Chuckwagon

Saddle up for a hearty and flavorful meal with this classic Chuckwagon recipe—a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. This rustic dish combines tender ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic with a medley of pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and bold spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-beef broth, it delivers a comforting, smoky kick with optional cayenne pepper for spice lovers. Ready in just 45 minutes, Chuckwagon is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual get-togethers. Serve it with a garnish of melty Cheddar cheese and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, and pair with cornbread or crusty bread for the ultimate homestyle experience. Packed with Southwest-inspired flavors, this hearty recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced (red, green, or both)
• 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 15 ounces canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, beef broth, and drained pinto beans. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or spices as desired.

Step 7

Serve hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh parsley or cilantro. Pair with cornbread or rustic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1972.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1817.0

Total Fat 102.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 381.1mg	0%
Sodium 5515.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.2g	0%
Total Sugars 32.8g
Protein 122.2g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 766.1mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 4118.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.6%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 25.6%