The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
This chili with corn recipe packs a punch of flavor with ground beef, hearty beans, and a touch of sweetness from corn. Simmered to perfection, it’s a warm and satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. Get ready to simmer up a pot of pure comfort food!
This chili costs approximately $18.51 to make. It makes six servings and costs around $3.09 per serving.
What You’ll Love About Chili With Corn:
- Crowd Pleaser: This chili recipe has won chili cookoffs multiple times! It is always the first to go at a potluck and is one that everyone loves.
- Easy To Make: We use some canned food items as a shortcut to help make this recipe super easy. Making this beef chili takes just over an hour, allowing you to make it quickly any night of the week.
- Freezer Friendly: This chili freezes well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later when you have a busy weeknight or need a meal to take to a friend.
Chili Recipe With Corn Ingredients & Cost:
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil – $0.28
- 2 pounds ground beef – $9.66
- 2 medium onions – $1.56
- 2 large garlic cloves – $0.08
- 28 oz can whole tomatoes – $1.89
- 14.5 oz can beef broth – $0.79
- 5 Tablespoons chili powder – $0.40
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin – $0.10
- 2 teaspoon paprika – $0.08
- 1 cup frozen corn – $0.84
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar – $0.01
- 1 red bell pepper – $1.24
- 1 green bell pepper – $0.79
- 15.5 oz can black beans – $0.79
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in March 2024.
How To Make Chili With Corn:
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Heat oil in a large pot. Add beef and cook until browned.
- Add onions and garlic. Saute until softened.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients (except salt, pepper, and cayenne).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. You can serve it with your choice of toppings.
Chili Recipe With Corn Variations:
- You can easily take those out if you do not care for beans. If you want to take up the heat a notch, add more chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
- You can also add a cup or two of leftover chili to our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe for Chili Mac!
Serving and Storage Tips:
SERVE: Leftover chili should be kept at room temperature for at most 2 hours. Refrigerate promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
STORE: For best results, refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
FREEZE: To freeze and reheat the chili follow these instructions:
- Cool the chili completely.
- Transfer to freezer-safe Ziploc bags and freeze for up to 4 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a large saucepan over medium heat until heated.
Recipe FAQs:
What is the best beef for chili?
This recipe is designed to be affordable, using readily available and cost-effective ingredients. Therefore, ground beef is our go-to choice for beef in our chili recipe.
What can you add to chili?
The main components of our chili are listed below:
- Spices: Salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper
- Protein: Ground beef
- Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, corn, beans, onion, garlic
How long should you cook chili?
Cover and simmer the chili once all ingredients are combined for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Do you have to brown the meat for chili?
Yes, this is a necessary step before cooking the chili. Brown the beef to ensure it is cooked before adding additional ingredients. This step makes a difference in the overall taste of the dish.
Do you drain meat for chili?
Skip draining the lean ground beef! Its fat contributes rich flavor to the chili. If you’d like to, you can skim any excess fat after simmering.
Get Kids Involved With This Recipe:
Ages 2-3: Involve helpers with pouring canned tomatoes and beans. Have them assist in draining and rinsing the black beans for an engaging kitchen experience.
Ages 4-5: Encourage your helpers to participate by measuring corn and spices for the pot.
Ages 6-8: While supervising them closely and ensuring they understand proper knife safety, allow your helpers to chop the vegetables. Teach them how to safely open the canned tomatoes and black beans using a can opener.
Ages 9-11: While closely supervising them, ensure they read the recipe twice before beginning and participate in age-appropriate tasks throughout the process.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
What to Serve with Chili with Corn:
- Our 1-hour French bread is so good served with this ground beef chili recipe. Top it with some sour cream, and you have a delicious meal that will stay within the budget! Or serve it over some hot dogs or baked potatoes. Yum-o!
- Corn muffins
Budget Tips:
- Use ground beef as it is an affordable cut of meat.
- Use canned food items instead of fresh for this recipe to help cut down on costs as well.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for later to have a meal on another night when the weekly grocery budget might be a little tighter.
More From Easy Budget Recipes:
Chili With Corn
Equipment
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
FOR THE CHILI:
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz can whole tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can beef broth
- 5 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 large red bell pepper chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 15.5 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
GARNISHES (optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
BROWN BEEF:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, add oil and meat and heat over medium heat.
- Use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small chunks.
- Continue to cook until the meat is browned.
COOK AROMATICS:
- Add onions and sauce, stirring often, until they turn opaque and light brown on the edges, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
COOK CHILI:
- Add the remaining chili ingredients to the pot and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Once the mixture comes to a low boil, reduce the heat to simmer and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
TO FINISH:
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve, passing garnishes separately (optional).
Gina says
This chili was delicious and your cost was right on!
Jess Jankowski says
So glad you liked it! Thanks!
Jenn says
I love how simple and comforting this easy peasy chili is! A go-to for sure!
Jess Jankowski says
It is a definite family favorite around here! Thanks for stopping by!
Denay DeGuzman says
This delicious chili recipe is perfect for these cooler-weather months! Your recipe is tasty, beautiful and super festive. It’s like warm comforting hug!
Jess Jankowski says
Love that description! It’s definitely a warm comforting hug!
Courtney | Love & Good Stuff says
Chili is my favourite meal this time of year – yours look delicious! I love your suggestions on how to get the kids to help out with dinner – It’s great to get kids helping in the kitchen from an early age!
Jess Jankowski says
It’s my favorite meal this time of year too!!! Get those kids in the kitchen for sure!
Jessica Formicola says
This is the best chili recipe I’ve ever tried! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Jess Jankowski says
Oh thank you so much for your review! We love it!
Toni says
It was a huge hit at my house! Such a great meal for fall!
Jess Jankowski says
Awesome! Thank you!
Sara Welch says
This is everything a gourmet soup should be, and then some! Looking forward to warming up with this tonight!
Jess Jankowski says
Let us know how you like it!
Wendy Collins says
Needed something quick to make and it was cold and rainy so this chili was perfect! It was so simple to throw together and was a big hit!! I’m looking forward to leftovers today!!!
Jess Jankowski says
LOVE chili on those kinds of days. Thanks so much for your review…it helps a lot! And we’re thrilled the recipe was a hit!