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Wagon Wheel Chili
KetchupDinnerHealthy Eating

Wagon Wheel Chili

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (33 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 3 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Wagon Wheel Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 32g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 453 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Wagon Wheel Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Wagon Wheel Chili to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Wagon Wheel Chili, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 2 cups uncooked wagon wheel or
  • spiral pasta
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chili
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Cook pasta according to package directions

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the chili, tomato sauce, ketchup and chili powder

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Mix well; heat through

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Drain and rinse pasta; stir into chili

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Garnish with cheese if desired.

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories453 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein32gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates34gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat19gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Wagon Wheel Chili

This chef-curated Wagon Wheel Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 33 votes
Wagon Wheel Chili
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories23% DV
453 kcal
Protein64% DV
32g
Fat24% DV
19g
Carbs12% DV
34g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Cook pasta according to package directions

2

Technique & Execution: Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the chili, tomato sauce, ketchup and chili powder

3

Technique & Execution: Mix well; heat through

4

Technique & Execution: Drain and rinse pasta; stir into chili

5

Technique & Execution: Garnish with cheese if desired.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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