Beef Enchilada Soup
When I think of comfort food, Beef Enchilada Soup immediately comes to mind. On chilly winter evenings, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this hearty soup to bring the family together. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sautĂ©ing vegetables and spices filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a cold day. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy night in, Beef Enchilada Soup never fails to please. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, bringing back memories of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.
Recipe Snapshot
55 mins
25 mins
30 mins
Medium
420 kcal
30 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
15 g
Large pot
Why This Beef Enchilada Soup Stands Out
Hearty and Filling
The first thing that stands out about Beef Enchilada Soup is its heartiness. With a base of tender ground beef and sweet potatoes, it’s a dish that will keep you satisfied after just one bowl. There’s no need for extra sides here; the soup itself is a complete meal!
Flavor Explosion
This soup is bursting with flavor! The combination of spices, including chili powder and cumin, creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the sweet potatoes and the rich enchilada sauce.
Easy to Make
If you’re looking for a straightforward recipe, Beef Enchilada Soup is perfect. With all the ingredients cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly
This soup is a hit with kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors of enchiladas in a soup form make it fun for everyone. You can customize it with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado, allowing each family member to make it their own.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about Beef Enchilada Soup is that it stores beautifully. Make a big batch, and you’ll have delicious leftovers for days. It’s perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner later in the week.
Seasonal Comfort
This soup is especially comforting during winter. As the temperatures drop, having a warm bowl of Beef Enchilada Soup not only warms you up but also lifts your spirits. It’s a seasonal staple that you’ll want to make again and again.
What Goes Into Beef Enchilada Soup

When crafting the perfect Beef Enchilada Soup, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The key players in this dish include rich ground beef, hearty sweet potatoes, and a medley of spices that elevate the soup to new heights. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that keeps you returning for more.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This is essential for sautĂ©ing and adds a rich flavor to the base.
- 1 ½ cups finely diced yellow onion – Onions provide sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 finely diced red pepper – Adds color and a bit of sweetness to the mix.
- 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potato – The star of the dish; sweet potatoes add texture and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef – Provides the protein and hearty filling nature of the soup.
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic – Garlic imparts a wonderful aroma and flavor that can’t be missed.
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder – The key spice that gives the soup its signature flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds earthiness and warmth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Enhances the color and introduces a subtle smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Boosts the onion flavor throughout the soup.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Elevates the garlicky goodness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – Brings a touch of herbal flavor.
- ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder – Enhances the meaty depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning to taste.
- 1 (10-ounce) can mild red enchilada sauce – Provides the signature enchilada flavor and adds richness.
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans – Adds protein and texture; drained and rinsed.
- 3 cups chicken broth – The base of the soup, adding moisture and flavor.
- Toppings as desired – Customize with toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
Step by Step Instructions for Beef Enchilada Soup

Making Beef Enchilada Soup is not just easy; it’s a fun experience that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create a comforting bowl of soup that warms the soul. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely diced yellow onion and finely diced red pepper. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Next, push the vegetables to the edges of the pot and add the lean ground beef to the center. Increase the heat to high and let the meat sear for a couple of minutes. This step helps develop a rich flavor as the meat browns beautifully.
- Once the meat is browned, crumble it with a spatula and ensure it cooks through completely. As you do this, you’ll notice the delicious aromas filling your kitchen.
- After the meat is mostly cooked, add in the minced garlic, ground chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and beef bouillon powder. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and fill the air with their intoxicating scent.
- Incorporate the peeled and diced sweet potatoes into the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure they’re well-coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Next, pour in the mild red enchilada sauce and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will make your soup come alive with bubbling excitement!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom and check that the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Now, stir in the drained black beans and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are warmed through. If you’re using cilantro and lime juice, add those in at this point too!
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add more broth or additional salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
- Lastly, serve the soup hot with your favorite toppings like ripe avocado, sour cream, or tortilla strips. Enjoy your delicious bowl of Beef Enchilada Soup!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking the Meat: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned for maximum flavor. This caramelization adds depth to the soup.
- Texture Matters: The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender. If they’re too hard, continue cooking until they soften.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spices and vegetables for the best flavor—don’t hesitate to replace dried herbs with fresh ones when possible.
- Monitor Salt: Since bouillon and enchilada sauce can be salty, taste your soup before adding extra salt.
Substitutions and Tips

If you want to elevate your cooking experience with Beef Enchilada Soup, here are some tips and tricks that can help you make the most of this recipe. You might even find that you want to adjust it to fit your taste!
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze Beef Enchilada Soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this soup with homemade cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Customization: Feel free to modify the ingredients! You can include additional vegetables like corn or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by choosing a hotter enchilada sauce or adding more chili powder.
Perfect Pairings for Beef Enchilada Soup
When it comes to serving Beef Enchilada Soup, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread pairs perfectly with this hearty soup. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the spiciness of the soup beautifully.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole adds a creamy, rich element that enhances the flavors of the soup. It’s a must-try topping!
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips on the side for a delightful texture contrast. They’re great for dipping!
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup.
- Family Gatherings: This soup is ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowls!
- Winter Dinners: Perfect for chilly winter nights, Beef Enchilada Soup brings warmth and comfort, making it a go-to recipe during colder months.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Beef Enchilada Soup is a delightful and satisfying dish that offers warmth and comfort. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a perfect choice for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire and a surefire crowd-pleaser!

Beef Enchilada Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 cups finely diced yellow onion
- 1 finely diced red pepper
- 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potato
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1 to taste Salt
- 1 to taste Pepper
- 1 can (10-ounce) mild red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15.5-ounce) black beans
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 to taste Toppings as desired
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add finely diced yellow onion and finely diced red pepper, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Push veggies to the edges and add lean ground beef to the center. Increase heat to high and let meat sear before crumbling and cooking through.
- Once meat is mostly cooked, add minced garlic, ground chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and beef bouillon powder. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in peeled and diced sweet potatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in mild red enchilada sauce and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in drained black beans and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed. If using, add cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Tip 1: I recommend using Old El Paso® mild enchilada sauce for a touch of heat. If you prefer more heat, you can use a hotter sauce.
- Tip 2: Pick a few toppings: ripe avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips or chips, and/or cheese.
- Tip 3: Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.


