Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Homemade Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe That Wows

Hearty soups warm the soul on chilly evenings, and this creamy beef enchilada soup recipe delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Packed with robust flavors and tender beef, the soup captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Aromatic spices dance through a rich, velvety brack that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The combination of ground beef, beans, and melted cheese creates a satisfying blend that fills hungry bellies.

Simmered to perfection, this soup brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your kitchen.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through layers of savory goodness.

You’ll fall in love with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Enchilada Soup Flavor Options

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Beef Soup: Replace corn with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates. Use cauliflower rice as an optional base for added nutrition.
  • Dairy-Free Mexican Soup: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian Enchilada Soup: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, black beans, or lentils. Keep the same spice profile and cooking method for robust flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free certified. Use cornstarch instead of flour-based thickeners. Check enchilada sauce labels for gluten-free verification.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this soup?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild flavor from taco seasoning. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or use a spicier taco seasoning blend.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cream cheese in the last 30 minutes.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or black beans to boost the nutritional value and fiber content of the soup.

Why Beef Enchilada Soup Packs a Punch

  • Combine rich ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and creamy cheese to create a bold, comforting dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Customize with fun toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips, making it an interactive and enjoyable meal for all ages.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire soup in a single Dutch oven, saving time and reducing dish washing for hassle-free cooking.

Ingredients for Enchilada Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious soup.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Adds a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor.
  • Garlic: Delivers a pungent and robust taste that enhances the overall complexity.
Pantry Staples:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to brown the beef and prevent sticking to the pan.
  • Taco Seasoning: Brings a zesty and warm spice blend to the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy note to the soup.
  • Corn: Introduces a sweet and textural element to the dish.
Liquid Base:
  • Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful and savory liquid foundation for the soup.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Drop in the ground beef and let it sit without stirring for about 3 minutes to create a delicious brown crust.

Break up the meat with a spoon and continue cooking until nearly done.

Step 2: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the beef.

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their sweet aroma, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

  • Minced garlic
  • Taco seasoning

Sprinkle in the garlic and taco seasoning.

Stir quickly for 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Corn

Pour in the broth and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pot’s bottom.

Add diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and corn.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Transform into a Creamy Delight

Lower the heat and slowly stir in cubed cream cheese.

Mix patiently until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, smooth texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.

Tips for Rich, Creamy Soup

  • Wait for that golden-brown crust by letting ground beef sit undisturbed in the pan. This technique builds deep, rich flavor and creates delicious caramelized edges.
  • Take time to slowly sauté onions and bell peppers until they soften and release their natural sugars. Slow cooking develops a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Reduce heat and stir cream cheese gradually to prevent clumping. Patience ensures a silky, uniform texture throughout the soup without lumpy patches.
  • Adjust liquid by adding more broth if the soup becomes too thick. The goal is a creamy, slightly thick texture that coats the spoon but still pours easily.
  • Taste and modify taco seasoning intensity based on personal preference. Start with less seasoning, then gradually add more to achieve your desired heat and flavor depth.

Storing and Reheating Enchilada Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F throughout. Stir cream cheese thoroughly to restore creamy texture.

What Goes Well with Enchilada Soup

  • Pairing Flavor Explosions: Perfect Companions for Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup
  • Craft a Crisp Mexican Cerveza: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the soup's richness. Its clean, refreshing taste balances the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly.
  • Whip Up a Zesty Lime Margarita: Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of triple sec. The bright, citrusy notes will complement the soup's bold Mexican-inspired profile and cleanse your palate between bites.
  • Serve with Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread: Bake a skillet cornbread studded with sharp cheddar and diced jalapeños. Its slightly sweet, spicy crunch provides a fantastic textural contrast to the creamy soup, adding another layer of comfort and flavor.
  • Design a Fresh Cilantro Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This light, tangy side dish will refresh your taste buds and echo the soup's vibrant Mexican-inspired ingredients.
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Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warm Mexican-inspired flavors dance through this creamy beef enchilada soup, bringing hearty comfort to your dinner table. Rich layers of spices and tender beef create a delightful one-pot meal that will satisfy you from the first spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 10-ounce can enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning and Creamy Elements:

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Serving Suggestions:

  • Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla strips
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare a Dutch oven and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Introduce ground beef to the pan, allowing it to develop a rich golden crust without stirring for approximately 3 minutes.
  2. Break the beef into smaller pieces and continue cooking until nearly completely browned. Incorporate chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, around 3-4 minutes.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring vigorously to distribute flavors and release aromatic compounds for about 30 seconds.
  4. Deglaze the pan by scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and corn. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing ingredients to meld together.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually integrate cubed cream cheese, stirring consistently until completely melted and creating a smooth, luxurious texture throughout the soup.
  6. Remove from heat and transfer soup into serving bowls. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  7. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion captures the rich, creamy essence of the enchilada-inspired soup.

Notes

  • Browning beef perfectly creates a rich, caramelized flavor foundation that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
  • Letting vegetables sauté slowly develops deeper, sweeter notes that complement the meaty base without rushing the cooking process.
  • Cream cheese melts smoothly when added at low heat, creating a luxurious, velvety texture without breaking or becoming grainy.
  • Customize this soup for different dietary needs by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or extra beans for protein variety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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