Love Wendy’s chili recipe? You’re in luck! Our recipe mirrors the taste you adore from the restaurant. It’s made with beef, beans, veggies, and spices. This chili will taste just like Wendy’s but from your kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Recreates the rich, hearty flavor of Wendy’s chili at home
- Uses a perfect blend of ground beef, beans, vegetables, and spices
- Yields a large batch that serves 10 people
- Includes key ingredients like ground beef, pinto and kidney beans, and Wendy’s signature seasoning
- Captures the authentic Wendy’s taste with a touch of vinegar
Introduction to Wendy’s Chili
Wendy’s chili is a favorite from the fast-food chain, loved for its tasty blend of beef, beans, and spices. With this copycat recipe, you can make Wendy’s chili at home, tasting just like the real thing. Whether you miss Wendy’s chili or want homemade comfort food, this recipe is a winner.
Wendy’s Chili Recipe Overview
This recipe serves up to 10, perfect for parties or making ahead. You’ll need beef, pinto and kidney beans, celery, onion, peppers, tomatoes, and Wendy’s chili seasoning. A bit of vinegar adds that Wendy’s touch.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can pinto beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 cups water
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Cooking Time and Servings
This Wendy’s chili copycat takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare and cook. It makes 10 generous servings of chili like the one you’d get at the restaurant. It’s perfect for a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Browning the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a big pot or Dutch oven at medium-high heat. Break the beef into small pieces while it cooks for even browning and the best flavor. After the meat is ready, keep it on a plate while preparing the rest.
Adding Vegetables and Spices
Next, add celery, onion, and green pepper to the pot. Cook these veggies until soft and they smell nice, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili mix. Stir well to mix the flavors up.
Simmering the Chili
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about an hour. Stir it sometimes. This lets the flavors mix and the chili gets nice and thick. Before you serve it, add a bit of white vinegar for that special Wendy’s kick.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 326 | – |
| Total Fat | 15g | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 26% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g | 28% |
| Cholesterol | 26mg | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 102mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 805mg | 17% |
Our version of Wendy’s chili tastes just like the original. It also matches closely in nutrition. Each serving has 326 calories, 15g fat, 29g carbs, and 23g protein. There’s 66% of the sodium you need daily and 28% of the fiber. Plus, you get vitamins C, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Tips for the Perfect Easy Chili Recipe
Adjusting Heat and Spice Level
Want your chili hotter? You can easily add more spice to this recipe. Just use a bit of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. Add a little at first, and then you can add more until it’s just right for you. Making chili at home lets you make it as spicy as you like.
Adding More Beans
To make your chili more like Wendy’s, add more pinto and kidney beans. This means you’ll have more beans than meat in your chili. It will taste heartier and feel thicker. If you want, try using other beans like dark red kidney beans or chili beans to change the taste even more.
Making it in the Slow Cooker
You can make this copycat Wendy’s chili in a slow cooker if you like. Just put all the ingredients in and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The slow cooking method blends the flavors perfectly, creating a thick, tasty chili. This way is easy and almost hands-free, so you’ll have Wendy’s-style chili at home without much work.
Making it in the Instant Pot
For an easy meal, try making this Wendy’s-style chili in your Instant Pot. It’s a quick way to enjoy flavorful chili, much faster than the stove. First, use the sauté setting in your Instant Pot to cook 1 lb of ground beef. Brown it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces. Then, add 2 tsp of garlic, some veg like celery and onion, along with bell pepper, canned stuff like tomatoes and beans, plus the chili seasoning. Lock the lid, set to manual for 30 minutes, and wait for the pressure to drop naturally. To avoid the “burn” notice, layer your ingredients in the pot. This way, things won’t stick. If you have a 6-quart model, that’s perfect. But if yours is smaller, just use half the ingredients. In just 30 minutes with the Instant Pot, you’ll have hearty chili. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re busy. Now, you can easily make the Wendy’s chili you love at home, without the long wait.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
This copycat Wendy’s chili recipe is a hit because it mirrors the restaurant’s version well. It combines canned tomatoes, beans, and special chili mix to bring out Wendy’s chili’s full taste. It also uses everyday kitchen items. So, you can make a chili that tastes just like Wendy’s at home.
Serving Suggestions
This copycat Wendy’s chili is great just by itself. But, you can make it more fun and tasty. Add traditional chili toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and saltine crackers. Or, try a chili bar. Guests can pick their favorite toppings. They might choose sliced jalapeños, tortilla strips, avocado, or hot sauce. This way, everyone gets their perfect bowl of chili.
Classic Toppings
Make this hearty chili even better by adding some classic chili toppings. Think of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, onions, and crackers. These extra bits really bring out the flavor. They go well with the meaty texture and spices of the chili.
Chili Bar Ideas
Want a unique dining experience? Try a chili bar. Let your guests mix and match toppings. They might add jalapeños, tortilla strips, avocado, or hot sauce. This lets them make the chili suit their taste, just right.
Leftover Chili Ideas
Got some Wendy’s-style chili left? There are great ways to use it again. Make chili wraps by putting the chili in tortillas. Then, add cheese, lettuce, and more. If you like, try it as a topping for chili baked potatoes. It turns the potato into a hearty and tasty meal.
Chili Mac and Chili Dogs
Want something comforting? Mix the chili with cooked pasta for a tasty chili mac. Or, use it for chili dogs. Finding fun ways to enjoy your chili again adds a new twist to its rich flavors.
Storing and Freezing Chili
This copycat Wendy’s chili recipe makes a big batch, leaving you with extra. To store the chili, let it cool first. Then, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the chili. Put it in single or larger servings and freeze for up to 3-4 months. When you want to eat it, let the chili thaw in the fridge. Then, just heat it either on the stove or in the microwave. Keeping leftover chili around means you’ve got an easy lunch or dinner.
| Storage Location | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 3-4 months |
If you store and freeze the chili right, you can savor its delicious Wendy’s-like taste. Use it for meal prep or whenever you’re in the mood for some chili. It’s super handy to have leftovers. They make life easier and is a smart move for your food storage.
Taking My Chili Meat To Go!
This copycat Wendy’s chili recipe lets us make Wendy’s famous chili at home. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, we can capture the hearty taste of Wendy’s. It’s perfect for both Wendy’s lovers and anyone looking for a tasty chili recipe. This dish will surely be a hit with your family.
Making this chili is great for family meals or sharing with friends. You’ll love how it tastes and want to eat more. So, try out this Wendy’s chili recipe. You’ll get to enjoy a top-quality dish anytime you want, all made by your hands.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this copycat Wendy’s chili recipe?
The main parts are ground beef, pinto and kidney beans. Also, there’s celery, onion, bell pepper, and canned tomatoes. It has chili seasoning, and a bit of vinegar gives it the Wendy’s taste.
How long does it take to make this copycat Wendy’s chili?
It takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes in total to make this chili.
How many servings does this recipe make?
You’ll get 10 big servings, just like what you get at a Wendy’s restaurant.
Can I adjust the heat and spice level of this copycat Wendy’s chili?
Absolutely. Just increase the cayenne pepper or hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Can I make this copycat Wendy’s chili in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Use the slow cooker on low heat for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. For the Instant Pot, you need just 30 minutes of pressure cooking.
How can I use up leftover copycat Wendy’s chili?
You can make tasty dishes with leftover chili. Try chili wraps, chili baked potatoes, chili mac, or chili dogs.
How long can I store this copycat Wendy’s chili?
You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3-4 months.
The Best Copycat Chili Recipe You Ever Did See!
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Skillet (optional)
- Slow Cooker (optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Can Opener
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 85/15
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 jalapeño deseeded and diced
- 29 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with liquid
- 15 ounces canned red kidney beans drained
- 15 ounces canned pinto beans drained
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for added richness
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and vinegar.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, add the butter towards the end of cooking and let it melt into the chili.
- Slow Cooker Option: If using a slow cooker, combine all ingredients after browning the beef. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Notes
- Variations: You can add a small amount of dark chocolate or strong coffee for a deeper flavor. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove for best results.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, cornbread, or over a baked potato for a complete meal.
