Three-Bean Chili with Corn and Smoked Cumin

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-simmered chili packed with kidney, cannellini, and black beans, sweet corn, and smoky cumin. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 diced bell peppers, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can drained kidney beans, 1 can drained cannellini beans, 1 can drained black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Uncover and simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Three-Bean Chili with Corn and Smoked Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Three-Bean Chili with Corn and Smoked 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 corn kernels from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Bean Chili with Corn and Smoked 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 Three-Bean Chili with Corn and Smoked 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 Three-Bean Chili with Corn and Smoked 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.

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