High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Corn

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky chili packed with lean ground beef, black beans, and sweet corn, perfect for a protein-rich comfort meal. This mexican-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 50 minutes pairs lean ground beef, frozen corn kernels, diced tomatoes (canned) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb lean ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz diced canned tomatoes, 1.5 cups drained black beans, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Corn take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 High-Protein Beef and Black 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 lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Beef and Black 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 High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky 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.

Is High-Protein Beef and Black Bean Chili with Smoky Corn high protein?

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

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