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Copycat Wendy's Chili

Copycat Wendy’s Chili


  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Warm up your kitchen with this rich and hearty Copycat Wendy’s Chili—a deliciously easy dinner idea inspired by the fast food favorite. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender beans, and a bold tomato base, it’s the ultimate cozy comfort food. Perfect for meal prep, game day, or a quick dinner that satisfies everyone. This easy recipe also fits right into your weekly meal rotation of quick dinner ideas, cold weather comfort food, or even hearty healthy snacks when topped with veggies. Great for anyone looking for family-friendly meals or one-pot food ideas with serious flavor.


Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups water or beef broth


Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.

2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, pinto beans, and water or broth. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

This chili gets better the next day—make it ahead for deeper flavor.

Use broth instead of water for a richer, meatier taste.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: copycat Wendy’s chili, chili recipe, one pot dinner, hearty comfort food