Slow-Simmered Black Bean and Corn Chili with Cumin
Hearty chili with black beans, sweet corn, and warm cumin, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs frozen or canned and drained corn, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup, frozen or canned and drained corn
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (optional) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin, stirring for 1 minute to toast the spices without browning.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice) and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add 2 cans drained black beans and 1 cup corn.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Step 5: Cook uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the chili to your preferred consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Black Bean and Corn Chili with Cumin take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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-Simmered Black Bean and Corn Chili with Cumin?
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 (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Black Bean and Corn Chili with Cumin?
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-Simmered Black Bean and Corn Chili with Cumin 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-Simmered Black Bean and Corn Chili with Cumin vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to soups dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.