Wendy’s Copycat Chili (Slow Cooker)

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Wendy’s Copycat Chili (Slow Cooker)

Description

This Wendy’s Copycat Chili is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomato sauce, slowly simmered to develop rich, savory flavor. It’s perfect for busy days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—and tastes even better the next day.

 Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained

  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup water or beef broth

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)

 Instructions

  1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

  2. Add cooked beef to the slow cooker.

  3. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, vegetables, and water/broth.

  4. Add all seasonings and mix well.

  5. Cover and cook:

    • Low: 6–8 hours

    • High: 3–4 hours

  6. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

 Recipe Notes

  • Wendy’s chili uses finely crumbled beef, not large chunks.

  • The chili should be slightly soupy, not thick like Texas-style chili.

  • Flavor improves the longer it simmers.

Tips for Best Results

  • Break the beef into very small pieces while browning.

  • For authentic flavor, use no beans other than kidney and pinto.

  • Add a splash of vinegar at the end for depth.

  • Serve with shredded cheese, crackers, or diced onions.

Servings

  • Serves 6–8 people

  • Serving size: about 1½ cups

 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 290–320

  • Protein: 22 g

  • Carbohydrates: 28 g

  • Fiber: 8 g

  • Fat: 12 g

  • Sodium: 750 mg

(Values vary based on meat and seasoning brands.)

 Health Benefits

  • High protein for muscle and fullness

  • Fiber-rich beans support digestion

  • Tomatoes provide antioxidants (lycopene)

  • Balanced meal that keeps you satisfied longer

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer on the stovetop for 1–2 hours on low heat.

Q: Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely—freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—use lean ground turkey for a lighter version.

Q: Why does Wendy’s chili taste better the next day?
The flavors deepen as the spices fully blend overnight.

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