Vegetarian Enchilada Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 3, 2025

If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Vegetarian Enchilada Soup recipe is just what you need. Combining the vibrant spices of traditional Mexican cuisine with the comforting warmth of a rich soup, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

It’s easy to prepare, uses simple pantry staples, and is completely meat-free without compromising on taste or texture.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to reduce your meat intake, or just in the mood for a delicious bowl of soup that bursts with layers of flavor, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Plus, it’s wonderfully customizable and freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. You’ll love the blend of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and smoky chipotle peppers all simmered together to create a wholesome, spicy, and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetarian Enchilada Soup is a wonderful way to enjoy all the bold flavors of enchiladas in a warm, cozy soup form. It’s:

  • Easy to make: Ready in under 40 minutes with straightforward steps.
  • Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich beans and veggies for a healthy meal.
  • Customizable: Adaptable to your preferred spice levels and ingredient availability.
  • Comfort food: Perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying bowl of goodness.
  • Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: Uses plant-based ingredients without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14 oz) can corn kernels, drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (or 1 teaspoon chipotle powder)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese or vegan cheese, tortilla strips, sour cream or vegan sour cream

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle for serving
  • Optional: blender or immersion blender (if you prefer a smoother soup)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Stir in the spices: cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
  4. Add the canned diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, vegetable broth, enchilada sauce, and minced chipotle pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup until creamy, or carefully transfer half to a blender and pulse a few times, then return to the pot.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the smoky heat.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and your choice of optional toppings like avocado, cheese, tortilla strips, or sour cream.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, be sure your enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free.

Make it vegan: Use vegan cheese and sour cream or omit these toppings altogether.

Spice level adjustment: Omit the jalapeño or chipotle pepper if you prefer a milder soup, or add more if you like it spicy.

Extra veggies: Feel free to add zucchini, carrots, or spinach for more nutrition and texture.

Protein boost: Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to make the soup even more filling.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 250 kcal
Protein 10 g
Fat 5 g
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fiber 10 g
Sodium 700 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Vegetarian Enchilada Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Serve it with warm homemade flour tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.

A fresh side salad or a bowl of guacamole adds a cooling contrast to the spicy soup. For a heartier meal, add a slice of crusty bread or try it alongside soft vegan bread for soaking up every last drop.

For dessert after this comforting meal, treat yourself to a slice of moist vegetarian date cake—a sweet and wholesome finish.

Conclusion

This Vegetarian Enchilada Soup is a vibrant, nutritious, and deeply satisfying dish that brings the best of Mexican flavors into a comforting bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a quick and delicious vegetarian meal that hits all the right notes.

With its perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

What makes this soup truly special is its versatility—you can tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs without losing its signature charm. So grab your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Don’t forget to explore other vegetarian Tex Mex recipes on our site for more flavorful meal ideas!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Enchilada Soup

Description: A hearty and flavorful soup packed with beans, vegetables, and enchilada sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and enchilada sauce.
  5. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings as desired.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 35 g

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Marta K

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