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Wendy’s Copycat Chili

Wendy’s Copycat Chili

Chili is warm, hearty, and full of deep, rich flavor. Many people love the famous Wendy’s Chili because it is simple, tasty, and comforting. The good news is that you can make the same chili at home with very basic ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans drained
  • 1 can pinto beans drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef

  • Cook the ground beef in a large pot until browned and crumbly. Drain extra grease to keep the chili clean.

Add the Vegetables

  • Add chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook them until soft and smelling good.

Mix in the Tomatoes

  • Pour in the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything evenly in the pot.

Add the Beans

  • Add kidney beans and pinto beans. Mix gently to spread them evenly through the chili mixture.

Add Spices and Broth

  • Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and sugar. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir Everything Together

  • Mix everything very well so all flavors blend. Make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Bring to a Boil

  • Turn up the heat and let the chili boil gently for a few minutes until bubbling nicely.

Simmer the Chili

  • Reduce heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 45 minutes so the flavors become rich.

Adjust the Seasoning

  • Taste the chili and add more salt or chili powder if needed for perfect flavor balance.

Serve Warm

  • Ladle the chili into bowls. Serve warm with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes

  • Brown the beef well for deeper flavor. A good sear gives the chili a rich taste.
  • Simmer longer if you want a thicker chili. Extra time helps reduce liquid.
  • Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor. Powder works too but tastes softer.
  • Add a little hot sauce for a spicy version. Start with a few drops first.
  • Try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, healthier meal.
  • Add corn or carrots to make the chili sweeter and more colorful.
  • Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving. It thickens naturally.
Keyword Wendy’s Copycat Chili