Chuck Wagon Chow
A hearty, savory beef chili cooked slowly in a crock pot, featuring tender meat, beans, and vegetables—perfect for comforting gatherings and outdoor meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into the crock pot.
- Cook on low for about 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes in the spices overnight. You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This dish pairs well with cornbread or rice, making it a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chuck Wagon Chow with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added flavor. Cornbread or tortilla chips are great side options that complement the dish well. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad or browse more American recipes for additional sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Wagon Chow contains roughly 497 calories, with 31g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (197% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1826mg per serving (79% 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 frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef cubes, but it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can cook them directly from frozen but may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with a combination of mushrooms and diced vegetables like zucchini and carrots for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure your beans are canned in water without added meat products.
Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker. Sauté the vegetables and beef first, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes, allowing for a natural release for best results.
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).