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Wendy’s Copycat Chili – Hearty, Easy Stovetop Recipe

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This Wendy’s Copycat Chili is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices just like the classic from your favorite fast food spot. Perfect for easy dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly meals for busy nights.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 to 1.5 cups water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles.
  2. Drain excess fat from the beef.
  3. Add diced onions, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  5. Add diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. Mix in drained beans and pour in water or broth to reach desired consistency.
  7. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot with favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Letting chili simmer for a full hour deepens flavor and improves texture.
  • If chili gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for quick dinners on busy nights.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg