Description
This Copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish you can whip up at home with pantry staples. Loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices, it mirrors the original with even more depth and homemade richness. It’s ideal for quick dinners, easy lunch prep, and cozy nights in. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight meal, a game day hit, or batch cooking for the freezer, this easy recipe delivers every time. Great for healthy snacks, budget meals, and anyone looking for delicious food ideas!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, undrained
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
1 cup water
2 tbsp chili powder
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and stewed tomatoes.
4. Add kidney beans and pinto beans with their liquid. Pour in 1 cup of water and stir to combine.
5. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water.
8. Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, crackers, or cornbread.
Notes
Don’t skip the sugar—it helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
Chili tastes even better the next day after resting overnight in the fridge.
For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes or mash some beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg