Craving the comforting, hearty taste of Wendy’s chili but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home? This copycat recipe brings all the rich, savory flavors of the famous fast-food chili straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a game-day treat, this chili is easy to make and sure to satisfy. Let’s get cooking!
Enjoy a bowl of this homemade Wendy’s chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions. It’s a warm, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh ground beef
- 1 quart tomato juice
- 1 (29-ounce) can tomato purée
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 medium-large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chili powder (use less for milder chili)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (use more for extra flavor)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off the fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart pot. Add in the tomato juice, tomato purée, red kidney beans, pinto beans, chopped onion, diced celery, and diced green bell pepper.
- Season the Chili: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer over low heat for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer, you can also cook the chili in a slow cooker on low for 3 to 4 hours.
