Description
This Wendy’s Copycat Chili is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices—just like the classic from your favorite fast food spot. It’s the perfect easy dinner idea, great for meal prep, and fits into countless food ideas whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, healthy snack, or crowd-pleasing dinner. The slow-simmered flavor gets better by the day, and it’s freezer-friendly for those busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 stalk celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 to 1.5 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent greasy chili.
3. Add diced onions, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Add in the diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
6. Mix in the drained beans and pour in water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
7. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Letting the chili simmer for a full hour deepens the flavor and improves texture.
If the chili gets too thick while simmering, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Make a double batch and freeze half for quick dinners on busy nights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg