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Wendy's Copycat Chili

Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe

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A hearty and flavorful chili recipe, inspired by Wendy’s classic, perfect for a comforting meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and tomato sauce.
  4. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
  5. Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring the chili to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • You can adjust the consistency of the chili by adding more water or broth if it becomes too thick.
  • This chili freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg