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Easy Southwestern Chili Recipe

This hearty Southwestern Chili is the perfect cozy fall dinner. Packed with lean ground beef, three types of beans, sweet corn, and bold Southwestern spices, it’s a healthy yet comforting one-pot meal. With only 4 WW points per serving, this chili is light enough for everyday dinners while still being rich and satisfying. It freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep, and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a bowl full of flavor every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main 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

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Place a large pot over medium-high heat and lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small crumbles.
  4. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, corn seasoning blend, and salt. Let the spices bloom in the meat mixture.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well until tomato paste dissolves.
  6. Drain and rinse beans, then add black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, and corn to the pot. Stir until well combined.
  7. Let chili simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as Greek yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, or green onions.

Notes

  • Adjust seasoning levels based on personal taste. Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
  • This chili freezes very well. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.