Name: Easy Southwestern Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 large white onion (diced); 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 28 ounces diced tomatoes (drain some liquid); 6 ounces tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 15.5 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed); 15.5 ounces pinto beans (drained and rinsed); 15.5 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 1.5 cups corn (fresh or frozen); 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste); 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons corn seasoning blend (like 'Everything but the Elote' or similar); as needed olive oil spray (for cooking)

This Southwestern Chili is rich, bold, and loaded with hearty beans, lean beef, smoky spices, and a hint of sweetness from corn. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell incredible while bubbling away, and the best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for serving a crowd.

At only 4 Weight Watchers points per heaping cup, this recipe doesn’t just bring comfort—it brings balance, too. It freezes beautifully, makes generous servings, and can be dressed up with endless toppings for a personalized bowl every time.

Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Chili

This chili has all the cozy flavors you crave in a fall dinner, but it comes with a few perks that make it stand out. First, it’s a one-pot recipe—meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. Second, it’s both healthy and filling, thanks to lean ground beef and three kinds of beans that provide fiber and protein. Finally, it’s flexible enough to make your own. Want more heat? Toss in a jalapeño. Prefer chicken instead of beef? It works beautifully.

Beyond flavor, this chili is an ideal meal-prep superstar. You can make a big pot on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week, or portion and freeze for busy nights when you need dinner ready in minutes.

Ingredient Breakdown

When you look at the ingredient list, you’ll notice it strikes a balance between classic chili essentials and a Southwestern twist. Let’s break it down so you understand why each component matters:

The base begins with sautéed onion and lean ground beef. This combination builds richness and depth while keeping the dish lighter than traditional chili made with fattier cuts.

The tomato trio—diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth—creates the perfect consistency. The paste gives body, the broth adds savory flavor, and the diced tomatoes provide freshness and texture.

A mix of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans makes the chili hearty and satisfying. Each bean brings its own character: black beans add creaminess, kidney beans add substance, and pintos contribute earthiness.

Corn is where the Southwestern flair really shines. Its sweetness contrasts beautifully with the smoky chili powder and paprika, giving the chili an addictive balance of flavors.

Finally, the seasonings—chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and a pinch of Trader Joe’s “Everything But the Elote”—make this dish pop. The Elote seasoning especially adds a unique corn-forward, slightly cheesy note that elevates the whole pot.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Pot

Making this chili is straightforward, but a few small steps ensure maximum flavor. Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and giving it a quick spray of olive oil. This prevents sticking while keeping the fat content down.

Next, sauté your diced onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This is your flavor foundation. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and broken into small crumbles. At this stage, season generously with your spices. Blooming the spices in the hot meat mixture intensifies their flavor.

Once seasoned, stir in the broth, diced tomatoes (with some of their liquid drained), and tomato paste. The tomato paste may seem stubborn at first, but as you stir it into the broth, it dissolves into a silky base.

Rinse and drain your beans, then add them along with the corn. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. The chili will thicken, the flavors will meld, and your kitchen will smell like heaven. Taste before serving and adjust the salt or spices to match your preference.

For toppings, you can’t go wrong with a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheese, and some fresh green onions. A crunchy side like seasonal tortilla chips adds the perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Toast your spices. Adding them directly to the meat before the liquids helps release their essential oils and boosts flavor.
Don’t skip the simmer. Even if you’re tempted to serve it right away, giving the chili at least 30 minutes makes all the difference in flavor depth.
Adjust to your taste. Like it smoky? Add chipotle powder. Want extra spice? Stir in cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Batch cook and freeze. This recipe makes 12 servings, so freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight meals.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the joys of chili is how adaptable it is. If you want to experiment, here are a few delicious directions to take this recipe:

Try swapping the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want an even lighter version. You’ll still get plenty of protein with fewer calories. For a vegetarian twist, omit the meat altogether and double the beans. The hearty texture of the three-bean combination ensures the chili won’t feel lacking.

If you enjoy smoky flavors, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. It brings depth and a hint of heat that plays beautifully with the corn. For a slightly sweet variation, toss in roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash cubes. These ingredients add creaminess and pair well with the spices.

Finally, don’t be afraid to switch up the beans. Chickpeas or cannellini beans make fun substitutes and can create a different texture profile.

Nutrition Breakdown

This chili shines not just in taste but also in nutrition. With lean protein from the ground beef and beans, it’s a filling yet balanced dish that won’t leave you sluggish. Each heaping cup is only 4 WW points, making it easy to fit into a healthy eating plan.

The beans add fiber, which helps with digestion and satiety. Corn provides a natural touch of sweetness without added sugar. Using nonfat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream keeps toppings lighter while still creamy. And reduced-fat cheese gives you that gooey finish without overloading on calories.

If you’re tracking macros, you’ll appreciate the balance here: moderate carbs from beans and corn, plenty of protein from beef, and just enough healthy fats to keep it satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

While a big steaming bowl of chili is satisfying on its own, it’s fun to play with sides and toppings. Try pairing it with homemade cornbread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Trader Joe’s Fall Leaf tortilla chips add a festive crunch in autumn, but classic tortilla chips or even baked pita chips also work beautifully.

For toppings, think beyond the basics. Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, jalapeño rounds, or a drizzle of hot sauce all bring new layers of flavor. If you’re serving a crowd, create a chili bar with different toppings so everyone can customize their bowl.

If you’re a fan of cozy fall meals, this chili pairs wonderfully with a slice of pumpkin bread or spiced apple muffins for dessert. The savory-sweet balance is unbeatable.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

This chili is made for make-ahead convenience. In the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to five days. Simply let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen by the next day, making leftovers even tastier.

For freezing, portion the chili into individual servings or quart-size freezer bags. Lay the bags flat to save space, and label them with the date. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if the chili thickened too much during storage.

Final Thoughts

This Southwestern Chili is the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple. It’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or feeding a crowd. Whether you top it with cheese and yogurt, freeze it for later, or serve it alongside warm cornbread, it always delivers comfort in a bowl.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy trying a classic turkey chili or a smoky black bean soup for variety in your fall and winter rotation. With recipes like these, you’ll never run out of cozy, nourishing meals to keep you satisfied all season long.