Description
This easy copycat recipe recreates the iconic, brick-red Wendy’s chili, perfect for a hearty and satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s a robust, family-friendly meal made with common ingredients that delivers authentic flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, lean (80/20 or 90/10)
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or cannellini)
- 15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans)
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1.5 cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Brown The Beef: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains and it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
- Saute Aromatics: Return pot to medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Combine All Ingredients: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer For Flavor: Bring chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) for richer flavor.
- Stir And Season: Stir occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
Notes
Ensure to thoroughly drain excess grease from the beef to prevent greasy chili. For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes. Adjust chili powder for a milder taste. This recipe can be made in a slow cooker (cook on low for 4-6 hours) after browning beef and sauteing aromatics. Use ground turkey or low-sodium canned goods for healthier options. Good quality chili powder is key for authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (350 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: easy chili, copycat recipe, Wendy's, beef chili, weeknight dinner, family meal, hearty, comforting, beans, stovetop