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Quick Crockpot Black Bean Corn Chili

crockpot black bean corn chili - featured image

A smoky, hearty chili that comes together in a slow cooker with minimal prep. Inspired by a beloved diner recipe, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until no longer pink. Do not drain the fat.
  2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Pour about ¼ cup of the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 30 seconds, then pour everything into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and remaining beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir once or twice if possible, but not strictly necessary.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice.
  7. Serve hot with desired toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add an extra can of black beans and a can of pinto beans. For a leaner option, use ground turkey with a little extra oil. If you don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes, use regular diced tomatoes and add an extra pinch of smoked paprika. The chili tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, black bean corn chili, slow cooker chili, easy chili, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chili