Last Updated on September 4, 2025
Chef Ashley’s take on classic chili gets a sweet and smoky upgrade with the addition of fresh corn kernels. The natural sweetness of the corn beautifully balances the rich, beefy flavor of grass-fed ground beef and warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika. This hearty, one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep—and like all great chilis, it tastes even better the next day. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a customizable comfort food experience that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb ButcherBox ground beef, ideally an 80/20 blend for richness
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups corn kernels
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 cups chicken stock
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Brown the meat for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the onion, garlic, and corn and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Add the broth and using a wooden spoon release any browned bits on the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beans and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 hour, until beef is tender and the flavors have melded and developed. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and add water as needed to maintain a chili consistency.
Serve hot in bowls with your favorite toppings like sour cream, pickled red onions, diced avocado, and steamed rice.
Tip: Chili can be prepared a day or two ahead of serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Ashley Lonsdale is the chef at ButcherBox. Her big hope is for a world where everyone can access the joy of food. That hope is precisely why she spends her free time as an associate board member for the Food Education Fund and writing recipes for her newsletter FOODSTAR. Previously, she was the culinary director for Daily Harvest, a private chef, and a line cook in various New York City kitchens. She is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute.
