Chuckwagon Stew
Chuckwagon Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, potatoes, and a blend of spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or outdoor gatherings. Its rich tomato-based sauce and smoky spices create a satisfying meal with a touch of Western flair, ideal for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. beef cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lard ⓘ
- 2 sliced onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. dry crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat the beef cubes in a mixture of flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt.
- Brown the coated beef in hot lard in a large Dutch oven.
- Add sliced onions and minced garlic; cook until soft.
- Add the can of tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, cinnamon, ground cloves, crushed red pepper, and chopped potatoes.
- Simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors meld, about 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have lard, vegetable oil or butter will work as substitutes. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami flavor. You can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chuckwagon Stew with fresh bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. For sides, consider a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Beef-Barley Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. The stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuckwagon Stew contains roughly 1768 calories, with 29g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% 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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or chicken, but cooking times may vary. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so adjust the spices accordingly.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper or a diced jalapeño. You can also use a spicier chili powder for a kick. Taste as you go to ensure it meets your heat preference.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
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).