Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili with Corn

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered chili packed with lean beef, black beans, and corn, simmered with aromatic spices for a deeply flavorful bowl. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs lean ground beef, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, brown 1 lb lean ground beef for 6-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice), and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup corn kernels and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Cook for 5 minutes until corn is heated through and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili with Corn take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili with Corn?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili with Corn?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili with Corn for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili with Corn?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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