A Deliciously Tasty Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Enchiladas, which were known initially as Tlaxcalli, date back as far as the Mayans, when corn became a staple crop item and a part of the cultural and dietary cuisine. To some, enchiladas have become symbolic of the food offered at a traditional Mexican meal.
An enchilada is typically made with a corn tortilla that is rolled around some type of filling. The choice of filling depends on the cook or the exact location but often includes cheese, beans, meats, veggies, potatoes (or any combo) is then covered by a savory but distinct sauce. Enchilada sauce varies a bit but usually includes chili-based or mole sauces.
Most people speculate that enchiladas probably began as street food but have evolved tremendously over time. The earliest type of enchilada referred to a tortilla that was first rolled and then dipped in a chili sauce. And while there is no such thing as a traditional/modern Mexican Beef Enchilada Soup (a.k.a. – Sopa de Enchilada), the reality is that Beef Enchilada soup is often found in Tex-Mex style restaurants, like those found in New Mexico and other southwestern locations.
Don’t be surprised if you find a similar recipe in a Mexican restaurant called Sopa de Frijoles.
How to Make a Deliciously Tasty Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Enchilada Soup, which offers a unique take on a classic and delicious Tex-Mex favorite, is an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a cozy night at home. This outstanding beef enchilada soup is loaded with hearty flavors that begin with the uniqueness of the enchilada sauce, which is perfectly complemented by the beef, and classic Latin spices.
- Preparation Time – 5 minutes.
- Cooking Time – 25 minutes.
- Total Prep & Cook Time – 30 minutes.
- Serves – 5 – 6.
The List of Ingredients For the Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
This recipe is crafted using simple, everyday ingredients – all in just one soup pot. Even the cleanup is a breeze.
- 2 Tablespoon of Vegetable Oil.
- 1 lb. of Lean Ground Beef – Drain the fat well.
Pro-tip – while ground beef is usually the most popular choice for this soup, other versions include the use of ground pork, turkey, or chicken – or create a combination of all three. To save time, cook the ground meat ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator after you have drained the fat. - 1 ½ Cup of Red Enchilada Sauce.
Pro tip – enchilada sauce can be homemade or bought in varying levels of heat – from mild to hot. Choose mild to keep it kid friendly – or any type for your own taste preference. - 1 – 8 Oz. Can of Sweet Corn – Drained.
Pro-tip – you can substitute canned corn for frozen corn. - 1 – 14 Oz. Can of Beans.
Pro-tip – Draining the can of beans is optional because the drained liquid is often a hidden flavor enhancer as well as a soup thickener. Pinto beans also work well in this recipe. - 1 Medium Onion – Chopped.
- ½ Teaspoon of Garlic Powder.
- ½ Teaspoon of Cumin Powder.
- 1 Teaspoon of Oregano.
- 4 Cups of Beef Stock- Low Sodium.
Pro-tip – use a high-quality or homemade stock and make sure it is low sodium to craft the best-tasting beef enchilada soup. - Pepper & Salt – to taste.
Suggested Toppings for this Tasty Beef Enchilada Soup
When it comes to a delicious soup that highlights the flavors of beef enchiladas can be successfully topped with any of the following –
- Tortilla Chips.
- Sour Cream.
- Shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
- Diced Avocado.
- Salsa.
- Mexican Chili Oil.
- Sliced Black Olives.
- Freshly Chopped Cilantro.
- Diced Green Onions.
Cooking Directions Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
This easy and tasty soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It eats like a meal and is chock full of many scrumptious flavors.
- Heat the oil in a good-sized soup pan.
- Sauté the onions over medium heat until they become translucent. This should take about four minutes.
- Turn the heat to a medium-high.
- Add the ground meat and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Stir constantly, as this helps the ground meat brown evenly.
- Add your choice of enchilada sauce, plus the beans, corn, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add the beef stock next.
- Mix, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook on high boil for about 10 minutes.
Pro Tip – To create a thicker beef enchilada soup, allow the soup to simmer until most of the liquid in the pot has evaporated.
- Make sure the soup has the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt and other seasonings.
- Ladle into serving bowls and top with favorite toppings.
FAQS
How to Store Beef Enchilada Soup?
Beef enchilada soup can be stored for up to 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator. Before you store it, though, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Then, place leftovers in containers with an airtight lid. You can also freeze this tasty enchilada soup for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw the soup and place it in a saucepan. Heat the pan on the stove using a medium-high heat. If you prefer, you can reheat this soup in a microwave; just be sure to stir the soup after each cooking interval to ensure it heats evenly – until the desired temperature.
Can You Make this Beef Enchilada Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. There are many amazing recipes that call for the use of a slow cooker for this beef enchilada soup recipe because it is so easy to use, and its slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop over many hours on a low heat.
How does the Nutritional Value Stack Up for this Beef Enchilada Soup?
This delicious Tex-Mex enchilada soup has 277 calories per serving, with 25 grams of protein. Beef enchilada soup is also high in fiber and these nutrients – Vitamin A, C, Iron, Potassium, and Calcium, among others.
What Side Dish Options Pair Well with Beef Enchilada Soup?
With its Latin flair, beef enchilada soup is best paired with the following types of side options –
- Quesadilla
- Corn/Onion Salad.
- Chips & Salsa.
- Cheese Taquitos.
- Polenta Fries.
