Black Bean And Corn Chili Slow Cooker
If you're looking for a hearty and healthy meal that's easy to make, look no further than this delicious black bean and corn chili slow cooker recipe. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, but still want to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
This recipe makes enough chili to serve six to eight people, depending on the size of your slow cooker. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your black bean and corn chili slow cooker:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the skillet, and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Transfer the onion and pepper mixture to a large slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well-combined.
- Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and/or chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Tips And Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this black bean and corn chili slow cooker recipe to your liking:
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make this chili on the stovetop instead. Simply follow steps 1-2 in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30-45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well-combined.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed onion and pepper mixture. You can also use a hotter chili powder or smoked paprika.
- If you're a meat lover, you can add cooked ground beef or turkey to this chili recipe. Simply brown the meat in the skillet before sautéing the onion and pepper mixture, then add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
- If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you can skip the chicken or vegetable broth and use water instead. You can also omit the cheese and sour cream toppings, or use vegan alternatives.
- If you don't have fresh corn, canned or frozen corn will work just fine. You can also add other vegetables to the chili, such as diced zucchini or chopped kale.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Black bean and corn chili slow cooker is a delicious and easy one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its hearty combination of black beans, corn, and flavorful spices, this chili is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you full and energized. So why not try making this recipe today?