Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-16 · Updated 2026-05-16

A hearty chili combining sweet corn and black beans with a smoky tomato base, perfect for a comforting regional meal. This American-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 15 oz, drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• for serving lime wedges

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices and 2 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir in 15 oz drained and rinsed canned black beans and 1 cup frozen corn kernels. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens slightly and flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.