Spice Up Your Table: Chuck Wagon Chili Soup Recipe

Are you in the mood for something hearty and delicious that will warm you up on a chilly evening? Look no further than this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup Recipe. It’s packed with protein from three different types of beans and ground beef, as well as bold flavors from chili powder, garlic, and onions. This recipe has been inspired by the American West and the iconic chuck wagon meals that fed cowboys on long cattle drives.

You may be wondering what sets this chili recipe apart from others, and I can assure you it’s not just the name. This authentic chuck wagon chili boasts a unique blend of spices with just the right amount of heat to satisfy any spicy cravings. But don’t let that scare you away – adjustments can be made to reduce the spiciness level according to your preference.

Whether you are making this recipe for a family dinner or to impress guests at a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The cozy aroma from a simmering pot of chili is sure to create memories that will last long after your meal is finished. So grab your apron, put on some western tunes, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day, then look no further than this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup Recipe. This recipe is sure to be a hit with both meat-lovers and bean-lovers alike, thanks to the irresistible combination of beef, beans, and spices that make up this chili soup.

One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the amount of chili powder, cumin, and other spices based on your personal preferences. Plus, you can easily switch up the type of beans in the recipe – pinto beans, black beans, or red kidney beans all work well here.

Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is because it’s easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have a delicious and comforting meal ready in no time at all. Plus, since this recipe can be made in a slow cooker or on the stove-top, it’s perfect for those days when you want to set-it-and-forget-it.

But perhaps the best reason why you’ll love this recipe is simply because it tastes amazing. The combination of ground beef, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and spices creates a rich and savory flavor that’s both satisfying and comforting. And when topped with scallions and cheddar cheese, this chili soup becomes a real treat that will warm you up from the inside out.

So whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next game-day party or just want an easy weeknight dinner idea that the whole family will love, this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup Recipe is definitely worth a try. Trust us, once you take that first spoonful of this flavorful soup, you’ll know why it’s such a beloved classic!

Ingredient List

Let’s Check our Pantry

Before starting to cook the Chuck Wagon Chili Soup, make sure you have all the ingredients in your pantry. It can be a hassle to have to run to the grocery store while cooking. Keep in mind that this recipe calls for ground beef, specifically beef chuck, which is a less expensive cut of meat and perfect for tenderizing during slow cooking. You’ll also need canned black beans, red kidney beans and pinto beans, as well as a can of crushed tomatoes for the base. The emulsification of these ingredients will create a thick chili-like consistency balanced out by beef broth and various spices, including 1/2 cup chili powder, garlic, and minced onions.

Meat

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef chuck

Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Tomatoes

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

Broth

• 4 cups beef broth

Spices

• 1/2 cup chili powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 onions, diced

Make sure to check your pantry for these ingredients before you get started. Trust us, you won’t want to run to the store halfway through cooking this delicious Chuck Wagon Chili Soup!

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeJk__EUCj0

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s start making this flavorful and hearty Chuck Wagon Chili Soup recipe. This recipe can be made in a large pot or prepared in a slow-cooker for convenience.

Preparing the beef

First, heat a large pot on medium-high heat or brown 1 pound of ground beef in a separate skillet. If you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can use ground chuck or ground sirloin as an alternative. Brown the meat until there is no pink remaining.

Adding the vegetables

Then, add 1 large diced onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 chopped green bell pepper to the pot or skillet with the beef. Sauté these ingredients together until they become soft and tender.

Simmering in spices

Incorporate 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the pan with the meat and vegetables. Stir everything together and let it simmer over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

Adding beans and tomatoes

Next, stir in 1 can each of drained and rinsed pinto beans, black beans, and red kidney beans into the mixture. Add 1 can (28 ounces) of undrained crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth to the pot or slow cooker.

Cooking in slow-cooker or on stove-top

For those using a slow cooker, cook on high for approximately 4 hours or low for around 8 hours until hot and bubbly. If using a pot, cover with a lid and lower heat to reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for an additional 45 minutes to one hour.

Adjusting seasonings

Before serving, give your soup a quick taste test. Add additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.

Your Chuck Wagon Chili Soup should now be ready to serve!

Note: Adding chopped fresh scallions and shredded cheddar cheese on top of your bowl will provide delicious finishing touches.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great aspects of any recipe, including this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup Recipe, is the ability to personalize and adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Here are some potential substitutions and variations that you can try out:

– Beans: Instead of using pinto beans, black beans, and red kidney beans as specified in the ingredient list, you can experiment with other types of beans such as cannellini beans or navy beans. You can also use canned versions or cook them from scratch.

– Meat: Ground beef is typically used in this recipe, but you can also use ground chuck, ground sirloin, or even shredded chuck roast for a heartier texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using meat substitutes such as soy crumbles or jackfruit.

– Spice level: The chili powder in this recipe gives it a moderate level of heat, but if you’d like it spicier, consider adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you’d like it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne altogether.

– Vegetables: While onions and garlic are essential ingredients in this recipe, you can also incorporate other vegetables such as chopped bell peppers or celery for added flavor and nutrition.

– Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic topping for chili soup recipes, but you can also experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

These are just a few ideas for personalizing this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup Recipe to your liking. Don’t be afraid to get creative and adventurous with your substitutions and variations!

Serving and Pairing

Once your Chuck Wagon Chili Soup is cooked to perfection, it’s time for the fun part – serving and pairing it with various sides and beverages. This hearty soup is best served hot and garnished with chopped scallions or shredded cheddar cheese for an added kick of flavor.

Pairing Chuck Wagon Chili Soup with a side salad or cornbread is a classic move that never fails. A fresh green salad can complement the richness of the chili while giving you some extra nutrients. On the other hand, cornbread would give you that balance between sweet and savory flavors that perfectly match your chili soup’s taste profile.

If you prefer something more substantial, why not pair it with rice or tortilla chips? The rice will absorb any excess liquid and also make the meal more filling. Meanwhile, tortilla chips will give you that crunchy texture you’re looking for while balancing out the soup’s spiciness as they are perfect for dipping and scooping.

To complement the bold flavors of Chuck Wagon Chili Soup, I highly recommend pairing it with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. For those who don’t drink, a glass of ice-cold lemonade or even root beer would satisfy those spicy taste buds.

Ultimately, serving and pairing up your chuck wagon chili soup depends on your preferences entirely. Experiment with different options until you get the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you’re planning on making this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup in advance, you’re in luck! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Simply store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just place it on the stovetop over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

However, if you’re really planning ahead and want to freeze your Chuck Wagon Chili Soup, there are some things to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that the soup has cooled completely before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer. You can freeze it for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat it again, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Once it’s thawed, heat it up on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

One thing to keep in mind when reheating this soup is that the longer you reheat it, the thicker it will become. If you find that your chili soup has become too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.

Overall, this recipe is great for meal prepping and enjoying leftovers throughout the week. With just a little bit of planning ahead, you can have a delicious and hearty meal waiting for you at any time.

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to making the perfect Chuck Wagon Chili Soup, there are a few tips that can take your cooking game to a whole new level. Trust me; these are tried and tested hands-on tips that I have acquired over time.

The first tip when making this recipe is to use fresh ingredients. Fresh vegetables and meat make a world of difference when it comes to taste. Therefore, ensure you purchase your groceries from a reliable vendor.

Another tip is to not skip browning your meat. Browning your ground beef in a large pot until it’s well-golden brown adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish that can’t be achieved otherwise. It also helps in reducing the fat content by cooking out some of the beef’s grease.

When it comes to spices, using good quality chili powder is essential; emeril chuck wagon chili mix or mitchell’s soup company beef chili make great options too. I recommend adding more than the stated quantities for additional depth and heat. However, don’t go overboard with it as you don’t want the spices to overpower the other delicate flavors.

Adding a teaspoon of ground cumin can add a lovely earthiness and depth of flavor to the dish. Also, adding some fresh garlic cloves can enhance the taste of this soup chili.

If you’re preparing this recipe in a slow cooker or crockpot, ensure that you add enough liquid for the ingredients to cook right through; I suggest using beef broth or tomato soup for optimal taste. Don’t forget to stir occasionally for even cooking.

Lastly, be sure to let your Chuck Wagon Chili Soup simmer long enough on low heat for all those flavors to blend well together. At least 45 minutes on low heat will do the trick; allowing the beans and vegetables enough time to cook through while soaking in all those fabulous spices.

By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll have made yourself an irresistible bowl of Chuck Wagon Chili Soup that is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table!

FAQ

Now that you have learned about the ingredients, how to make it, and serving suggestions, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions about this chuck wagon chili soup recipe. Knowing the answers to these commonly asked queries will help perfect your result and make sure you make the most of this savory recipe.

Can you use ground chuck for chili?

For the ultimate chili recipe, combining ground chuck and ground sirloin can be a game-changer. Robby Melvin, a respected former Southern Living Test Kitchen Director, suggests this mix to create a harmonious balance between the lean-to-fat ratio from the chuck and the bold, beefy flavor from the sirloin. It’s a winning combination that’ll take your chili game to the next level.

What is the secret to great chili?

As a culinary adventurer, I have come across some unexpected but amazing ingredients that can boost the flavor of your dishes. When preparing chili, cocoa powder might not be the most conventional ingredient to reach for, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. The rich and bitter taste of cocoa powder serves as the perfect complement to the spicy and savory notes in chili. Another unexpected ingredient is beer, which can replace water or stock when preparing stews or soups, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profiles. Additionally, coffee and cinnamon can add a unique dimension to sweet and savory dishes, enhancing the taste and aroma of the overall dish.

Should I use stock or broth for chili?

As a culinary adventurer, I’ve discovered that the type of liquid you use can make or break a soup. I’ve found that stock is perfect as a base when the liquid is meant to be the focal point – soups like chicken and dumplings, lemony turkey rice soup, and French lentil and carrot soup benefit from its thicker consistency. On the other hand, broths are better suited for dishes where you want the other flavors to stand out, like tomato soup, chili, and slow cooker sweet potato soup. So, choose wisely!

What kind of broth is used for chili?

When preparing chili, it’s important to remember that the magic happens when you cook it over low heat for a longer period of time. To ensure the meat is tender and the overall dish doesn’t turn out dry, it’s important to add enough liquid to the recipe. Not only does this serve to tenderize the meat, but it also enhances the flavours of the chili. When choosing which type of liquid to use, consider chicken, beef or vegetable stock, or even beer as they are great flavour enhancers.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the Chuck Wagon Chili Soup recipe is flavorful and hearty, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a filling and delicious meal. By using ground beef or chuck roast, a variety of beans and crushed tomatoes, and a blend of spices like chili powder, garlic, onions, and cumin, you can create a truly memorable dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

So go ahead and give this Chuck Wagon Chili Soup recipe a try! With your friends or family by your side, it’s sure to be a culinary adventure worth embarking on. Trust me, one bite of this delicious soup will transport you straight to the heart of the Wild West!

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