Best 9 Texas Chuckwagon Chili Recipes

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**Discover the True Taste of the Wild West with Texas Chuckwagon Chili: A Culinary Journey Through Time**

Savor the authentic flavors of the Wild West with our mouthwatering Texas Chuckwagon Chili, a dish that embodies the spirit of the American frontier. This hearty and flavorful chili is a staple of chuckwagons, the mobile kitchens that fed cowboys during long cattle drives. With its rich blend of spices, tender beef, and hearty vegetables, this chili is a true testament to the culinary ingenuity of the chuckwagon cooks.

Indulge in a symphony of flavors as you explore the three delectable recipes featured in this article. From the Classic Texas Chuckwagon Chili, a timeless recipe that captures the essence of the chuckwagon experience, to the Vegetarian Chuckwagon Chili, a hearty and flavorful meatless option, and the White Bean Chicken Chili, a unique and refreshing twist on the classic.

Each recipe offers a unique culinary experience, showcasing the versatility of this iconic dish. Whether you prefer the traditional beef-based chili, a meatless alternative, or a lighter chicken-based version, this article has something for every chili enthusiast.

So, fire up your stove, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey through time as you recreate the authentic flavors of the Texas Chuckwagon Chili. Let the aroma of this hearty and flavorful dish fill your kitchen and transport you to the days of the Wild West, where cowboys and chuckwagon cooks worked and feasted together under the vast Texan sky.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

SLOW COOKER CHUCK WAGON CHILI



Slow Cooker Chuck Wagon Chili image

A great chili recipe made with beer and a touch of brown sugar!

Provided by Sarah Olson

Categories     Soup

Time 8h20m

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs. ground beef (browned and drained)
1 large white onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
3 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 cup beer ((use your favorite, I use bud light))
29 oz. diced tomatoes ((or stewed tomatoes) (two14.5-oz. cans))
15 oz. can tomato sauce
30 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed ((two 15-oz. cans))
1 beef bouillon cube
2 Tbsp. water

Steps:

  • Add everything to the slow cooker, except the beef bouillon cube and the water.
  • Add the beef bouillon cube and water to a microwavable glass cup. Microwave for 40 seconds, or until the water is hot enough to melt the cube. Stir the cube in the water until dissolved. Add this to the other ingredients in the slow cooker, stir.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 74 mg, Sodium 1139 mg, Fiber 13 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

AWARD-WINNING CHUCK WAGON CHILI



Award-Winning Chuck Wagon Chili image

For an extra-spicy kick, double the chili powder in this award-winning chili recipe, but make sure you've got a cool drink close by! -Eugene Jarzab Jr., Phoenix, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound pork stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/3 cup chili powder, divided
4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped canned green chilies
1 carton (32 ounces) beef broth
3/4 cup beer
3/4 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons grated dark chocolate
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Sprinkle beef and pork with half of the chili powder. In a Dutch oven, brown meat in batches in 2 tablespoons oil; drain and set aside. In the same pan, saute onion and celery in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add the garlic, chilies and remaining chili powder; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the broth, beer, tomato sauce, chocolate, cumin, oregano, salt, mustard, cayenne and meat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 637 calories, Fat 38g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 179mg cholesterol, Sodium 1285mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 57g protein.

EMERIL'S CHUCK WAGON CHILI



Emeril's Chuck Wagon Chili image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h55m

Yield about 2 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons Emeril's Southwest Essence
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups chopped yellow onions
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 (12-ounce) bottles dark beer
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, crushed, with juices
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons salt
1-ounce semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons masa harina
Grated Cheddar, for garnish
Finely chopped green onions, for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add the beef, chili powder, cumin, Southwest Essence, cayenne, cinnamon, crushed red pepper and bay leaf and cook until meat is well-browned. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until the onions soften, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beers and cook until the foam subsides, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, and chocolate to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until thickened and meat is very tender, 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Skim off any fat that rises to the top of the chili. Sprinkle soup with masa harina and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve with the cheese, green onions, and cilantro alongside as garnish.

TEXAS-STYLE CHILI



Texas-Style Chili image

Calling a dish "Texas Chili," especially if you're not a native of that state, is clearly asking for trouble. But this recipe, refined over years of potlucks and Super Bowl parties, is too good to keep under wraps. Its depth of flavor, from different chile types, makes this recipe stand out. It also has whole spices, unsweetened chocolate and dark beer that meld seamlessly into a brick-red sauce that naps the succulent meat. The meat can be cut into large chunks, or, more traditionally, thin slices, especially if you are using a tougher cut than chuck. Sirloin also makes good chili. If you have masa harina, the corn flour used to make tortillas, that will make the gravy even thicker, but it is not necessary. Like many vigorously spiced dishes, this one tastes even better a day or two after it is made and will hold its flavor well for at least a week.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     dinner, lunch, soups and stews

Time 2h

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
4 pounds beef chuck roast or steak
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra as needed
1 large yellow or white onion, chopped, plus extra chopped onion for serving
6 large garlic cloves, minced
4 to 7 large fresh green jalapeños (depending on how much heat you like), stemmed, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons masa harina or 1 corn tortilla, torn into pieces (optional)
2 tablespoons ground pure chile powder, such as pasilla, Chimayo or ancho
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 (12-ounce) bottle Negra Modelo beer
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, or 3 10-ounce cans Ro-Tel canned tomatoes with green chiles
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
3 whole dried large red chiles, such as New Mexico or guajillo
Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
Fritos or warmed flour tortillas, for serving

Steps:

  • In a small heavy skillet, toast cumin and coriander seeds until fragrant. In a mortar and pestle, or in a coffee grinder, grind to a powder and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, roughly cut beef into 2-inch cubes, or slice it against the grain into pieces about 1/4-inch thick by 1 1/2 inches square. Sprinkle with salt.
  • In a large, heavy pot over high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, brown the meat, turning occasionally until crusty. Adjust heat to prevent scorching. As it is cooked, remove the meat to drain on paper towels. Add more oil as needed for browning, but do not clean out the pot.
  • To the empty but crusty pot, add onion, garlic, jalapeños, masa harina or tortilla (if using), chile powder, cumin-coriander powder and oregano. Cook, stirring, until onion has softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add meat, beer, tomatoes, chocolate, whole dried chiles and 1 quart water. Bring to a gentle simmer and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, or until meat is fork-tender. Remove the dried chiles. Taste and add salt if necessary.
  • Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate. The chili tastes best one or two days after it is made.
  • Reheat over low heat if necessary and serve in bowls, sprinkled with chopped onion and cilantro. Add Fritos for crunch, or dip tortillas into the spicy gravy.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 286, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 341 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BEST EVER CHUCK WAGON CHILI



Best Ever Chuck Wagon Chili image

A thick and hearty homemade chili with a kick. If you like a thinner chili, add another can of tomato sauce. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar and buttery crackers. You can't stop at just one bowl!

Provided by Brandy Arnett

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Beef Chili Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon butter
2 large white onions, chopped
2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 habanero pepper, chopped
3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
3 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon garlic salt
1 drop super-hot hot pepper sauce

Steps:

  • In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until evenly browned. Drain off grease, and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions, green pepper and habanero pepper until onions are translucent. Remove from heat. Transfer the onion mixture to the pot with the ground beef, and set the heat to medium.
  • Add the kidney beans and tomato sauce to the beef mixture, and season with chili powder, salt, garlic salt and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a simmer, and adjust seasonings to taste if necessary. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 551.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.2 g, Cholesterol 97.8 mg, Fat 31.8 g, Fiber 13.4 g, Protein 30.2 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 1955.3 mg, Sugar 8.7 g

AUTHENTIC 1840 TEXAS CHILI



Authentic 1840 Texas Chili image

Received this in chatting with a Texas cook a few years ago, and, as we all have our own views of "chili" today, this is where it all got started (actual credit to Texas Governmor Ann Richards, who attribuited Jim Perry of the XIT Ranch in the Texas Panhandle, as being the method of cooking on a cattle drive... While very simplistic, the longer it cooks, the better it tastes, and showcases the lack of ingredients that could be found on a cattle drive, I argue that as the drives passed settlements its logical that fresh killed beef was traded for services (laundry?) or fresh veggies, so that the legend of tasting better as time went on would reflect veggies added at a later date. No refrigeration just constant heat in the chuckwagon. Chili cooks should all try this once! Meat, in its original sense, would not have been expensive cuts, or be very "aged", and would not have been finely ground, but rather "roughly chopped"...but remember to use "fatty" meat!

Provided by John DOH

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 2h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 lbs coarsely chopped fatty beef (NOT lean)
2 ounces animal fat (bacon grease is best, but suet is in theme)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large chopped onion
3 -5 tablespoons chili powder

Steps:

  • Render the fat to liquid.
  • Add the beef, and brown lightly, then add onions and garlic.
  • (IMPORTANT Do NOT drain the fat or drippings).
  • Cook over medium heat, until onions are translucent, then add spices, stirring gently until blended.
  • Continue over low heat for at least two hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  • Add salt to taste, though it doesn't need much.
  • If it gets too thick, you can add water, but remember that chili is reputed to be able to stand a spoon up straight!
  • Its edible after two hours, but improves vastly with time, so don't be afraid to cook 6 or 8 or ten hours --
  • After you've tried the "original" recipe as above, you could add one or two jalapeno's, a single tomato and/or green pepper, just to fully appreciate how far this dish has evolved -- .

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1692, Fat 176, SaturatedFat 74.1, Cholesterol 240.2, Sodium 159.2, Carbohydrate 7, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2, Protein 19.9

CHUCK WAGON CHILI



Chuck Wagon Chili image

While planning my Christmas menu a few years ago, I came across this recipe. I decided to try it and was showered with compliments. This chunky chili has been a much-requested dish ever since.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms, undrained
6 hot dogs, halved and cut into bite-size pieces
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until thick and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 18g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 61mg cholesterol, Sodium 1142mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

SLOW-COOKER TEXAS CHUCK WAGON CHILI



Slow-Cooker Texas Chuck Wagon Chili image

Hearty appetites will be satisfied when served bowls brimming with spicy, Southwestern-style chili.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 10h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
4 large onions, cut into eighths
4 to 4 1/2 pounds fresh beef brisket (not corned beef), trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 4 dried ancho chiles, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
3 cups Progresso™ beef flavored broth (from 32-ounce carton)
2 large yellow, red or green bell peppers, cut into 2 1/2-inch strips
Shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oil in 4-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook onions in oil 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
  • Stir in beef, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook about 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is lightly browned; drain. Place beef mixture in 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in chilies, cumin and broth.
  • Cover and cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours.
  • Stir in bell peppers. Increase heat setting to High. Cover and cook 10 to 12 minutes or until bell peppers are hot. Serve with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 130 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 52 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1250 mg

TEXAS CHUCKWAGON CHILI



Texas Chuckwagon Chili image

This came from what most likely is the strangest cookbook purchase I've ever made--attached to a carton of Marlborough cigarettes, sometime in the 1970's, I think it was. CHUCKWAGON COOKING FROM MARLBORO COUNTRY. I bought the carton of cigarettes (I'm a NON-SMOKER) just to get the recipes! When I prepare this chili for my family, we serve it with crackers, Fritos, green and black olives, slices of apples and cheese.

Provided by Wilmom

Categories     Meat

Time 2h45m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 lbs ground chuck
6 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
6 cups water
1/2 cup white cornmeal (optional)

Steps:

  • Brown meat in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Add seasonings and water.
  • Heat to boiling.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
  • Skim off fat.
  • Stir in cornmeal, uncover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally.
  • Serve with pinto beans and cornbread(you may even add 2 15 oz. cans drained and rinsed pinto or kidney beans, if you wish. It adds 4 servings to the quantity given below.).
  • This tastes even better the next day! Leftovers can be used to make chili dogs; or place on a plate a layer of Tostitos, a layer of chili, then layer the following for a delicious, quick dinner salad: lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes. Serve with dollop of sour cream and picante sauce on the side.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of beans. This will give your chili a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices. Chili is a great dish to experiment with different flavors. Some common spices used in chili include chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other spices to taste, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or chipotle powder.
  • Let your chili simmer for a long time. This will allow the flavors to develop and deepen. The longer you simmer your chili, the better it will taste. Aim to simmer your chili for at least 2 hours, or even longer if you have the time.
  • Serve your chili with your favorite toppings. Some common toppings for chili include cheese, sour cream, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. You can also serve your chili with cornbread or crackers.

Conclusion:

Texas Chuckwagon Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This chili is packed with flavor, thanks to the variety of beans, spices, and vegetables that are used to make it. If you are looking for a delicious and easy chili recipe, then this is the one for you. Just be sure to simmer your chili for a long time to allow the flavors to develop and deepen.

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