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Copycat Wendy's Chili

Published: Jun 11, 2025 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Transform your ordinary dinner into a heartwarming culinary journey with this legendary Copycat Wendy's Chili that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Copycat Wendy's Chili

Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, meaty chili packed with beans, vegetables, and a perfect blend of spices that captures the essence of everyone's favorite fast-food comfort food.

Perfect for cozy nights, game days, or when you're craving a taste of childhood nostalgia, this Copycat Wendy's Chili elevates home cooking to an art form.

Copycat Wendy's Chili: A Hearty Homemade Comfort Feast

Copycat Wendy's Chili is more than just a meal – it's a trip down memory lane. Cheesy mashed potato puffs make an excellent side dish to complement this classic comfort food.

Get ready to discover how simple ingredients transform into a legendary chili that rivals the fast-food favorite.

Serving Suggestions:

Your Copycat Wendy's Chili shines when served with:

  • Soft and buttery homemade rolls
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Cornbread

Pro Tips for Perfect Copycat Wendy's Chili:

Beef Browning: Cook ground beef thoroughly to develop deep flavor.

Spice Layering: Add spices gradually for complex taste.

Simmer Secrets: Low and slow cooking is key to melding flavors.

Bean Brilliance: Drain beans to prevent watery chili.

Seasoning Adjustment: Taste and adjust spices as needed.

Copycat Wendy's Chili

Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe Details:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1.5 hours
  • Servings: 6-8
  • Equipment: Large skillet, large pot, wooden spoon

Beef recipes can be predictable, but this dish brings excitement back to the dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Chili Base:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (29 ounces) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (29 ounces) pinto beans, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

For the Spice Blend:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups water

Directions:

  1. Begin your culinary adventure by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. These chili dishes are all about building layers of flavor carefully.
  2. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. This ensures a cleaner, more concentrated flavor for your chili.
  3. Transfer the browned beef to a large pot. Add diced onions, celery, and green bell peppers to create a flavorful base.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, drained beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.

Ready to Devour!

Add your carefully crafted spice blend, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly. Pour in water and mix well.

Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook, stirring occasionally.

Storage Solutions:

  • Store in an airtight container
  • Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days
  • Freezes excellently for up to 3 months
  • Reheat gently on stovetop
  • Add a splash of water if needed to restore consistency

Allow the chili to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your culinary creation, garnished with your favorite toppings!

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Copycat Wendy's Chili

Copycat Wendy's Chili

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Beef recipes can be predictable, but this dish brings excitement back to the dinner table.

  • Total Time: 9 minute
  • Yield: 6-8 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili Base:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (29 ounces) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (29 ounces) pinto beans, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

For the Spice Blend:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Begin your culinary adventure by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. These chili dishes are all about building layers of flavor carefully.
  2. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. This ensures a cleaner, more concentrated flavor for your chili.
  3. Transfer the browned beef to a large pot. Add diced onions, celery, and green bell peppers to create a flavorful base.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, drained beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.
  • Author: Jamie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1.5 hours

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