Heartwarming Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty cheesy enchilada chili that warms every corner of your soul.

Packed with rich, bold flavors, this recipe brings southwest-inspired magic to your dinner table.

Tender meat, robust spices, and melted cheese combine in a delightful dance of culinary excellence.

Each spoonful promises a journey through layers of complex, satisfying tastes.

The chili carries the perfect balance of zesty enchilada notes and classic chili depth.

Generous cheese melts into every bite, creating a creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a festive flavor celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

What Powers Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich base that adds depth and satisfying texture to the chili.
• Black Beans: Delivers plant-based protein and creamy texture with earthy undertones.
• Pinto Beans: Complements black beans with soft, buttery consistency and additional protein boost.

• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Chili Powder: Brings warm, slightly spicy character with traditional southwestern flair.
• Cumin: Contributes deep, smoky undertones characteristic of authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chili.
• Enchilada Sauce: Infuses classic Mexican-inspired tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates juicy base with bright acidic notes and chunky consistency.
• Broth: Provides liquid foundation that helps blend and marry all ingredients smoothly.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and tangy complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and heightens all existing flavor dimensions.

Essentials For Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking beef, vegetables, and simmering chili with deep, even heat.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of spices like chili powder and cumin.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese that needs shredding for melting into the chili.
• Ladle: Great for serving hot chili into individual bowls without mess.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and optional fresh cilantro garnish.
• Can Opener: Helpful for opening canned beans and tomatoes.

Crafting Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Beef and Veggie Sizzle

Brown the ground beef in a large pot, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them dance and release their amazing aroma until everything looks golden and smells incredible.

• Flavor Explosion

Pour in black beans, pinto beans, juicy tomatoes, and enchilada sauce. Sprinkle magical spices like chili powder and cumin that will make your kitchen smell like a flavor carnival. Stir everything together with love.

• Chili Meditation

Let the mixture bubble gently, transforming into a thick, rich masterpiece. The slow simmer will help all those wonderful flavors get to know each other and become best friends.

• Cheese Magic

Fold in some shredded cheese until it melts into silky ribbons throughout the chili. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – trust your taste buds!

• Final Celebration

Serve your chili in cozy bowls, crowned with extra cheese. Invite friends to add their favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Hot Tips For Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Beef Selection Magic: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor. Ground turkey works perfectly for a lighter protein option.
• Low and Slow Technique: Allow the chili to simmer gently, which helps develop deeper, more complex flavors. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Cheese Melting Perfection: Add shredded cheese gradually and stir until smooth to create a creamy, uniform texture without clumping.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference. For mild versions, reduce spices; for extra kick, include diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like kidney and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based stock.

Share Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Boldly

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Serve the chili in colorful ceramic bowls to make the rich, cheesy mixture pop visually and enhance the dining experience.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy cornbread croutons on top to add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth, hearty chili.
• Mexican-Style Fiesta Spread: Create a DIY toppings bar with chopped jalapeños, diced red onions, fresh lime wedges, sliced avocado, and extra cheese so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair the chili with warm, buttered cornbread or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal more filling and satisfying.

Keep Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Handy

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chili in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated chili stays fresh for 3-4 days, making quick weeknight meals a breeze.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chili maintains top quality for 2-3 months, offering convenient meal prep for busy households.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the chili seems too thick, restoring its original creamy texture.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Keep garnishes like cilantro, cheese, and sour cream separate until serving. This prevents soggy toppings and maintains crisp textures. Store each topping in sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and flavor.

Hearty Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy enchilada chili delivers bold Mexican-inspired comfort in a single pot. Hearty ingredients and rich spices combine for a satisfying meal that brings warmth and excitement to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz/300 ml) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• sour cream (optional)
• sliced jalapenos (optional)
• diced avocado (optional)
• tortilla chips or strips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Caramelize ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles until achieving a rich golden-brown sear.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté diced onions and garlic until translucent, releasing their fragrant essence and infusing the meat with deep flavor complexity.
3. Liquid and Legume Integration: Combine black and pinto beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and broth, creating a robust liquid base that will develop rich flavor profiles.
4. Spice Transformation: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and seasonings throughout the mixture, stirring vigorously to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor penetration.
5. Flavor Melding: Bring the chili to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify for 20 minutes, developing a deep, cohesive taste.
6. Cheese Integration: Fold shredded cheese into the chili, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy, indulgent texture that binds all components together.
7. Presentation and Garnish: Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, topping with additional cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips for a final flavor and textural flourish.

Notes

• Control Meat Texture: Break ground beef into tiny, consistent pieces during searing to prevent large clumps and ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Prevent Flavor Dilution: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to maximize their aromatic intensity and develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or shredded chicken for diverse dietary preferences without compromising recipe structure.
• Balance Spice Intensity: Adjust chili powder and spice quantities gradually, tasting intermittently to maintain optimal heat levels suitable for different palate sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg