This Copycat Wendy’s Chili is hearty and full of flavor with beans, beef, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch!
The best part? You can make it in one pot! I love enjoying a warm bowl with some cornbread on the side. Now that’s comfort food! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is a classic choice for chili. However, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. Some folks even enjoy using plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Beans: Kidney beans and pinto beans are the stars here! If you don’t have one type, feel free to mix and match. Black beans or white beans work well too. Just remember to rinse them well to avoid extra sodium.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice texture. You could replace them with crushed tomatoes for a smoother consistency. Alternatively, using fresh tomatoes would work in a pinch—just chop them up finely!
Spices: Chili powder is essential for flavor, but you can add more spice or even switch it up with taco seasoning. If you don’t have cumin, a mix of oregano and coriander can add a unique taste.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor in Chili?
The flavor of your chili depends on how you layer the ingredients! Start by browning the beef properly to create a rich base. Once the beef is cooked, adding the spices allows them to bloom and develop a deeper taste.
- Cook the onions slowly; they become sweeter and enhance the overall flavor.
- Add spices once the aromatics (meat, onions, garlic) are ready—this helps release their essential oils.
- Let it simmer! The longer you cook your chili, the more the flavors meld together. A slow simmer of up to an hour does wonders.
How to Make Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Garnish:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chili will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-60 minutes to cook, depending on how long you let it simmer. In total, you can have a delicious pot of chili ready in about 40-70 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned all over, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, you may want to drain any excess fat to keep your chili from being too greasy.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook everything together until the onion turns soft and translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in the Spices:
Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like some kick. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes until you start to smell the fragrant spices.
4. Combine with Tomatoes and Beans:
Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir everything together well so all the ingredients are mixed.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. For the best flavor, let it simmer for up to 1 hour!
6. Adjust Seasoning:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or even more chili powder if you prefer it spicier!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and some fresh chopped green onions. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Copycat Wendy’s Chili!
Don’t forget to savor every bite! 🍜
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just remember that turkey may have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the taste.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also make a simple broth by dissolving a bouillon cube in hot water. Just keep in mind that the flavor may slightly differ!
How Do I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Chili?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini can be great additions. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic to ensure they cook properly. This will add extra flavor and nutrients to your chili!
