Wendy’s Chili

🌶️ Wendy’s Chili (Copycat Recipe)

📖 Description

This copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe perfectly recreates the beloved fast-food classic — hearty, meaty, slightly spicy, and packed with tender beans, tomatoes, and green chilies. It’s a comfort food staple that tastes even better the next day! Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game-day gatherings.

🧂 Ingredients

Servings: 6–8 bowls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Main Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced (optional but adds flavor)

• 1 (28 oz / 796 g) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce

• 1 (10 oz / 284 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup water or beef broth (adjust for desired thickness)

Seasonings

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

2. Add Vegetables:
   Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5–7 minutes).

3. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
   Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, and pinto beans.

4. Season It Up:
   Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, sugar, and cayenne (if using).

5. Simmer:
   Pour in 1 cup of water or beef broth. Stir well.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Adjust & Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crackers.

📝 Notes

• Consistency: Wendy’s chili is thick but spoonable. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during simmering.

• Make-ahead friendly: The flavor improves after a day in the fridge.

• Freezer-friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

💡 Tips

1. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

2. For a vegetarian option, skip the beef and double the beans.

3. Don’t skip simmering — that’s when the flavors develop beautifully.

4. Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

5. Serve with cornbread or over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños.

• Pair with cornbread, saltine crackers, or a baked potato.

• Add a side of salad for a balanced meal.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate, for 8 servings)

💪 Health Benefits

• High in protein: Supports muscle repair and keeps you full.

• Fiber-rich: Beans promote digestive health and balance blood sugar.

• Iron & B vitamins: From beef, supporting energy and metabolism.

• Lycopene & antioxidants: Found in tomatoes, beneficial for heart health.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

Q2: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add more cayenne, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to taste.

Q3: Can I freeze Wendy’s chili?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, portion into freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q4: How long will it last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Q5: How do I thicken chili?
A: Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or stir in 1 tbsp of tomato paste or cornmeal.