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Cozy Crockpot Chili with Black Beans and Corn: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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This cozy crockpot chili with black beans and corn is the ultimate comfort food for cool evenings. It’s quick, easy, and packed with rich, smoky flavor—all made in the slow cooker with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can corn kernels, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 (8 oz / 227g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (4 oz / 113g) can diced green chiles (mild or hot)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • For serving: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips or Fritos

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Open all cans—black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chiles. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn.
  2. Place the raw ground beef directly into the crockpot. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top.
  3. Pour in the drained black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and diced green chiles. Do not stir yet.
  4. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk with a fork.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the top. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure spices are well incorporated and beef is distributed.
  6. Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, give it a good stir.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt if needed. If too thick, stir in ¼ cup beef broth or water. If too thin, cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with desired garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, lime juice, and crushed tortilla chips. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, use firm black beans like Bush’s Best or Goya. Frozen corn holds its shape better than canned. For a vegetarian version, swap beef with two cans of pinto or kidney beans and use vegetable broth. To thicken, mash some black beans against the pot or stir in 1 tablespoon cornmeal mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Add cocoa powder for extra depth. Leftovers keep up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, black bean chili, corn chili, easy chili recipe, 30-minute chili, cozy chili, comfort food, fall recipe, game day chili

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/cozy-crockpot-chili-with-black-beans-and-corn-easy-30-minute-recipe/