Chuckwagon Carrots

Infused with the smoky richness of bacon, the sweet earthiness of caramelized onions, and a touch of brown sugar, Chuckwagon Carrots are the perfect side dish for your next family feast or backyard barbecue. These tender, glazed carrots are cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, enhanced with a hint of smoked paprika and black pepper for a subtle kick. Finished with crispy bacon bits and optional fresh parsley for garnish, this hearty recipe offers a rustic, homestyle flavor reminiscent of a cowboy campfire dinner. Ready in just 45 minutes and ideal for serving up to six, this dish transforms humble carrots into a show-stopping comfort-food classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and trim the carrots, then slice into 1/4-inch rounds or diagonals for an attractive appearance.

Step 2

Dice the bacon into small pieces and peel and finely chop the onion.

Step 3

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon grease until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, then stir in the brown sugar. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the sugar starts to dissolve and caramelize slightly.

Step 7

Add the sliced carrots to the skillet. Sprinkle with ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring to coat the carrots evenly.

Step 8

Pour the water into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender but not mushy.

Step 9

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the liquid cook off for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the carrots.

Step 10

Stir the crispy bacon bits back into the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Transfer the Chuckwagon Carrots to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(527.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	511.5

Total Fat 35.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 93.7mg	0%
Sodium 599.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.9g	0%
Total Sugars 26.7g
Protein 13.5g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 96.6mg	0%
Iron 1.5mg	0%
Potassium 631.0mg	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: 60.4%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 29.5%