Spiced Demon-Inspired Chili with Black Beans and Corn

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

A rich and smoky chili combining black beans, sweet corn, and a blend of warming spices to evoke an intense, fiery flavor. This mexican-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, large yellow onion, diced, medium red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 50 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 1 medium diced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground chipotle chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, 2 (15 oz) cans drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir well.
  4. Step 4: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chili hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Demon-Inspired Chili with Black Beans and Corn take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Spiced Demon-Inspired 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 Spiced Demon-Inspired 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 Spiced Demon-Inspired 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.

Is Spiced Demon-Inspired Chili with Black Beans and Corn vegan?

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

Related recipes