Spicy Chuck Wagon Soup
Spicy Chuck Wagon Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish with tender beef, vegetables, and a smoky kick, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 lbs.) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 med. onions ⓘ
- 1 can (28 oz.) stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (10 1/2 oz.) condensed beef broth ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 5 med. potatoes ⓘ
- 4 med. carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, paprika, 1 tsp. chili powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
- In a large soup kettle, brown beef in oil in batches.
- Stir in the onions, stewed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, and remaining chili powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add potatoes and carrots, cover, and simmer for an additional 35-40 minutes until meat and vegetables are tender.
- Add corn and heat through.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the spice mix and ensure the beef is well-coated before browning. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper and chili powder. Feel free to substitute the beef chuck roast with a leaner cut, such as sirloin, for a lighter version. This soup is versatile; adding beans can enhance the texture and protein content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spicy Chuck Wagon Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A simple salad can complement the dish nicely, adding freshness. For a complete experience, consider pairing it with other beef recipes, such as the Light 'N' Lean Meat Loaf, for a comforting dinner spread that your family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chuck Wagon Soup contains roughly 482 calories, with 22g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (194% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1211mg per serving (53% 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 soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef and adding it to the slow cooker, combine all ingredients, except for the potatoes and carrots, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the vegetables in the last 1-2 hours of cooking to ensure they remain tender.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives. For a richer flavor, you might also consider using homemade broth or stock. Just keep in mind that using a different broth may slightly alter the overall taste of the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness of your soup, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the onions. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving can provide that extra heat you desire.
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).