Chuck Wagon Chili Soup
Chuck Wagon Chili Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, tender butternut squash, beans, and rich tomatoes, seasoned with chili powder and cumin. Perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners, it offers a comforting blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness from the squash.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 small butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks ⓘ
- 4 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 28 oz. crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. barbecue baked beans ⓘ
- 15.5 oz. red kidney beans rinsed ⓘ
- 15.5 oz. pinto beans rinsed ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef in a 5-quart pot over medium heat for 4 minutes or until browned.
- Discard excess fat from the pot.
- Saute chopped onions and minced garlic in the same pot for 4 minutes or until soft.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin, then add peeled, seeded, and cut butternut squash, beef broth, and 1 cup of water.
- Cover and gently boil for 15 minutes until the squash is almost tender.
- Add crushed tomatoes and beans; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced scallions.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If butternut squash isn't available, sweet potatoes or pumpkin can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils and use vegetable broth instead. Feel free to adjust spices to suit your taste, and remember to taste as you go!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili soup with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced scallions for added flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with Meal In A Bowl Soup for a comforting dinner option or can be topped with avocado slices for freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chuck Wagon Chili Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a safe container until heated through. If it thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Wagon Chili Soup contains roughly 1339 calories, with 50g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (100% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1973mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for red kidney beans and pinto beans, you can substitute with black beans, navy beans, or any other favorite variety. Just ensure they are rinsed and drained if using canned beans to maintain the flavor profile.
How can I make this chili soup spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, serving it with a side of hot sauce allows each person to customize the spice level to their liking!
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this in a slow cooker! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).