If you love hearty and flavorful meals that are easy to prepare, you’ll adore this Copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Made with pantry staples like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, this chili packs a punch of flavor that rivals the original. Best of all, it can be made quickly, giving you a delicious homemade meal in just a little over an hour.
This recipe not only holds true to the classic Wendy’s chili but also elevates it with a rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Imagine cozying up with a warm bowl of chili topped with your favorite garnishes—sounds delightful, right? It’s an excellent dish for those who seek healthy snacks or budget-friendly meal options without sacrificing taste. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through all the individual steps, variations, and tips that will ensure your chili comes out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- Flavorful & Hearty: Enjoy a dish that combines all the bold flavors you love with every single bite!
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just over an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner.
- Customizable: Tailor it to your taste by adding or substituting your favorite beans, spices, or proteins.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal whenever you need it.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilize common pantry ingredients to create a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables. Having measuring spoons and cups handy will save you time while ensuring accuracy in your seasonings. Don’t forget a wooden spoon or a spatula for stirring!
Chop the onion, celery, and green bell pepper as your first step; this way, they will be ready to be added quickly to the pot when the ground beef is browned. Having everything prepped in advance will make the cooking process go smoothly, allowing you to focus on achieving the best flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This process caramelizes the beef, developing its flavor and making your chili rich and savory. After the beef is browned, be sure to drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
With the ground beef drained, it’s time to introduce the vegetables. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cooking these veggies for about 5-7 minutes will help them soften and release their flavors, ensuring they meld beautifully with the meat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Mix in the Tomato Ingredients
Once the vegetables are starting to soften, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and stewed tomatoes. Combining these tomato-based ingredients provides a foundation for the chili and adds a delightful acidity that balances the other flavors.
Step 4: Add the Beans and Water
Next, it’s time to add in the kidney and pinto beans—make sure to include their liquid for added flavor! Pour in a full cup of water and mix everything together thoroughly. This will create a nice broth that makes your chili hearty without being too thick.
Step 5: Spice It Up
At this stage, season your chili with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. The spices not only add warmth and heat but also depth to the dish. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bring to Boil & Simmer
Next, bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Allow the chili to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets all the ingredients simmer together, creating a rich and comforting flavor.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
After the simmering process, take a moment to taste your chili. If it requires more seasoning, feel free to adjust with additional spices or salt to suit your palate. If you find the chili to be too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly seasoned and heated through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a few crackers, or cornbread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as the warmth of the chili envelops you.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils for a healthy twist.
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots to enhance nutrition and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or cayenne for extra heat.
Cooking Notes
- For optimal flavor, consider making the chili a day ahead. Allowing it to sit overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use a pressure cooker instead of the stovetop. It significantly reduces cooking time!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a slice of warm cornbread or homemade tortillas for a delightful dinner.
- Top with your favorite garnishes such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for added richness.
Tips
- Don’t skip the sugar! It balances the acidity and enhances the overall flavor of the chili.
- If you like extra heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 23g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of vegetables and omit any animal products, such as cheese, when serving.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for later use!
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! Canned beans are perfectly acceptable and may actually save you time. Just drain a little liquid for a thicker chili.
What should I serve with chili?
Chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice. You can serve it with toppings like cheese, onions, or sour cream to elevate it further.
Conclusion
This Copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavor and comfort of your favorite fast-food dish into your home kitchen. With its rich mix of spices, hearty beans, and juicy ground beef, you’re sure to sink into a bowl of warmth and satisfaction. We encourage you to try your hand at this recipe, customized to suit your taste, whether you decide on a thicker or spicier version. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know your favorite variations! Enjoy this comforting classic with friends and family, and make it a regular in your meal rotation!
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Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners, made quickly with pantry staples and a rich blend of spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Start by heating your large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This process caramelizes the beef, developing its flavor and making your chili rich and savory. After the beef is browned, be sure to drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
- With the ground beef drained, it’s time to introduce the vegetables. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cooking these veggies for about 5-7 minutes will help them soften and release their flavors, ensuring they meld beautifully with the meat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Once the vegetables are starting to soften, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and stewed tomatoes. Combining these tomato-based ingredients provides a foundation for the chili and adds a delightful acidity that balances the other flavors.
- Next, it’s time to add in the kidney and pinto beans—make sure to include their liquid for added flavor! Pour in a full cup of water and mix everything together thoroughly. This will create a nice broth that makes your chili hearty without being too thick.
- At this stage, season your chili with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. The spices not only add warmth and heat but also depth to the dish. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Next, bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Allow the chili to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets all the ingredients simmer together, creating a rich and comforting flavor.
- After the simmering process, take a moment to taste your chili. If it requires more seasoning, feel free to adjust with additional spices or salt to suit your palate. If you find the chili to be too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once everything is perfectly seasoned and heated through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a few crackers, or cornbread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as the warmth of the chili envelops you.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider making the chili a day ahead. Allowing it to sit overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Protein: 23 g