Slow Cooker Patriotic Beef Chili with Red Beans and Corn

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty slow-cooked beef chili packed with red beans, sweet corn, and a blend of warm spices, perfect for a comforting patriotic-themed meal. This american-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 375 minutes pairs lean ground beef, (15 oz) canned sweet corn, drained, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the browned beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed red kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) drained sweet corn, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup beef broth.
  4. Step 4: Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Patriotic Beef Chili with Red Beans and Corn take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Slow Cooker Patriotic Beef Chili with Red 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 lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Patriotic Beef Chili with Red 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 Slow Cooker Patriotic Beef Chili with Red 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 Slow Cooker Patriotic Beef Chili with Red 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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