Spicy American Chili with Black Beans and Corn

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

Hearty and spicy chili featuring black beans, sweet corn, and ground beef, perfect for sharing at casual gatherings. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 large diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups black beans, 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 cup tomato sauce, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy American Chili with Black Beans and Corn take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Spicy American 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy American 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 Spicy American 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 Spicy American 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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