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Flavorful Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe Easy Bold Spice Blend

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A bold and hearty copycat version of Wendy’s chili featuring a rich spice blend, tender beef, and beans. Perfect for quick, comforting dinners with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no pink remains. Break up large clumps.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
  5. Add diced tomatoes with juice and tomato paste. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  6. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if chili thickens too much.
  8. Stir in rinsed kidney and pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to heat through and absorb flavor.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or cayenne pepper if desired.
  10. Serve warm with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, or sour cream.

Notes

Brown the beef thoroughly for deeper flavor. Simmer chili gently for at least 30 minutes to develop rich taste and proper thickness. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or substitute with coconut aminos for gluten-free version. Leftovers taste better after a day and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Wendy's chili copycat, chili recipe, easy chili, beef chili, bold spice blend, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/flavorful-copycat-wendys-chili-recipe-easy-bold-spice-blend/