Creamy Enchilada Chili

User Reviews

4.7

111 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    40 mins

  • Total Time

    55 mins

  • Servings

    10 servings

  • Calories

    330 kcal

  • Course

    Soup

  • Cuisine

    Tex-Mex

Creamy Enchilada Chili

Creamy Enchilada Chili blends ground meat with a complex mix of chili spices, tomato products, and cream cheese to create a rich, flavorful chili. The dish includes black beans and corn for texture and variety, while garnishes like cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime wedges add freshness and brightness. It offers a smooth, creamy chili with nuanced heat from chipotle and ancho powders.

Description

The Creamy Enchilada Chili recipe starts by mixing a blend of ground chili powders, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to build a layered, aromatic spice base. Ground turkey (or alternate meats) is browned and then combined with sautéed onions and the spice mix, enriching the chili's depth.

Tomato paste, sauce, and diced tomatoes contribute acidity and body, while chicken broth thins the mixture to the desired consistency. Cream cheese added at the end melts into the chili, producing a creamy, smooth texture not typical for chili. The black beans and corn provide hearty, contrasting textures and gentle sweetness.

The chili is served garnished with chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese for fresh and salty notes, along with lime wedges to add a bright, tangy finish. It works well as a main dish, hearty and filling with balanced heat and creaminess.

Adjusting the chili powders can control the spice level, and using cream cheese softened to room temperature ensures smooth integration without lumps.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tsp. cumin ground
  • 2 tsp. oregano dried
  • 1 tsp. ground chili powder I use a medium spicy chili powder
  • 1 tsp. chipotle powder ground
  • 1 tsp. ancho chili powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 lbs. ground turkey chicken, or beef
  • 3 T. olive oil
  • 1 c. yellow onion diced
  • ¼ c. tomato paste brand Red Gold®
  • 2 tomato sauce brand: Red Gold, 14.5 oz. cans
  • 2 diced tomatoes brand: Red Gold, 14.5 oz. cans, do not drain
  • 2 c. chicken broth low sodium
  • 8 oz. cream cheese cubed small and softened to room temperature
  • 1 black beans 14 oz. can, rinsed and drained
  • 2 c. corn frozen
  • cilantro chopped, fresh
  • cotija cheese crumbled
  • lime fresh, wedges

Instructions

  1. For the enchilada spice mixture: In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, chili powder, chipotle powder, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  2. For the rest of the chili: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. With a large slotted spoon, remove cooked meat to a plate and set aside. Remove any fat from pot.
  3. To the same large pot over medium heat, add the oil. When oil starts to shimmer, add onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just softened. Then stir in enchilada spice mixture. Cook until fragrant and slightly deeper in color, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, to combine evenly. Then add tomato sauce, stirring to break up any lumps. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, and then turn up heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a simmer. Once thoroughly warmed, stir in cream cheese until completely combined and creamy. Add cooked ground meat, black beans, and corn. Turn heat down to medium to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. Taste test and add more kosher salt if needed.
  4. Serve creamy enchilada chili with cilantro, crumbled Cotija, and fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top of individual bowls. If you like, also reserve some of the black beans and corn for sprinkling over the top of individual bowls.

Notes

  • Use the spice blend as prepared to achieve the intended balanced heat and flavor.
  • Soften the cream cheese before adding to the chili for a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Garnish individually with cilantro, cotija cheese, and fresh lime wedges to enhance freshness and tartness.
  • Ground turkey can be substituted with chicken or beef according to preference.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 330kcal (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 330 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 330kcal 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.7

111 reviews
Excellent

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