There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Ground Beef Enchilada Soup to bring comfort and flavor to your table. Packed with hearty ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and a medley of spices, this dish is a satisfying one-pot wonder perfect for any time of the year.
I discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed something quick and cozy to fill everyone up. With just a handful of pantry staples and 30 minutes, it’s become a go-to favorite in our household. Let me show you why this soup is sure to become a staple in yours, too.
Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for this deliciously simple soup. It’s a recipe that delivers big, bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a must-try for busy weeknights.
First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but cravings are big.
This soup is also budget-friendly, featuring affordable ingredients like ground beef, beans, and pantry spices. You can feed a family without breaking the bank while still enjoying a restaurant-quality meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you like your soup spicy or mild, loaded with toppings or served as-is, this dish adapts effortlessly to your preferences.
Finally, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. From kids to adults, everyone loves its rich, savory flavor and hearty texture. Serve it with warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete meal that leaves everyone satisfied.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to this flavorful soup lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the ultimate comforting bowl.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty but not greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.
Enchilada Sauce: This is the star ingredient that brings rich, authentic Mexican flavor. You can use mild or spicy sauce depending on your heat preference.
Black Beans and Corn: These pantry staples add texture and substance, turning the soup into a complete meal. Be sure to rinse the beans to remove excess sodium.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These provide a subtle heat and tangy sweetness. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes work fine—just add a pinch of chili powder for flavor.
Spices: A mix of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika takes the soup’s flavor to the next level. Don’t skip the paprika; it adds a smoky depth that ties everything together.
For equipment, all you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a ladle for serving. Easy cleanup is a bonus!
How To Make This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup

Making this soup is as simple as can be. With just a few steps, you’ll have a steaming pot of goodness ready to enjoy.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring no large chunks remain. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
Next, add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté them with the beef until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds a savory base for the soup.
Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the black beans, corn, and seasonings (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for dipping.
From start to finish, this recipe takes just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Storage Options
This soup is just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this soup means you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to try:
- Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Beans Galore: Mix it up with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas instead of black beans.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to create a richer, creamier soup.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the corn and beans and add diced zucchini or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
Experiment with toppings like crushed tortilla chips, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice to personalize each bowl. With so many possibilities, this soup will never get boring!
Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to grab your ingredients and make this Ground Beef Enchilada Soup. It’s sure to become a comforting classic in your kitchen!
PrintGround Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
This Ground Beef Enchilada Soup recipe is a deliciously simple one-pot meal, loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and classic enchilada flavors. It’s an easy comfort food recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add enchilada sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips as desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
- For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon water and add it to the pot during simmering.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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