Smoked Mega Cavern Chili with Black Beans and Corn

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty chili slow-simmered with smoked tomatoes and sweet corn, inspired by Louisville’s underground Mega Cavern adventure. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, medium, diced green bell pepper 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: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium green bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef, cooking until beef is browned and crumbled, about 7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz smoked diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, and 1 cup corn kernels.
  4. Step 4: Season with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups beef broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot with optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Mega Cavern Chili with Black Beans and Corn take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 Smoked Mega Cavern 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Mega Cavern 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 Smoked Mega Cavern Chili with Black 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.

What goes well with Smoked Mega Cavern Chili with Black Beans and Corn?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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