Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe 🍲🔥
Just like the fast-food favorite—hearty, slightly smoky, and packed with beans and ground beef. Perfect for chilly days!
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Tastes just like Wendy’s – But with fresher ingredients!
✔ Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry staples.
✔ Meal-prep hero – Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients *(Serves 6-8)*
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained/rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained/rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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1 small onion, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 stalks celery, diced (optional, for crunch)
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2 cups water or beef broth
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2 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
Instructions
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Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until crumbly. Drain excess fat.
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Sauté veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 3-4 mins until softened.
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Simmer: Stir in remaining ingredients (beans, tomatoes, sauce, spices, and water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
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Cook uncovered for 45-60 mins, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
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Adjust seasoning: Add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne to taste.
Pro Tips
🔸 For Wendy’s exact texture: Pulse 1/2 cup of the chili in a blender and stir it back in.
🔸 Secret ingredient: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder for depth (Wendy’s rumored trick!).
🔸 Slow cooker option: Cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.
Serving Suggestions
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Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and diced onions.
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Serve with saltine crackers or cornbread.
Fun Fact: Wendy’s originally made this chili from leftover hamburger patties!
(P.S. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!)