Wendy’s Chili

If you’re a Wendy’s chili fan, you’re in for a treat. Our copycat recipe captures that iconic blend of meaty goodness, beans, and spices, and it’s so spot-on, you’ll swear it’s the real deal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day grub, this Wendy’s chili dupe is not just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed experience.

Try serving this with a side of corn chips, homemade cornbread, or even baked potatoes! 

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

• Convenience: Craving that chili at midnight? No need to drive-thru when you can walk to your kitchen.
• Customize: Love beans but hate onions? In your kitchen, you’re the chili master. Customize to your heart’s content.
• Healthy-ish: You control the ingredients, so it’s easier to make it healthier if that’s your jam.

This chili is like capturing that fast-food magic in your own pot. Think tender chunks of beef swimming in a mildly spicy, tomatoey broth. You’ve got beans making a hearty cameo, while a mix of onions, green peppers, and celery add some veggie flair. The spices? Oh, they’re the backup dancers bringing in the heat and zesty vibes.

Imagine each spoonful being a cozy hug to your insides, balanced but bold, hitting all those savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes we crave in a chili. It’s nostalgia and newness in one bowl. So basically, it’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed until you’ve tried it.

Wendy’s Chili Ingredients

As far as copycat recipes go, this one is fairly simple and uses ingredients that are inexpensive and filling. Here is what you need to make this homemade chili.

• Ground Beef: I used 1+1/2 pounds of 91% lean ground beef for super hearty meal, but you can probably get away with one pound.
• Vegetables: To get that classic flavor you’ll need celery, onion, and green pepper. Often referred to as the “holy trinity” in cooking, especially in certain cuisines like Cajun and Creole. In a chili recipe, they’re like the unsung background singers that bring the headliner — the chili itself — to the spotlight. Here’s the deal:
• Stewed Tomatoes: They bring acidity that balances the richness of the meat and beans, and their sweetness can complement the heat from the spices. Plus, they break down during cooking to help create that saucy consistency we all crave in a good bowl of chili.
• Tomato Sauce:  It thickens the chili, deepens the flavor profile with its concentrated tomatoey goodness, and gives that rich, saucy mouthfeel that makes you want to go back for seconds (and let’s be real, thirds).
• Seasoning: I opt for salt and pepper plus a packet of chili seasoning. It’s the perfect blend and saves on tom. However, you can make your own seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, parika, and a little cayenne pepper.
• Beans: Kidney beans and pinto beans are the two that make this an amazing Wendy’s chili copycat recipe. 
• Favorite Toppings: As-is this is one of the best chili recipes. However, you can always add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, dollop of sour cream, or even some green chiles.

Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe

Ready for a dinner idea that is so easy you’ll be making it over and over? Not to mention leftover chili reheats like a dream making it a go-to for meal prep! 

1. PREP: Chop the celery, onion and green pepper and set aside for later. 
2. BEEF: Place the ground beef into a large dutch oven or pot that has been set to medium-high heat. Press the meat into an even layer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it gets a nice sear on one side. Break up the beef and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. 
3. SIMMER: Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and cover. Let the chili simmer for one hour so the flavors can blend together. 
4. ENJOY: Taste the chili (careful, it’s hot!) and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy this easy chili recipe with your favorite toppings.

Helpful Tools

• Large Pot: You want room for all that goodness to mingle. Go big or go home!
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring up the pot without scratching it. Plus, it just feels rustic, ya know?
• Ladle: Perfect for serving and ensuring you get every last morsel. No chili left behind!
• Chopping Board & Knife: You’ve got veggies to chop and meat to cube. Choose wisely.

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