Chuck Wagon Chili
A hearty cowboy-style chili with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners, topped with cheese and served over spaghetti if desired.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef, chopped onion, chili powder, and pepper in a skillet until the meat is browned.
- Add the tomato soup, kidney beans, mushrooms, water, and vinegar to the meat mixture.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally over spaghetti and topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add minced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Canned beans can be replaced with dried beans; just soak and cook them beforehand. Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder enhances the flavor profile. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, optionally over spaghetti for a hearty meal. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Corn Bread Skillet Meal or a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, serve it in bread bowls for a delightful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Wagon Chili contains roughly 898 calories, with 37g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 578mg per serving (25% 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 make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving. Many American recipes, like Skillet Beef-N-Beans, benefit from being made in advance as well.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean adds its own unique texture and flavor, allowing for customization to suit your taste. Just ensure that the beans are drained and rinsed if using canned varieties.
Is this chili kid-friendly?
Yes, this chili can be made kid-friendly by reducing the amount of chili powder and avoiding any spicy additions. You can also serve it with toppings like cheese or sour cream, which children often enjoy. Additionally, pairing it with a side of cornbread or over spaghetti may make it more appealing to younger palates.
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).