Recreate the comforting, rich flavors of Wendy’s famous chili with this easy recipe. A savory blend of ground beef, beans, vegetables, and spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal or gathering. Top with cheese or sour cream for an extra indulgent touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Authentic Flavor: This copycat recipe delivers the same bold, hearty taste of the restaurant favorite.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and basic ingredients make it perfect for any level of cooking expertise.
Meal Prep Friendly: Chili only gets better as it sits, making it ideal for leftovers and freezing.
Versatile: Serve it on its own or use it as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or hot dogs.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish, lending richness and satisfying protein. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
Tomato Juice: Creates a flavorful, tomato-forward base for the chili.
Tomato Purée: Adds depth and a silky texture to the chili.
Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: These beans bring variety, texture, and hearty protein to the dish.
Vegetables (Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper): Fresh vegetables add crunch, sweetness, and balance to the robust flavors.
Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder): The spice blend gives the chili its signature warm, smoky flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: Optional, for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Sugar: A hint of sweetness rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ground Beef
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Ensure it is fully cooked for an even texture.
Drain the Fat: Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients
Transfer Beef: Move the cooked ground beef to a 6-quart pot (for stovetop cooking) or a slow cooker.
Add Ingredients: Stir in the following:
Tomato juice
Tomato purée
Drained kidney beans and pinto beans
Chopped onion
Diced celery and green bell pepper
Chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder
Salt, black pepper, dried oregano
Sugar and cayenne pepper.
Mix Well: Ensure the ingredients and spices are evenly combined.
3. Simmer the Chili
Stovetop Method:
Cover the pot and simmer over low to medium-low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure flavors meld evenly.
Slow Cooker Method:
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
Stir occasionally to distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
4. Serve
Taste and Adjust: Once the chili is fully cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Garnish: Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like:
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Tortilla chips.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful chili!
Serving Suggestions:
Wendy’s Chili is incredibly versatile! Here’s how to serve it:
Classic Bowl: Ladle it into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Over Rice: Serve the chili over steamed white or brown rice for a heartier meal.
Loaded Baked Potato: Spoon the chili over a baked potato and sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
Nachos: Use it as a topping for tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños.
Chili Dogs: Transform your hot dogs into a loaded treat with a generous scoop of chili.
Pair your chili with a side of warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerator: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Freezer: Freeze chili in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Chili tastes even better after sitting overnight, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance for the best flavor.
Variations to Try:
Customizing your chili is easy and fun! Here are a few ideas:
Spicier Version: Increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
Turkey Chili: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans, adding chickpeas or black beans for variety.
Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper flavor profile.
Chunky Style: Dice fresh tomatoes and use them in place of some tomato purée for more texture.
Conclusion:
Wendy’s Chili is a timeless classic that brings bold flavors and hearty comfort to your table. This copycat recipe captures everything you love about the original, and with its simplicity and adaptability, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let the rich aroma of chili fill your kitchen. Trust me, one bowl won’t be enough!
Wendy’s Chili: A Hearty, Homestyle Classic
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef fresh
- 1 quart tomato juice
- 29 oz tomato purée
- 15 oz red kidney beans drained
- 15 oz pinto beans drained
- 1 1/2 cups onion chopped (medium-large onion)
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup chili powder use less for milder chili
- 1 tsp ground cumin use more for real flavor
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Ensure it is fully cooked for an even texture. Drain off any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Transfer the cooked ground beef to a 6-quart pot or slow cooker. Stir in tomato juice, tomato purée, kidney beans, pinto beans, onion, celery, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
- For stovetop: Cover the pot and simmer over low to medium-low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes. For slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!