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, medium 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
