Cheesy Enchilada Chili – Bold, Comforting, and One-Pot Easy

Cheesy Enchilada Chili brings all the flavor of your favorite enchiladas into one warm, satisfying bowl. With hearty beans, tender ground turkey, bold spices, and just the right amount of melty cheese, this one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends. It’s comfort food made simple—no tortillas needed, but all the flavor included.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Enchilada-Inspired Flavors – Packed with chili spices, rich tomato, and creamy cheese.
• Just the Right Cheese – Melty and flavorful without being overly heavy.
• Hearty and Filling – Loaded with beans, lean protein, and veggies.
• One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced green onions, plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Cook the Turkey and Veggies
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground turkey until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the Beans and Liquids
Stir in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Mix in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer the Chili
Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4. Add the Cheese
Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle chili into bowls and top with cilantro, green onions, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 23g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Dice Veggies Evenly – Uniform pieces cook more evenly and blend better in every bite.
• Adjust the Heat – Add jalapeño or hot enchilada sauce for a spicier version.
• Don’t Overdo the Cheese – A little cheddar goes a long way in adding creaminess.
• Meal Prep Hero – This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for batch cooking.

Why This Recipe Works

By combining pantry staples with lean protein and bold seasonings, this recipe delivers the satisfaction of enchiladas without the extra calories or carbs from tortillas. The cheese adds richness, while the beans and veggies make it hearty and wholesome. One bowl is filling, flavorful, and hits all the right notes.

Cheesy Enchilada Chili is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Packed with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, this lighter dish brings the warmth of a classic chili with the fun twist of enchilada-inspired goodness. Ideal for busy nights or anytime you’re craving a bowl of something truly satisfying.