Texan Chili Con Carne with Black Beans and Corn
A hearty Texan-style chili featuring tender beef, black beans, and sweet corn simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup, fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup corn kernels. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texan Chili Con Carne 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 Texan Chili Con Carne 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 Texan Chili Con Carne 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 Texan Chili Con Carne with Black Beans and Corn for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Texan Chili Con Carne 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.
