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Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe

Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe

Hearty, beefy chili with tender beans and classic spice. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and tastes like your favorite drive‑thru bowl.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.75 lb lean ground beef
  • 1.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 0.75 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper
  • 28 oz diced tomatoes, undrained use fire-roasted for a smokier flavor
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar balances acidity
  • 30 oz red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15.5 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar stir in at the end for brightness

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Warm the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
  • Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and sugar. Scrape the pot to release browned bits.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer partially covered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in kidney and pinto beans. Simmer 15 minutes more to thicken and meld flavors.
  • Finish with white vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Variation: Add a minced jalapeño with the veggies for gentle heat, or swap half the beef for ground turkey. Serving tip: Garnish with diced onion and a dollop of sour cream. Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Wendy's Chili Copycat Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.