Bring the classic, hearty flavors of Wendy’s famous chili to your kitchen with this Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat recipe. This rich and flavorful chili is packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices that mimics the beloved fast-food favorite.

Perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is both budget-friendly and simple to make. Whether you enjoy it as-is or topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers, you’ll love having this restaurant-style chili ready at home anytime!

Resume

• Classic Flavor: A spot-on recreation of Wendy’s signature chili.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a quick and affordable meal.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, game day, or meal prep.

Exciting Story

The first time I tried to recreate Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat at home, I wasn’t sure I could match its comforting flavors. But after a few tweaks, this recipe came together perfectly. The rich tomato base, tender beef, and mix of beans hit all the right notes, and my family immediately declared it better than the drive-thru version!

Now, this chili is a regular in our meal rotation. It’s so simple to throw together, and the leftovers are even better the next day. Pair it with a side of cornbread or warm rolls, and you’ve got a winning meal every time.

Why This Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Authentic Taste: It’s the next best thing to the real deal—maybe even better!
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the takeout and make a big pot for a fraction of the price.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and freezing for quick meals.
• Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

What You Need for Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

How to Make Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain excess grease and return the beef to the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

1. Add the diced onion and chopped green bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth.
2. Add the kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot, stirring to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Add Spices and Simmer

1. Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Stir well, bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers.

Tips for Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat

1. Let It Simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors meld together, so don’t rush it.
2. Control the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it as mild or spicy as you like.

Substitutions and Variations

• Beans: Swap kidney and pinto beans with black beans or navy beans if preferred.
• Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner version.
• Veggie Boost: Add corn, zucchini, or diced carrots for extra nutrition.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium canned beans, tomatoes, and broth to reduce salt content.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lean Protein: Use 90% lean ground beef or swap for ground turkey or chicken.
• Lower Fat: Drain excess grease thoroughly and use minimal oil when cooking the veggies.
• Skip Added Salt: Rely on spices and herbs for flavor instead of extra salt.

Closing for Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat

And there you have it—Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat, a comforting, hearty, and budget-friendly recipe that brings the flavors of your favorite chili right to your table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, game day, or meal prepping for the week, this chili is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy every spoonful and don’t forget to explore more of our homemade classics!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat

How long does this chili last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat chili?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How can I thicken my chili?
Mash a few beans and stir them back into the chili, or let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Is this chili spicy?
It has mild heat. Adjust the cayenne pepper or chili powder to make it spicier or milder.

What can I serve with this chili?
Serve with cornbread, crackers, baked potatoes, or over rice for a filling meal.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes in place of canned.

How do I make this vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add extra beans or a meat substitute like lentils.

Can I add cheese to the chili?
Yes, stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a large pot or slow cooker.

Is Wendy’s chili gluten-free?
This homemade version is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.

Enjoy this hearty and satisfying chili that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion! 🍲✨

Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Thanksgiving, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup water or beef broth

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Directions

• Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
• In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain excess grease and return the beef to the pot.
• Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
• Add the diced onion and chopped green bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth.
• Add the kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot, stirring to combine everything evenly.
• Step 4: Add Spices and Simmer
• Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Stir well, bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Step 5: Serve
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers.