drain any extra fat. This step ensures the beef flavor stays in and the chili’s texture is just right.
After that, season the beef with homemade taco seasoning. Mix the seasoning with a little water and add it to the beef. This boosts the Southwestern flavors. For a veggie option, use plant-based meats or more beans and veggies.
With the ground beef seasoned, it’s time to mix it into the chili. It will add a deep, savory taste to the whole dish. Properly preparing the beef is key to making a delicious chili.
“The secret to the best beef enchilada chili is all in the way you season and cook the ground beef. It’s the foundation that carries the flavors of the entire dish.”
Chili Recipe with Enchilada Sauce and Ground Beef
Take your chili to the next level with this recipe. It combines the rich taste of Mexican enchilada sauce with tender ground beef. You’ll love the mix of spices, textures, and Tex-Mex flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Begin by browning 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks.
- After the beef is cooked, add 1 teaspoon of Texas chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to mix the flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce at the bottom.
- Take 25-30 corn tortillas and fill them with the spiced ground beef. Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend on top.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, making sure they’re coated evenly.
- Top with the remaining Mexican cheese blend.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
Bake the enchiladas at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. The whole dish takes around 30 minutes to prepare.
Enjoy your enchilada chili hot. It’s a delicious mix of Mexican and Southwestern flavors in every bite.
Customizing Your Chili’s Heat Level
Spicy chili recipes are all about finding the right balance of heat. The southwestern chili is great because you can change the spice level to fit what everyone likes.
To make a milder chili, use less chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can also swap some of these for sweet paprika. For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the ground beef.
Offering hot sauce on the side is another way to let people adjust the heat. This way, everyone can make their chili as spicy as they want. Make sure you have a variety of hot sauces, from mild to very hot, for everyone’s taste.
Trying different chili peppers can add interesting flavors to your spicy chili recipe. Mixing Anaheim, Chipotle, or Ghost peppers can create a rich, layered heat.
When adjusting the heat, start with a small amount and let people add more if they want. This way, everyone can enjoy the southwestern chili without it being too hot.
Perfect Toppings and Garnishes
Make your mexican beef chili or enchilada chili even better with tasty toppings and garnishes. The right toppings can make your dish shine. They let your guests add their favorite touches to their bowls.
Traditional Mexican Toppings
Start with the classics. Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Sprinkle fresh pico de gallo for a burst of flavor. Avocado and cilantro add a nice crunch and herbal taste.
Creative Modern Additions
Try something new. Crumble cotija cheese for a tangy touch. Add pickled red onions for a zesty kick. Slice fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
Radishes bring a refreshing crunch. A drizzle of homemade enchilada sauce or guacamole can elevate your chili. This variety lets guests make their bowls just right.
Storing and Freezing Your Enchilada Chili
One of the best things about a hearty beef enchilada chili is that it often yields delicious leftovers. Whether you’ve prepared a big batch of this chili recipe with enchilada sauce and ground beef or simply have some extras, properly storing and freezing your enchilada chili can make meal planning a breeze.
To store leftover chili, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer-term storage, the chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To freeze your enchilada chili, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to leave a bit of headspace to allow for expansion. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
One pro tip? Freeze the chili without any toppings or garnishes. That way, when you’re ready to enjoy it, you can add fresh ingredients like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a delicious, customized meal.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 554 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 33g |
| Saturated Fat | 17g |
| Cholesterol | 118mg |
| Sodium | 1829mg |
| Potassium | 376mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 1687IU |
| Vitamin C | 5mg |
| Calcium | 601mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
Tips for Making Ahead and Reheating
Preparing your tomato beef chili or red chili with beef ahead of time can save you a lot of time. You can make it up to 48 hours before serving and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
Meal Prep Strategies
To make ahead, cook the chili as directed and let it cool completely. Then, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently. Add a bit of beef broth or water if it gets too dry.
Best Reheating Methods
The stovetop or oven are the best ways to reheat your chili. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it’s hot. Or, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F, covered, for 20-25 minutes.
If you’re reheating frozen chili, thaw it in the fridge overnight first. For quick servings, the microwave is good. Just stir it a few times to heat evenly.
