Wendy's Chili Recipe Copycat Chili
Our Wendy's Chili Recipe Copycat Chili brings the same savory-goodness to your kitchen using pantry staples, ground beef, and a slow-simmered method that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
Saute Beef
- Brown ground beef in a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it is completely cooked. Discard unnecessary fat and put the beef back in the pot.
Sautee Aromatics
- Add to the beef, diced onion, green pepper, and celery. Stirring occasionally, cook 4 -5 minutes, until vegetables start to soften.
Add the Tomatoes and Beans
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring to combine. Include the drained kidney and pinto beans.
Season the Chili and serve
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and cayenne (optional). Mix all together until well incorporated.
Simmer Slowly
- Add the water or beef broth. Gently boil the mixture and afterward lower the heat to a simmer. The cover on and simmer 60-90 minutes, stirring every so often to avoid sticking.
Flavor and Correct
- Once simmered, taste the chili and add seasoning, if necessary. Use additional chili powder or salt to taste.
Serve
- Hot serve with shredded cheddar on top or chopped green onions, or a spoonful of sour cream on top. It goes marvelously with cornbread or crackers.