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Wendy’s Chili Recipe

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

Craving a bowl of cozy, hearty comfort food that’s packed with flavor and ready to satisfy the whole family? This homemade Wendy’s Chili copycat recipe checks every box. With juicy ground beef, tender beans, and bold spices all simmered together in a rich tomato base, this dish captures the signature fast-food flavor we all know and love—without ever leaving your kitchen. Perfect for easy dinner ideas, meal prep, or a quick lunch, it’s a filling, healthy snack or weeknight lifesaver. This easy recipe is the ultimate blend of convenience, taste, and nostalgia.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (29 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn (optional)
  • 1 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

 

  1. In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Break apart the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, then add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, sugar, and cayenne (if using).
  5. Stir in beans, corn (optional), and water or broth. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover loosely and simmer for 30–45 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Simmer uncovered to thicken if desired.
  8. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

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Find it online: https://sallymeals.com/wendys-chili-recipe/