🌶️ Wendy’s Chili – Don’t LOSE This Recipe! 🌶️
Just like the famous fast-food favorite… maybe even better!
If you’ve ever craved that rich, hearty, slow-simmered chili from Wendy’s, this copycat recipe is exactly what you need. It’s thick, beefy, packed with beans, and loaded with bold, comforting flavors that taste even better the next day. Perfect for cold nights, game days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd on a budget.
This is a classic, no-frills chili—simple ingredients, big flavor, and that unmistakable Wendy’s taste we all love.
📝 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 1½ cups)
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup chili powder (use less for a milder chili)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (add more for deeper flavor)
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional but authentic!)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
👉 Drain excess grease for a cleaner, restaurant-style chili. - Add the Vegetables
Stir in the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Build the Chili Base
Pour in the tomato juice and tomato purée. Stir well to combine everything evenly. - Season to Perfection
Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly so the spices bloom in the liquid. - Add the Beans
Stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. - Simmer Low & Slow
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
👉 The longer it simmers, the deeper and richer the flavor. - Taste & Adjust
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning—add more cumin, chili powder, or salt if needed.
🌟 Pro Tips for Authentic Wendy’s Flavor
- Fine beef crumbles are key—Wendy’s chili has very small meat pieces.
- Don’t skip the sugar—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For thicker chili, simmer longer or mash a few beans into the pot.
- Chili always tastes better the next day, so make it ahead if you can!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese
- Add chopped onions or green onions
- Serve with crackers, cornbread, or a baked potato
- Spoon it over fries or hot dogs for a chili night upgrade
❄️ Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave
❤️ This Wendy’s Chili copycat is comforting, filling, and perfect for the whole family.
Save it, share it, and don’t forget it—because once you make it, you’ll crave it again and again!
Want a slow-cooker version, low-fat option, or spicy upgrade? Just tell me! 🌶️🥣