If you are craving comfort food that delivers bold and rich flavors, this Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. With tender beef stew meat simmered slowly in a vibrant mix of red enchilada sauce, cheese soup, black beans, corn, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, every spoonful bursts with a hearty, satisfying combination of textures and spices. This recipe marries the beloved flavors of classic enchiladas with the cozy ease of soup, making it an irresistible meal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building its rich, layered flavors and comforting texture. From the hearty beef stew meat to the creamy cheese soup, the combination keeps the soup both filling and full of vibrant color.
- 1½ lb beef stew meat: Provides tender, savory chunks of beef that make the soup hearty and meaty.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the beef and enhancing the soup’s rich foundation.
- 1 (28-oz) can red enchilada sauce: Infuses the soup with authentic Mexican flavor and a beautiful red hue.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cheese soup: Adds creamy richness; Fiesta Cheese Soup is a great option for a little extra zest.
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides protein and a subtle earthiness, balancing the spices.
- 1 (11-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained: Adds a touch of sweetness and delightful texture to the soup.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained: Brings freshness, heat, and a burst of bright color.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates the perfect base to meld all the flavors together seamlessly.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal complexity to balance the rich ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: A delicious finishing touch that melts into the soup for extra creaminess.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Gently add the beef stew meat and cook it just until it starts to brown. This step locks in the meat’s juices and builds a deep, savory flavor base that makes all the difference in your soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, then add the robust red enchilada sauce, creamy condensed cheese soup, drained black beans, sweet corn, the tempting Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, and oregano. Each ingredient brings its unique flair, coming together to create the signature depth of the Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Slow Cook for the Perfect Blend
Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW. Let the soup cook gently for 8 to 10 hours. This long, slow simmer allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully and gives the beef time to become tender and fall-apart delicious.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese into the hot soup so it melts into creamy goodness. This cheesy finish elevates each spoonful to pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving this soup is customizing your bowl with toppings. Consider fresh chopped cilantro, slices of ripe avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or some crispy tortilla strips. Each garnish adds texture, brightness, or cool creaminess that complements the bold soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
While the soup itself is filling, pairing it with simple sides balances the meal perfectly. Warm cornbread or fresh flour tortillas are classic choices that echo the Mexican-inspired flavors and allow you to scoop up every last bit of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. Layer in some shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on the side to create an edible fiesta that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen and improve after resting overnight, making for even better meals the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Just cool it completely, then store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It’s a fantastic meal prep option when you want homemade comfort waiting for you on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge or gently warm refrigerated portions on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of shredded cheese or your favorite garnishes to revive that fresh-from-simmer taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well if you want a quicker cooking option. Just brown it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. It will give you a slightly different texture but still delicious results.
Is it possible to make this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer everything in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely. Adding extra diced green chiles, jalapeño slices, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can easily ramp up the heat to suit your spice preference.
What side dishes go best with Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe?
Classic sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a crisp green salad complement the soup’s rich flavors perfectly and add textural variety.
How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for almost a week.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors with cozy warmth. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that nurtures and delights with every spoonful. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will quickly become one of your favorites — perfect for any day you need a little extra comfort at the table.
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Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Enchilada Soup combines tender beef stew meat with rich enchilada sauce, cheese soup, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles, slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it simmers for hours to meld all the vibrant southwestern flavors into a satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1½ lb beef stew meat
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Soup Ingredients
- 1 (28-oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cheese soup (can use Fiesta Cheese Soup)
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (11-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1½ pounds of beef stew meat and cook until it starts to brown on all sides. This step enhances the flavor by creating a rich sear on the meat.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the entire cans of red enchilada sauce, condensed cheese soup, black beans (drained and rinsed), whole kernel corn (drained), Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to fully develop.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly before serving to add a creamy, cheesy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute Fiesta Cheese Soup if preferred for a different cheese flavor profile.
- For a spicier soup, use Rotel with hot diced tomatoes and green chiles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Adding a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado can add a nice creamy texture and balance the spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
