Description
A bold and hearty chili inspired by the fast-food favorite, this **Wendy’s Copycat Chili** is packed with ground beef, beans, and just the right blend of spices. It’s a go-to **easy dinner**, great for **meal prep**, or cold-weather **comfort food**. With ingredients you likely have on hand, this **quick dinner idea** is both satisfying and affordable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning a week of **leftover lunches**, this chili delivers nostalgic flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 cups water or beef broth
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
Instructions
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for 7–9 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix until combined.
4. Add kidney and pinto beans, then pour in water or broth. Stir to combine.
5. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more broth if too thick or simmer uncovered if too thin.
8. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or onions if desired.
Notes
This chili freezes exceptionally well—perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.
For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving—it helps deepen the flavor and thicken the texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Wendy’s chili, copycat recipe, ground beef chili, easy chili, fast food copycat