🌶️ Wendy’s Chili

📖 Description

Wendy’s Chili is a hearty, slow-simmered classic made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Unlike many chilis, it’s thinner, more soup-like, and deeply comforting. This copycat version recreates the iconic fast-food favorite at home with simple pantry ingredients while keeping the signature flavor and texture.

📝 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (if beef is lean)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook the Beef
- In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Break meat into small crumbles (Wendy’s chili uses fine-textured beef).
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add Vegetables
- Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic to the beef.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften.
Build the Chili Base
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and beef broth.
Season & Simmer
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Slow Simmer
- Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Chili should be slightly thick but still soupy.
Taste & Adjust
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

🍲 Servings

Serves: 8–10
Serving Size: ~1½ cups per serving

💡 Tips & Notes

Texture matters: Finely crumble beef for authenticity.
Longer = better: Simmering longer deepens flavor.
Spice level: Wendy’s chili is mild—add cayenne if you want heat.
Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 290
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg

(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands.)

🌟 Health Benefits

High Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety.
Fiber-Rich: Beans aid digestion and gut health.
Iron & Zinc: From beef, supports energy and immunity.
Heartier, Cleaner Alternative: Less sodium and preservatives than fast food.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Is Wendy’s Chili spicy?
A: No, it’s mild. This recipe matches that, but spice can be added.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown beef first, then cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?
A: Yes, but flavor will be lighter—add extra seasoning.

Q: Why is Wendy’s chili thinner than others?
A: It’s designed to be soup-like, not thick like Texas chili.

Q: Does Wendy’s use leftover burgers?
A: Wendy’s famously repurposes unsold cooked beef patties—this recipe recreates the flavor without that step.