One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and Corn
A hearty, protein-packed beef chili simmered with black beans and sweet corn, perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week. This american-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
- optional, for serving sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let cook gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and Corn take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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 ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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 One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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 One-Pot Beef Chili with Black Beans and 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.