Introduction
Craving the cozy, comforting taste of enchiladas but dreading the time and effort they require? We completely understand. Some days, you simply need a big, warm hug in a bowl that comes together without any fuss. This is precisely why our incredible Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup exists. It captures every bit of that beloved flavor in a simple, spoonable form that will become your new weeknight hero.
This Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup is a deconstructed version of the classic baked dish, transforming it into a hearty, one-pot meal. Essentially, it combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and tender pasta simmered in a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce and broth. The result is a incredibly satisfying soup that delivers the familiar taste of enchiladas with a fraction of the work. This recipe matters because it solves a real problem for busy home cooks. Furthermore, it provides a delicious, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will eagerly devour. It perfectly fits our blog’s tone of delivering approachable, reliable, and downright tasty recipes that make your life easier. For another fantastic family-friendly option, you must try our popular Easy Taco Soup. Moreover, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese, much like you would with a plate of Beef Enchiladas. Ultimately, it is the ultimate comfort food that feels both indulgent and effortless.
Why I Love This Recipe
This soup holds a special place in my heart because it was born on one of those chaotic weeknights when everything seemed to go wrong. I had promised my family enchiladas, but time simply got away from me. In a moment of desperation, I decided to throw all the components into a pot with some broth. The result was an instant and overwhelming success. My kids actually prefer this soup to the traditional baked version now, and that is a win I will gladly take. It represents that beautiful moment when a kitchen mistake turns into a cherished family favorite.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
This Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup delivers a powerful nutritional punch. For instance, the lean ground beef provides a fantastic source of high-quality protein and iron. Consequently, your body uses these nutrients to build muscle and maintain healthy energy levels throughout the day.
Furthermore, the tomatoes and tomato-based enchilada sauce are rich in lycopene. This powerful antioxidant helps protect your cells from damage. Additionally, the beans contribute a significant amount of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Moreover, you can easily load this comforting soup with extra vegetables. Ultimately, this boosts its vitamin and mineral content without adding many calories. You will love how this Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup nourishes your body from the inside out. Finally, the blend of spices like cumin and chili powder not only adds flavor but also offers anti-inflammatory properties.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
This soup perfectly supports a balanced and practical approach to healthy eating. It is naturally high in protein, making it an excellent choice for fueling your body after a workout or keeping you full between meals. You can easily make it a complete, well-rounded dinner by serving it with a simple side salad.
If you are following a gluten-free diet, you will be happy to know this Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup is a safe and delicious option, especially when you use a verified gluten-free enchilada sauce. For more ideas, explore our collection of gluten-free dinner ideas that the whole family will love. This recipe is also incredibly adaptable for meal prep. You can make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy wholesome lunches all week long. For tips on keeping your meals organized, our guide on healthy meal prep offers great strategies for a successful week.
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, grab your largest soup pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Brown your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is fully cooked and no pink remains. Meanwhile, chop your onion and mince the garlic to save time later. Drain any excess grease from the beef, then immediately add your fresh aromatics to the pot. Sauté everything together for just a minute until the onion softens and the kitchen smells incredible. Next, pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce, then give it a good stir to combine all those rich flavors. Bring your Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup to a lively boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the black beans and frozen corn, which require no prep work and are huge time-savers. Let the soup bubble away for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to marry perfectly. For a final touch, turn off the heat and stir in a handful of shredded cheese until it melts into a creamy, luxurious finish. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of cool sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Ultimately, this entire process is straightforward and delivers a deeply satisfying meal with minimal active effort.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have definitely learned a few lessons the hard way with this Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup. My biggest mistake was using a store-bought enchilada sauce that was far too spicy for my family’s taste, which completely overpowered the other ingredients. Now, I always taste the sauce straight from the jar before adding it to the pot. Another common error I made was not properly draining the ground beef after browning it, which resulted in a greasy, unappetizing soup. I now take that extra minute to drain the fat thoroughly for a much cleaner flavor. This careful attention to fat management is a key principle I also apply when making my Perfect Beef Stew. Furthermore, I once got impatient and added all the ingredients at once without letting the soup simmer, which left the flavors tasting underdeveloped and separate. Letting it simmer is non-negotiable for that classic enchilada taste, a patience lesson I also picked up while perfecting my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Trust me, these small adjustments make all the difference between a good soup and a great one.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
This Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup tells a beautiful story of fusion. It marries the deep, soulful flavors of traditional Mexican enchiladas with the practical, comforting format of an American soup. My own family often prepares a version of this dish during hectic weeknights. However, we always make a huge pot for our annual football tailgate. It warms everyone up from the inside out.
Different regions put their own spin on it, of course. In some parts of the Southwest, cooks might use a rich red chile sauce base. Conversely, others might prefer a tangy tomatillo and green chile broth. Some families add a can of hominy for a pozole-like twist. Others stir in black beans and corn for extra heartiness. The beauty truly lies in its adaptability.
Ultimately, this dish celebrates resourcefulness. It transforms the essential components of a beloved casserole into something you can sip from a mug. Every spoonful of Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup delivers that familiar, cherished flavor in a wonderfully new way.
How it fits in today’s cooking
This soup fits perfectly into our modern lives. It provides a quick path to a satisfying, from-scratch meal on any busy evening. Furthermore, it easily accommodates various dietary needs. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative without losing any flavor.
Many home cooks now use their Instant Pot to build layers of flavor quickly, making this a true 30-minute wonder. It’s also a fantastic meal for cozy seasonal gatherings. Imagine serving it alongside a stack of warm fluffy buttermilk pancakes for a fun brinner that delights a crowd.
Its relevance is undeniable. This soup offers the ultimate comfort food experience with minimal effort. It proves that you can enjoy deep, cultural flavors without spending all day in the kitchen.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
This soup delivers a rich and savory fiesta in every spoonful. Tender ground beef and soft beans swim in a deeply spiced, tomato-based broth that is both hearty and comforting. Moreover, the melted cheese creates delightful, gooey pockets, while the corn tortilla strips soften into a wonderfully satisfying texture. Ultimately, the aroma of cumin and chili powder will fill your kitchen, promising a meal that is as fragrant as it is delicious. Each bowl of Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup offers a complete and cozy sensory experience.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily elevate your soup with a few creative additions. For instance, try stirring in a spoonful of sour cream for a tangy, creamy twist that mellows the spices. Furthermore, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the entire dish with a burst of acidity. Consider topping your bowl with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of texture and heat. If you love exploring new flavor profiles, our guide on global spices can inspire your next pot. Finally, a side of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect partner for soaking up every last drop; find our favorite easy recipe for easy cornbread right here.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always brown your ground beef thoroughly first, because this crucial step builds a rich flavor foundation for your Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup. Furthermore, warm your corn tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for a few seconds, which makes them pliable and prevents cracking. Additionally, use a high-quality enchilada sauce, as it is the primary flavor agent in this simple dish. Finally, generously coat the bottom of your baking dish with sauce to prevent sticking and ensure every bite is moist.
Mistakes to avoid
A common error involves overfilling the tortillas, which consequently causes them to tear during rolling. Instead, use just two tablespoons of filling per tortilla for a perfect, neat roll every time. Another mistake is using cold tortillas straight from the fridge; however, you must always warm them first to make them flexible. Moreover, do not skip the step of letting your Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup rest for ten minutes after baking, as this allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully. For more guidance on handling ingredients, see our tips on how to properly soften dairy products. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking, a fundamental step we detail in our guide to perfect baking temperatures.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
Present your Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup with genuine flair. Firstly, ladle the hearty soup into deep, colorful bowls. Then, create a vibrant topping bar with bowls of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Consequently, this setup lets everyone customize their bowl just how they like it. Alternatively, serve it in a beautiful rustic pot for a cozy family dinner. This comforting Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup truly shines on a chilly evening or during a casual game day gathering.
What goes well with it
Pair this robust soup with a crisp, refreshing side. For instance, a simple Mexican Street Corn Salad offers a sweet and smoky contrast that perfectly complements the rich flavors. Moreover, you absolutely must have something for dipping. Warm, soft flour tortillas or a basket of homemade restaurant-style chips are essential for scooping up every last bit. Finally, a cold Mexican lager or a tangy lime margarita beautifully cuts through the soup’s richness for a complete and satisfying meal.
For the best flavor and texture in your Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup, we recommend using lean ground beef, such as 85/15 or 90/10. This provides rich flavor without making the final soup overly greasy. The leaner beef allows the other ingredients, like the enchilada sauce and spices, to really shine through.
Absolutely! This Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup adapts wonderfully to a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer everything to your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for a rich and comforting meal.
The best part of this Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup is loading it up with your favorite toppings. Classic options include shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For a bit of crunch, don’t forget to add some tortilla strips or crushed chips on top.
Properly stored in an airtight container, your leftover Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. We do not recommend freezing this soup if it contains potatoes, as they can become grainy upon thawing.

Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup
Description
This Easy Enchiladas Ground Beef Soup is a quick one-pot meal loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and bold Mexican spices perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon EACH: salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, and oregano
- ½ teaspoon EACH: black pepper and cayenne
- 19 ounce homemade red enchilada sauce or store-bought
- 2 cups beef broth
- 14.5 ounce fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 ounce sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- Optional toppings:
- cilantro
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- avocado
Instructions
- Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and all the seasonings. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and become aromatic.
- Step 4: Pour in the red enchilada sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, and beans. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. Season to taste, if needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.