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Wendy’s Chili (Copycat)

A hearty, slow-simmered chili packed with ground beef, beans, and bold spices in a rich tomato base. This comforting copycat version delivers the classic fast-food favorite flavor right at home.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Option 4 hours
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course, Meal Prep, Slow Cooker, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 quart tomato juice
  • 29 oz tomato puree 1 can
  • 15 oz red beans drained, 1 can
  • 15 oz pinto beans drained, 1 can
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery diced
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer beef to a large pot. Add tomato juice, tomato puree, beans, onion, celery, and bell pepper.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne.
  4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes.
  5. For slow cooker method: transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
  6. Serve hot with optional toppings like cheese, onions, or sour cream.

Notes

Adjust chili powder for heat preference. This chili tastes even better the next day after flavors deepen.