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Comforting Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe

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A quick and easy copycat recipe of Wendy’s chili that delivers bold flavors with savory beef, tender beans, and a rich, spiced tomato base. Perfect for cozy meals, family gatherings, and game day snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and toast spices for about 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Add drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover loosely and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if chili becomes too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder. Add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños. Enjoy with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Notes

Brown the ground beef well to develop deep flavor. Add spices before liquids to bloom flavors. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent burning. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering uncovered. Add beans after liquids to avoid mushy texture. For gluten-free, check broth and Worcestershire sauce labels. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Optional slow cooker method available.

Nutrition

Keywords: Wendy's chili copycat, chili recipe, easy chili, comfort food, ground beef chili, hearty chili, cozy meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/comforting-wendys-chili-copycat-recipe-easy-cozy-meal-idea/