Midwest Harvest Chili
A hearty, slow-simmered chili packed with ground beef, corn, beans, and Midwest-grown vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 47 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well combined and the chili has thickened.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Midwest Harvest Chili take to make?
Total time is about 47 minutes (15 min prep + 32 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 Midwest Harvest Chili?
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 ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest Harvest Chili?
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 Midwest Harvest Chili 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 Midwest Harvest Chili?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
