Southwest Cheesy Enchilada Chili Deluxe
If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors, creamy queso, and hearty chili all in one bowl, this Southwest Cheesy Enchilada Chili Deluxe is about to become your new comfort food favorite. It combines seasoned ground turkey (or beef), smoky chipotle tomato sauce, fire-roasted green chiles, black beans, and sweet corn — all simmered in a creamy, cheesy base that tastes like enchiladas and chili had the most delicious fusion.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor — smoky, spicy, creamy, and just a little tangy from Greek yogurt. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare but tastes like it simmered all day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef for richer flavor)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
¼ cup water
1 jar (15 oz) roasted poblano queso dip (or Tostitos Salsa Con Queso)
1 can (10.5 oz) creamy potato soup
1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 can (4 oz) fire-roasted diced green chiles
1¼ cups beef or chicken broth
½ cup smoky chipotle tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup diced red bell pepper
Seasonings
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
Sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro
Shredded cheese
Lime wedges
Tortilla chips or Fritos for crunch
Instructions
Brown the meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, cook ground turkey or beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season the meat: Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
Add vegetables: Stir in diced red bell pepper, corn, black beans, and green chiles. Cook 3–4 minutes.
Add sauces: Pour in chipotle tomato sauce and broth. Stir well.
Add creamy elements: Stir in creamy potato soup and roasted poblano queso dip until fully combined.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Add yogurt: Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth and creamy.
Adjust consistency: If chili is too thick, add a splash of broth.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with jalapeños, cilantro, cheese, lime, and crunchy chips.
Tips
Use ground beef for deeper richness or turkey for a lighter version.
Toast spices briefly before adding liquids for enhanced flavor.
Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Add yogurt off heat to prevent curdling.
Simmer gently — avoid rapid boiling once dairy is added.
Adjust spice level with extra chipotle or jalapeños.
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving for thicker texture.
Make it ahead — flavors deepen overnight.
Drain beans thoroughly to avoid watery chili.
Use full-fat yogurt for creamier consistency.
Variations
Add cooked shredded chicken instead of ground meat.
Stir in diced zucchini for extra vegetables.
Add white beans instead of black beans.
Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
Make it vegetarian with plant-based crumbles.
Add enchilada sauce for deeper Mexican flavor.
Stir in cooked rice for thicker, stew-like texture.
Add a splash of heavy cream for ultra richness.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes for more smokiness.
Top with avocado slices for creamy contrast.
Q&A
Is this chili spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat. Adjust with more or less chipotle.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown meat first, then combine everything except yogurt. Stir yogurt in at the end.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but dairy may slightly change texture. Stir well when reheating.
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, drain before adding.
What if I don’t have potato soup?
Substitute cream of chicken or cream of mushroom.
Can I skip the queso dip?
It adds cheesiness, but you can replace with shredded cheese and extra broth.
How long does it last in the fridge?
3–4 days in an airtight container.
How do I thicken it?
Simmer uncovered or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free queso and yogurt alternatives.
What should I serve with it?
Cornbread, warm tortillas, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, 8 servings)
Calories: 380–450
Protein: 22–28g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 18–24g
Fiber: 6–8g
Sodium: 800–1,000mg
(Nutrition varies depending on meat and dairy choices.)
Conclusion
Southwest Cheesy Enchilada Chili Deluxe is the ultimate comfort-food mashup. It brings together the bold flavors of enchiladas, the heartiness of chili, and the indulgence of creamy queso into one irresistible bowl. Smoky chipotle, fire-roasted chiles, sweet corn, tender beans, and seasoned meat create layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting.
Whether you serve it for game day, family dinner, or meal prep for the week, this chili delivers warmth, richness, and satisfying texture in every spoonful. Top it generously, grab some crunchy chips, and enjoy a Southwest-inspired bowl of pure comfort.