One-Pot Spicy Beef Chili with Beans and Corn

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and warming one-pot chili packed with ground beef, kidney beans, sweet corn, and bold spices simmered to develop deep, comforting flavors. This american-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium yellow onion diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 15 oz drained and rinsed kidney beans, and 1 cup drained corn kernels. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Beef Chili with Beans and Corn take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Spicy Beef Chili with 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 Spicy Beef Chili with 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 Spicy Beef Chili with Beans and 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 One-Pot Spicy Beef Chili with Beans and Corn gluten free?

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

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