Harissa Tomato Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
Harissa lends a distinctive depth to classic chili, swapping standard chili powder for notes of roasted peppers, garlic, and warm spices. As the beef simmers low and slow with crushed tomatoes and broth, the paste infuses every spoonful with steady warmth rather than sharp heat. Black beans bring substance while frozen corn kernels offer little bursts of natural sweetness that balance the savory, spiced base. It is a straightforward slow cooker meal that requires only a quick initial browning step before letting the gentle heat do the rest.
Why this one works
- Harissa paste provides complex, smoky spice without measuring out multiple individual seasonings.
- Browning and draining the beef first keeps the chili richly flavored rather than greasy.
- The combination of black beans and sweet corn provides great textural contrast.
- Hands-off slow cooking allows the flavors to meld thoroughly over several hours.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef Brown well in the skillet before slow cooking to build rich, caramelized flavor.
- 2 cups (400g) canned black beans, drained Rinsing and draining removes excess canning liquid so the broth balance stays clean.
- 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels Can go straight into the slow cooker frozen; they will thaw and stay tender during the long simmer.
- 2 tbsp (30g) harissa paste Provides the primary seasoning, heat level, and aromatic profile for the entire dish.
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes Forms a thick, textured tomato base that coats the meat and beans evenly.
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth Adds savory moisture to give the chili the right consistency as it simmers.
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Sumac Lemon Lean Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Skillet for browning the meat
- Colander or slotted spoon for draining excess fat
- Slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or ladle
Step-by-step instructions
The only active cooking happens at the stovetop: take a few minutes to brown the beef thoroughly and pour off any rendered fat. Once the meat is transferred to the slow cooker, stir the remaining ingredients together evenly so the harissa paste dissolves smoothly into the broth and tomatoes.
- 1Step 1
Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- 2Step 2
Transfer beef to a slow cooker.
- 3Step 3
Add harissa, tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth.
- 4Step 4
Stir well to combine.
- 5Step 5
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- 6Step 6
Serve warm in bowls.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Break the ground beef into small, uniform crumbles while browning to ensure even distribution throughout the chili.
- Stir the harissa paste directly into the crushed tomatoes and broth before placing the lid on to prevent any concentrated pockets of spice.
- Keep the slow cooker lid firmly closed during the 4 to 6 hour cook time to maintain steady simmering heat.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish bowls with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
- Top with a spoonful of plain yogurt or sour cream to mellow the harissa heat.
- Serve alongside lime wedges for a bright, citrusy squeeze at the table.
Serving suggestions
Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls and serve with warm crusty bread, tortilla chips, or freshly baked cornbread to catch the rich tomato sauce. A crisp side salad dressed with simple vinaigrette makes an excellent fresh accompaniment.
Storage & reheating
Allow leftover chili to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator or freeze for longer keeping, reheating gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can I cook this on high instead of low?+
The recipe specifies low for 4 to 6 hours, which allows the beans, beef, and harissa flavors to develop gently without scorching.
Is harissa paste very spicy?+
Heat levels vary by brand, but two tablespoons spread across the full batch creates a warm, aromatic spice balanced by the tomatoes and corn.
With minimal prep and dependable slow cooker simmering, this harissa-spiced chili offers a comforting, deeply flavorful twist on everyday comfort food.
Harissa Tomato Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
A fragrant slow cooker chili featuring seasoned ground beef, tender black beans, sweet corn, crushed tomatoes, and a bold kick of spicy harissa.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 2 cups (400g) canned black beans, drained
- 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels
- 2 tbsp (30g) harissa paste
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Transfer beef to a slow cooker.
- Add harissa, tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Serve warm in bowls.
Nutrition
You might also like these recipes
Sumac Lemon Lean Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
A bright, hearty slow cooker chili made with lean beef, black beans, sweet corn, tangy sumac, and fresh lemon zest for a vibrant weeknight meal.
Tomato Basil Turkey Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
A slow cooker chili combining browned ground turkey, tender black beans, sweet corn, and crushed tomatoes, finished with fresh basil.
Mediterranean Lean Beef Slow Cooker Black Bean Corn Chili
A hearty slow cooker chili made with browned lean ground beef, sweet corn, tender black beans, and tomatoes simmered gently until thick and fragrant.
Save the recipes you want to make next.
Browse more recipes or follow the Pinterest profile for the latest food ideas from this collection.