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Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup: A Rich, Comforting One-Pot Meal

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup on a chilly evening.

This recipe takes all the beloved flavors of classic beef enchiladas—tender shredded beef, smoky spices, melted cheese, and a velvety broth—and transforms them into an easy, one-pot soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Step-by-step instructions for the creamiest, most flavorful soup
✔️ Secret tips to enhance the depth of flavor
✔️ Customization options (spicy, slow cooker, gluten-free)
✔️ Best toppings & sides to serve with it
✔️ Storage & meal prep tips

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich & Creamy – A luscious broth with a hint of spice.
✅ One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup, minimal fuss.
✅ Meal Prep Hero – Tastes even better the next day.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Great for game day or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 6-8)

For the Soup Base:

• 1.5 lbs chuck roast (or stew meat), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained

• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (mild or hot)

• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

For Toppings:

• Tortilla strips

• Avocado slices

• Fresh cilantro

• Sour cream

• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.

2. Pat beef dry, season with salt & pepper, then sear until browned (~3-4 mins per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 min to bloom spices.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Return the beef to the pot. Add green chiles, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and beef broth.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours (until beef shreds easily).

Step 4: Shred the Beef & Add Cream

1. Remove beef, shred with forks, then return to the pot.

2. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

1. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.

2. Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Soup

🔥 Use a chuck roast – It becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked.

🔥 Deglaze the pot – After searing beef, splash in 1/4 cup broth to scrape up browned bits (extra flavor!).

🔥 Blend for smoother texture – Use an immersion blender for a creamier base.

🔥 Spice it up – Add 1 diced jalapeño or 1/2 tsp cayenne for heat.

5 Delicious Variations

1. Slow Cooker Version ⏳

• Sear beef, then transfer everything (except cream & cheese) to a slow cooker.

• Cook on Low 6-8 hrs or High 3-4 hrs. Stir in the dairy at the end.

2. Chicken Enchilada Soup 🐔

• Swap beef for 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken. Simmer just 30 mins.

3. Vegetarian Option 🌱

• Omit beef, use extra beans + mushrooms, and swap broth for vegetable broth.

4. Gluten-Free 🌾

• Ensure enchilada sauce & broth are GF-certified.

5. Extra Cheesy 🧀

• Stir in 1 cup Monterey Jack with the cheddar.

Best Toppings & Sides

🥑 Classic Toppings:

• Crushed tortilla chips

• Diced avocado

• Pickled red onions

🌮 Perfect Pairings:

• Warm flour tortillas

• Cilantro-lime rice

• Mexican street corn salad

Storage & Reheating Tips

❄️ Fridge: Keeps for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
⏳ Freezer: Freeze (without toppings) for 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
🔥 Reheat: Warm on stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead?

Yes! Brown 1 lb ground beef first, then proceed with the recipe (simmer just 30 mins).

How do I make it less spicy?

Use mild enchilada sauce and omit chili powder.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap cream for coconut milk and cheese for nutritional yeast.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a fun twist, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Will you try the slow cooker or stovetop version? Let me know in the comments! 👇