Wendy’s Chili is a beloved comfort food, known for its rich, hearty flavors and satisfying texture. This copycat recipe captures the essence of the original, combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices to create a chili that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or preparing a batch for game day, this chili is sure to hit the spot.
Here’s how to make a Hearty and Flavorful Copycat Wendy’s Chili:
Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (29 oz.) can kidney beans (with liquid)
- 1 (29 oz.) can pinto beans (with liquid)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green chili (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain off the excess fat to reduce the grease content in the chili.
- Transfer to a Pot:
- Transfer the browned beef to a large pot.
- Add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans (including their liquid), diced onion, green chili, celery, and chopped tomatoes. This combination of ingredients creates the hearty base of the chili.
- Season the Chili:
- Season the mixture with cumin powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. These spices give the chili its distinctive, flavorful kick.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the Chili:
- Bring the chili to a simmer over low heat.
- Let it cook, uncovered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit more salt, chili powder, or cumin, depending on your preference.
- Serve:
- Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions if desired.
- It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream, some jalapeños, or even a side of cornbread.
