Chili Con Queso Enchilada a Southwest Comfort Classic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of comfort food chili with a southwestern kick? Ever wondered what happens when chili with enchilada sauce have a beautiful food baby? This recipe will blow your socks off.

It has a rich flavor profile with layers of spice and a comforting cheesy depth. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect after a long day or a footie match.

Brief Overview

This southwestern chili recipe draws inspiration from south-of-the-border flavors. It’s a delicious mashup of American chili and Mexican enchiladas. It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about an hour and forty minutes.

This recipe yields around 6-8 servings. So, it's great for a family dinner or having mates over.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein and fiber. So, it's surprisingly nutritious for something so indulgent. It's perfect for a casual get-together or a cosy night in.

What makes this homemade chili special? It's the unexpected twist of the enchilada sauce!

The magic of chili con queso enchilada

You know, growing up, chili was always a staple. But it was always the same ground beef chili recipe . A bit boring, innit? Then one day, I was experimenting with some leftover enchilada sauce.

Oh my gosh! The result was amazing.

The enchilada sauce adds this amazing depth and richness to the chili. It's not just spicy, it's flavourful, like a hug to your taste buds.

This spicy chili recipe has so much flavor.

Level up your chili game

This recipe isn't just your average easy chili recipe . It is more than that, is a flavour journey. The combination of the chili spices and the enchilada sauce is just sublime.

You will be amazed by this best chili recipe . It has the right amount of spices.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing chili with enchilada sauce. Honestly, most of this stuff is probably already in your cupboard.

This comfort food chili recipe is pretty forgiving. Think of it as a hug in a bowl.

Main Ingredients for the Best Chili Recipe

For the ground beef chili recipe , grab:

• 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) olive oil for sautéing.
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped. It should be about 1 cup (150g) .
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. That's around 2 teaspoons (6g) .
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped, about 1 cup (150g) .
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped, about 1 cup (150g) .
• 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef (20% fat or less is best).
• 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) ground cumin essential!
• 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) chili powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) smoked paprika.
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy chili recipe ).
• 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes.
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can kidney beans, rinsed.
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can black beans, rinsed.
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can pinto beans, rinsed.
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (or water in a pinch).
• Salt and pepper, to taste of course.

The ground beef? Don’t skimp. Decent quality beef makes a world of difference. You are aiming to create a southwestern chili recipe .

Now, for the enchilada sauce recipe , you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons ( 45 ml ) chili powder – the flavour!
• 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ( 0.6 ml ) cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) apple cider vinegar

Seasoning is Key

Cumin and chili powder are non-negotiable. Honestly, those two are the backbone. A little smoked paprika adds depth. Cayenne pepper? Only if you're brave.

For me, creating a great homemade chili is all about layering flavours. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, try white vinegar.

Equipment Needed (Nothing Fancy!)

You really don’t need much for this easy chili recipe .

• A big pot (Dutch oven is ideal).
• A skillet or saucepan.
• A wooden spoon or spatula.
• Measuring cups/spoons.

That's it! If you don't have a Dutch oven, don't panic. Any heavy bottomed pot will do. Now, get ready to make some proper tasty chili con queso enchilada goodness! You can always top it off with some chili with cheese .

Alright, let's talk chili with enchilada sauce . Honestly, I think this is one of the best comfort food chili recipes out there.

It's not just your average bowl of chili. We're jazzing it up with enchilada sauce, you know? So it’s proper delicious, and makes a big difference!.

Forget your nan's bland chili recipe; this one's got a kick. Let’s dive in!

Getting Started: The Mise en Place Deets

This easy chili recipe isn't complicated, but a little prep goes a long way. First, chop up 1 large yellow onion , 2 cloves garlic , and 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red) .

Get 1.5 pounds ground beef ready to brown. Open those cans: 28 ounces crushed tomatoes , and 15 ounces each of kidney, black, and pinto beans .

Rinse and drain the beans! Grab 1 cup beef broth and all those spices. Make sure all of your equipment and serving condiments are ready before starting to cook.

This process is also known as Essential mise en place .

step-by-step: Chili Time

1. Brown the beef in a Dutch oven over medium high heat . Drain the grease.
2. Add onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes . Then, add garlic and cook for 1 minute .
3. Stir in spices: 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, and 0.25 tsp cayenne (optional) . Cook for 1 minute .
4. Add tomatoes and beans. Stir well.
5. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer on low for at least 1 hour , or up to 2 hours .

While that simmers, whip up the enchilada sauce recipe . Boom! You are half way to create the best chili recipe ever.

Pro Tips and Tricks for an Amazing Southwestern Chili Recipe

Don't rush the simmering time. The longer, the better . It's crucial for that depth of flavor. Also, bloom those spices! It makes a massive difference.

Stir the enchilada sauce into the homemade chili . Taste and adjust the seasonings. That’s how you know you’ve made it your own! This also the time when you can add chili con queso enchilada for an extra rich chili with cheese .

If you prefer something spicier, add more cayenne pepper . Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away! The spicy chili recipe is real, I swear.

Alright, so you've got your chili bubbling away on the hob. But before you tuck in, let's have a chinwag about a few extra bits and bobs to make your chili con queso enchilada experience even better.

This ain't just any easy chili recipe ; we're elevating it!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Chili!

Serving Suggestions: Chili Showmanship

Right, let's talk presentation. Forget just slopping it in a bowl. Think about layering. A generous spoonful of homemade chili , a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar you get the picture.

Fancy a bit of green? Throw some chopped cilantro on top. And for extra zing , a few slices of red onion.

This is top-notch comfort food chili, a real southwestern chili recipe!

Now, sides. Cornbread is a classic for a reason, but have you ever tried serving chili with cheese alongside some warm, crusty bread? Or maybe a simple green salad to cut through the richness? As for drinks, a cold beer works a treat, but honestly a glass of coke can be awesome.

Storage Tips: Chili for Days

Leftovers? Lucky you! This best chili recipe gets even better the next day, as the flavors deepen even more.

Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will be grand for 3-4 days . Want to freeze it? No worries! It keeps well for up to 3 months .

Just make sure it's properly cooled before freezing. When reheating, either microwave it until piping hot or gently simmer it on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it's a bit thick.

Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It

So, you fancy a change? Sorted!

Want a veggie version? Just swap the ground beef for some Quorn mince or extra beans. Honestly, it still tastes amazing.

Or maybe you are craving a chili con queso enchilada? How about a spicy chili recipe? Add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to really kick things up a notch.

You could also go for an enchilada sauce recipe . Seasonal ingredient swaps, it can be anything, from sweetcorn in summer, to butternut squash in autumn, the important thing is to adapt the recipes to yourself!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

I'm not a nutritionist, but let's be honest: this ground beef chili recipe is packed with protein and fibre. It's proper filling, you know? Plus, all those veggies mean you're getting a good dose of vitamins.

Obviously, it's not exactly health food, but it's a darn sight better than a takeaway, and just so yummy and good!

So there you have it! A few extra tips to take your chili from good to absolutely amazing. Now, go forth and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili with enchilada sauce in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining chili ingredients and the enchilada sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

This is a great 'set it and forget it' option, perfect for a Sunday roast alternative when you want something a bit different.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this chili with enchilada sauce?

Controlling the heat is easier than getting a table at The Savoy on a Friday night! The cayenne pepper in both the chili and enchilada sauce is the main culprit for spiciness. Reduce or omit it altogether for a milder chili, or add more for a proper fiery kick.

You can also use a spicier chili powder if you're feeling brave!

What's the best way to store leftover chili and how long will it last?

Leftover chili is brilliant! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portion sized containers for up to 3 months. Chili actually tastes even better the next day, so it's a great make-ahead meal.

Can I make this a vegetarian chili with enchilada sauce?

Spot on! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant based ground alternative or add extra beans like corn, kidney, or cannellini beans. You could also include chopped vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. Just make sure your beef broth is swapped out for vegetable broth.

What kind of toppings go well with this chili?

The toppings are where you can really let your personality shine! Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese are classic choices. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a lovely coolness. For freshness, try chopped cilantro, diced red onion, or sliced avocado.

Think of it like building your perfect Full English Breakfast - everyone's got their own way!