Description
This Copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful chili reminiscent of the beloved fast-food classic. It combines ground beef, a mix of diced vegetables, beans, and a robust blend of spices, simmered gently to develop rich depth and warmth—perfect for a comforting meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Oils and Fats
- 4 tbsp oil (divided: coconut oil, lard, or tallow)
Spices
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp chili powder (adjust amount to taste)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 chipotle pepper (optional, Wendy’s does not use chipotle peppers)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
Meat and Beans
- 2 lbs ground beef (grass fed, organic preferred)
- 4 cups cooked beans (adjust amount if preferred fewer beans)
Tomato Ingredients
- 3 cans (15 oz each) chopped tomatoes (a mix of red, yellow tomatoes, and tomatillos)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1 quart beef broth
- 1–2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
Seasoning
- 1–2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Toast Spices: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, and the optional chipotle pepper. Sauté the spices until they release a fragrant aroma, about 1-2 minutes, enhancing their flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, green pepper, and chopped celery to the skillet. Cook them with the spices until the onions become transparent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove this mixture from heat and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large soup pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until well browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning and flavor development, about 8-10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetable and spice mixture into the browned beef pot. Then stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked beans, and beef broth, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to a hearty consistency.
- Season and Sweeten: After simmering, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt, adjusting amounts to your personal taste preference. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, top with sour cream and shredded cheese to replicate the classic toppings often enjoyed at Wendy’s.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder and chipotle pepper to modify heat level as preferred.
- Use grass-fed or organic beef for best flavor and texture.
- Mix red, yellow, and tomatillo tomatoes for a unique depth of flavor.
- Beans are flexible; use kidney, pinto, or mixed beans according to taste.
- Simmer slowly for at least an hour to deepen flavors and soften vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Wendy's chili copycat, chili recipe, ground beef chili, homemade chili, classic chili, easy chili recipe, copycat fast food chili
