Appetizers

Wendy’s Chili (Copycat Recipe)

Enjoy a cozy bowl of homemade Wendy’s Chili, a hearty mix of ground beef, beans, and classic spices.

Perfect for chilly days, this recipe captures the essence of the famous fast-food version, delivering comforting flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 qt tomato juice
  • 1 (29 oz) can tomato purée
  • 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 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

Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: In a 6-quart pot, add the cooked beef, tomato juice, tomato purée, kidney beans, pinto beans, onion, celery, and green bell pepper.

Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Cover and let the chili simmer on low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.

Step 5: For a slow-cooker option, add browned beef and all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.

2. How can I control the spice level?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder chili, or add more if you prefer extra heat.

3. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

4. Can I freeze Wendy’s Chili?

Yes, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. What sides go well with this chili?

Pair it with cornbread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Wendy’s Chili (Copycat Recipe)

Enjoy a cozy bowl of homemade Wendy’s Chili, a hearty mix of ground beef, beans, and classic spices.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 qt tomato juice
  • 1 can tomato purée 29 oz
  • 1 can red kidney beans, drained 15 oz
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained 15 oz
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 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, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  • In a 6-quart pot, add the cooked beef, tomato juice, tomato purée, kidney beans, pinto beans, onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
  • Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper, mixing until well combined.
  • Cover and let the chili simmer on low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
  • For a slow-cooker option, add browned beef and all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy!

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