Description
This Copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe delivers all the hearty, savory goodness of the original fast-food classic right at home. With rich ground beef, tender beans, and bold seasoning, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for meal prep, game day, or cozy dinners. Main keyword: Copycat Wendy’s Chili. Related keywords: homemade chili, fast food chili recipe, easy chili recipe.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup water
Instructions
1. Cook ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in water and bring to a low boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or onions.
Notes
This chili is naturally mild—add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want more heat.
Simmer longer if you want an even deeper, richer flavor.
Freezes beautifully—make extra for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg