This Copycat Wendy’s Chili brings all the tasty flavors you love from the restaurant right into your kitchen! It’s hearty, packed with beans, ground beef, and spices for a warm meal.
Perfect for chilly days, I love serving it with some cornbread. It’s so satisfying, plus it’s a great way to use up ingredients in your pantry. Who doesn’t love a cozy bowl of chili? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein source. You can substitute it with ground turkey or a meat alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or a vegetarian choice.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add delicious flavor. If you don’t have green bell pepper, feel free to use any color bell pepper or even some chopped celery for a different taste.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans give substance. You can swap these for black beans or white beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just rinse them well!
Diced Tomatoes: For a fresh taste, you could replace canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes; just add a bit more water.
Spices: Adjust the chili powder and cumin based on your heat preference. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or even a sprinkle of hot sauce!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Chili?
The key to a rich, flavorful chili is in how you cook the ingredients. Browning the ground beef well develops deep flavors that really shine through in the final dish.
- Cook the beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, letting bits brown slightly for extra flavor.
- Add the onions and bell peppers next. Sauté them until they soften to release their flavors.
- Simmer the chili long enough to allow all the spices to blend nicely. At least 30 minutes is recommended, but if you can let it simmer longer, the flavors will deepen even more!
- Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt, spice, or even add a drop of vinegar to brighten the flavors at the end.
Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chili takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before you can dig into your hearty bowl of chili!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
First, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess fat, so your chili isn’t greasy.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they are nicely softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to stir in the optional diced green chilies, along with the kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and water. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
4. Spice it Up:
Add in the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Remember to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili. Adjust any seasonings as needed to suit your taste. If you want a bolder flavor, feel free to add a pinch more chili powder or salt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot in bowls. For an extra treat, top with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkling of chopped onions. Enjoy your comforting homemade Copycat Wendy’s Chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lower-fat alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, as it may require slightly less time to brown compared to beef.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Chili Powder?
If you’re out of chili powder, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts paprika and cumin with a touch of cayenne for heat. Alternatively, a mix of taco seasoning can work in a pinch!
How Can I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool before transferring it to the freezer.
How Do I Reheat the Chili?
To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
