30-Minute Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup (An Easy Ground Beef Recipe)

This isn’t just a simple ground beef soup; it’s a flavor bomb. The magic lies in how quickly it all comes together. Savory ground beef is simmered with vegetables in a rich, smoky broth of enchilada sauce and seasonings. But the real secret is the creamed corn, which melts into the soup to create a luscious, subtly sweet creaminess without a drop of heavy cream.

Get ready to discover your new favorite 30-minute soup—a dish that will completely reinvent your idea of a quick ground beef dinner.

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Why This Enchilada Soup is an Absolute Weeknight Winner

You are going to be so impressed by how much rich, complex flavor you can build in just 30 minutes. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

• All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: Get all the satisfying, savory taste of beef enchiladas without any of the time-consuming rolling and baking.
• Ready in 30 Minutes Flat: This is the ultimate fast and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table quickly.
• Secretly Creamy & Delicious: Creamed corn is the genius ingredient that gives this soup a wonderfully creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, no heavy cream required.
• A Hearty One-Pot Meal: Packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, this is a complete, satisfying meal in one bowl with minimal cleanup.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it a fantastic option for a week of delicious lunches.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This 30-Minute Soup

This recipe uses a smart combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

→ For the Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil → To start our flavor base.
• 1 lb lean ground beef → The savory, protein-packed heart of the soup.
• 1 onion, finely chopped → An essential aromatic.
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped → Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced → For that irreplaceable savory kick.
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning → A quick and easy way to add a blend of classic spices.
• 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn → The secret ingredient for a creamy, sweet texture!
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained → For extra fiber and heartiness.
• 2 cups beef broth → The rich, savory liquid base.
• 2 cups enchilada sauce → Use your favorite brand, mild or hot. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste → To perfectly season your soup.

Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Guide

This soup comes together in one pot with just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Part 1: Build the Flavor Base

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Stir in the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and the taco seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.

Part 2: Simmer to Perfection

3. Add the Liquids and Fillings: Pour in the creamed corn, rinsed black beans, beef broth, and enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer for Flavor: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing all the different flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and get ready to add your favorite toppings!

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Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup

This Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup comes together in only 30 minutes! It has all the flavor of enchiladas in one easy pot. Full of ground beef, black beans, vegetables, and enchilada sauce, this hearty soup will keep you full and satisfied.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 267

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• to taste Kosher salt and pepper

Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a dutch oven or a soup pot over medium heat. Add the meat and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.
2. Stir in the onion, pepper, garlic and taco seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
3. Add the creamed corn, beans, broth and enchilada sauce and mix to combine.
4. Reduce the heat to a low and simmer the soup, covered, for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve warm and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges and corn chips, if desired.

Notes

To Store: Once cooled, place soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Store cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for the Best Enchilada Soup

These simple pointers will help you make this quick soup taste like it simmered all day.

1. Don’t Skip the Simmer. I know it’s tempting to eat it as soon as everything is combined, but that 20-minute simmer is where the magic happens. It’s what transforms a collection of ingredients into a cohesive, deeply flavorful soup.
2. Creamed Corn is the Secret. Don’t substitute this with regular corn kernels! The creamy, pureed texture of creamed corn is what gives the soup its body and lusciousness without needing any heavy cream or cheese melted in.
3. Use a Good Quality Enchilada Sauce. Since the enchilada sauce provides a significant amount of the soup’s flavor, using one that you really love the taste of will make a big difference in the final product.
4. Chop Your Veggies Finely. Chopping the onion and bell pepper finely allows them to soften quickly and melt into the soup, creating a more uniform and pleasant texture in every spoonful.
5. Toppings are a Must! The toppings aren’t just a garnish; they are essential for the full enchilada experience. The freshness of cilantro, the tang of a lime squeeze, and the crunch of tortilla chips add layers of texture and flavor that complete the dish.

Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Soup

This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. Here’s how to store it.

• Refrigerator: Once the soup has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors will get even better overnight!
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs: Your Beef Enchilada Soup Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely! First, brown the beef with the onion, pepper, garlic, and taco seasoning in a skillet on the stovetop. Then, transfer that mixture to your slow cooker and add all the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Easy! You can add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion and bell pepper, use a hot enchilada sauce, or simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the finished soup.

Can I use a different protein?

Of course. This soup is fantastic with ground turkey or ground chicken as a substitute for the beef. You could also use shredded rotisserie chicken; just stir it in at the end with the liquids and simmer as directed.

What are the best toppings for this soup?

Think about what you love on your enchiladas! Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, sliced avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips or corn chips are all amazing choices.

Final Thoughts: Enchilada Night, Reimagined

There is nothing better than finding a recipe that delivers the big, bold flavors you crave in a fraction of the time. This Creamy Beef Enchilada Soup is a true weeknight hero, a comforting, hearty, and unbelievably easy meal that satisfies every time. It’s a perfect example of how simple ground beef recipes can be transformed into something truly special. Enjoy!