Hearty Three-Bean Chili with Smoky Corn

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful vegetarian chili packed with beans, corn, and smoky spices, simmered to perfection for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs olive oil, large (diced) onion, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini, cooking for 8 minutes until vegetables soften.
  2. Step 2: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in corn and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and serve hot with extra cilantro on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Three-Bean Chili with Smoky Corn take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Three-Bean Chili with Smoky 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Three-Bean Chili with Smoky 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 Three-Bean Chili with Smoky Corn for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Hearty Three-Bean Chili with Smoky Corn vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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