Wendy’s Chili – Easy Copycat Recipe
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This simple Wendy’s Chili Recipe is SPOT ON! Also, easy and delicious! Make a double batch and freeze some for later, and make sure to add it to this week’s meal plan!
This Wendy’s Chili Recipe is one of my most popular recipes. And for good reason – it’s delicious! If you love Wendy’s Chili, then this is a great recipe for you. Go ahead and check out the comments to see what others are saying! We like to serve our Wendy’s Chili with this cornbread recipe or our sweet cornbread. And easy peanut butter cookies for dessert.
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Wendy’s Chili
Wendy’s Chili – Easy Copycat Recipe
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Wendy’s Chili Recipe Ingredients
- Ground beef – Browned and drained. We typically use something with a lower fat content since it is drained off, but you can use whatever you prefer (or what is on sale!).
- Sweet yellow onions – Rough chopped, no need to get fancy as this will be simmering for a long time!
- Green peppers – We use green bell pepper, not hot peppers. Remove the seeds and pith, then rough chop.
- Celery – Take off the leafy top and rough chop the stem.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic will give you the most flavor, but feel free to use pre-minced garlic in a jar if you don’t have any fresh available.
- Ranch Style Beans – Don’t drain! You can get these on Amazon or at the grocery store, usually near the baked beans.
- Dark red kidney beans – Go ahead and drain these, as they’re not seasoned. we typically use two of the 15 ounce can kidney beans, but if you can find 30 ounce cans, those work too. If the can sizes are a little above or below what’s called for, this is not a problem.
- Original Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chili – Some grocery stores carry a generic brand; this is fine too!
- Stewed tomatoes – You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but we like to use canned tomatoes.
- Tomato sauce – Not spaghetti sauce and not tomato juice! Tomato sauce is plain sauce made from tomatoes and found in the canned tomato section.
- McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning – This is definitely my favorite seasoning! It’s available at most markets and also on Amazon.
Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe
I am obsessed with Wendy’s Chili lately, and even though it’s reasonably priced, that’s not really a good excuse for hitting the drive-thru.
Especially when it’s something I can make at home! After several minutes of scouring the internet for ‘What ingredients are in Wendy’s chili?‘ I came up with a recipe that showed some promise. So, I wrote my ingredient list and headed to Wendy’s.
Sitting in the grocery store parking lot chowing on my chili, I made a few amendments to the recipe list and then headed on in. And, boy oh boy. FANTASTIC!
How Do You Make Wendy’s Chili?
⭐ First, brown the ground beef on the stove top, and drain off grease.
⭐ Then, combine all ingredients in a large pot.
⭐ Finally, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for at least three hours (I let mine cook all day long).
Love beef? Try this Mississippi pot roast recipe next!
Nutritional Information
Is Wendy’s Chili Gluten Free
This copycat recipe is gluten free, if you use a gluten-free chili spice packet. The gluten free chili seasoning is readily available typically in the same area as the regular chili spice blends.
Is Wendy’s Chili Healthy?
Whether something is healthy will obviously depend on your individual dietary needs. That said, our copycat chili recipe is full of protein from the beef and beans, fiber from the vegetables and beans, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices.
If you’re looking for a way to make a lighter version of our chili, try substituting ground chicken or turkey for the beef. We also have a delicious quick chicken chili, or healthy ground turkey chili recipe you could check out!
Preparation
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make our Copycat Wendy’s Chili in a crock pot. Make sure you’re using an 8 quart or larger cooker. If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe.
To make in a slow cooker, add all ingredients, cover, and cook on high for 4 – 6 hours or low for 8 – 10 hours.
Can I make Wendy’s Chili in an Instant Pot?
Yes, to prepare in an Instapot, first, make sure you’re using an 8 quart or larger cooker (you need to be sure everything fits below the fill line). If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe.
Turn the cooker to saute and brown the meat, then drain it. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, and cover. Turn knob to ‘sealing’, and set the device on manual for 30 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release, then enjoy!
Storage
How long does chili last?
Chili will last about 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator or indefinitely in the freezer. Make sure to store in a well sealed container for best results.
Can Wendy’s chili recipe be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen. This recipe makes a giant batch (it fills my 8 quart stock pot), but freezes beautifully, so we will often eat half for dinner and save the other half for another occasion.
To freeze, allow the chili to come to room temperature, then portion into freezer safe containers (making sure to leave a few inches of headroom), and freeze. It will last up to three months in an upright freezer, and as long as six months in a deep freezer before the flavor and texture begin to degrade.
It will continue to be safe to eat so long as it is consistently maintained at a temperature below freezing.
Tips and Tricks
⭐ You’ll want to stir the chili periodically, and get your spoon all the way to the bottom to make sure none of the chili is sticking to the bottom of the pot. If you find the chili is sticking, reduce heat further.
⭐ This recipe should be simmered, not boiled. Simmering is just a few small bubbles coming to the surface, versus boiling which is lots of rapid bubbles.
⭐ If you like it spicy, add some chipotle seasoning, chili powder, or a handful of fresh chopped jalapenos (or all of them!). I personally like to spice my personal bowl after it’s done cooking with a generous splash of Frank’s Red Hot sauce.
⭐ If your chili seems too thick or is sticking to the bottom, turn the heat down and stir in a cup of water at a time until it reaches the thickness you are looking for.
What to serve with Wendy’s Chili
To complete the meal, we like to enjoy our chili with a big salad (like this spinach salad with strawberries, or even an easy cobb salad). I always make a batch of cornbread muffins, and since there’s something special about chili and cinnamon rolls, we like to top things off with our cinnamon roll cookies!
Can you get Wendy’s Chili without beans?
One of the most frequent question is does Wendy’s chili have beans in it, and the unequivocal answer is yes.
Wendy’s chili is not available without beans (they’re an integral part of the recipe!). But if you’re looking for a delicious bean-free recipe, we’ve got you covered with our easy chili recipe without beans.
More chili recipes we love
- Chili Dog Casserole – This simple chili dog casserole is a fan favorite in our house. So much easier than making chili dogs one by one!
- Breakfast Chili – Chili for breakfast is a thing! And it’s a really really GOOD thing! After you try this you’ll wonder where chili for breakfast has been all your life.
- Chili Mac – Sing it with me… these are a few of my favorite things… woah. Yes. Chili + mac and cheese = happy mouth.
- Chili with NO Beans – Not so hot on the beans but still love chili? Then this fantastic bean free chili is just what you need. You won’t believe what some of the ingredients are, but you’ll love how they work together! Yum!
- Chili Pot Pie Recipe – Only a few steps and you’ve got a delicious and unique dinner recipe! I like to use a pre-made crust for quick prep.
- Turkey Chili – Trying to keep it light? This recipe is low in fat and calories, but high in flavor!
- Easy Chili Dogs – Classic and delicious. My dad asks for these when he visits!
- Pumpkin Chili – Get into the feel of fall with this hearty chili made special with the addition of pure pumpkin.
- Quick Chicken Chili – No time for an all day chili simmer? No sweat. This Last Minute Chicken Chili is ready in no time and perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
- Make sure to check out all our easy chili recipes!
More game day recipes we love
More recipes with ground beef
- Hamburger stroganoff
- Mexican skillet bake
- Cabbage roll stew
- Cheeseburger soup in a bread bowl
- Classic shepherd’s pie
- Make sure to check out all our ground beef recipe ideas!
More copycat recipes
- Frosted lemonade from Chick Fil A
- Pollo Tropical Curry Mustard Sauce
- Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup
- McDonald’s Shamrock Shake
- Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana
- McDonald’s Big Mac Wraps
- Make sure to check out all our copycat recipes!
Wendy’s Chili Recipe Making Tools
- Farberware 16 quart covered stock pot – You can’t beat a good heavy stock pot.
- 7 quart Crock Pot – This is the slow cooker we got for our wedding in 2003 and it’s still kicking butt!
- Giant soup bowls – Because why would you eat chili out of a small bowl?
- McCormick mild chili seasoning – you could totally make your own chili seasoning, but if that’s not your game, I really love this one.
- Ranch style beans – I’m pretty sure this is the secret ingredient. I know the cans look like they were made in 1972, but I promise they’re delicious.
- 4 cup glass measuring cup – Everyone needs a good measuring cup!
- Stainless steel measuring spoons – I have a really bad habit of melting plastic measuring spoons, so we’ve recently purchased these stainless steel ones and they’ve been great.
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How to make Wendy’s Chili Recipe
Wendy's Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 4.5 pounds ground beef browned and drained
- 2 large yellow sweet onions, chopped
- 7 large green bell peppers chopped
- 4 celery ribs chopped
- 2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 cans Ranch Style Beans NOT drained (15 ounce cans)
- 2 cans dark red kidney beans drained (15 ounce cans)
- 2 cans Original Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chili 10 ounce cans
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes 15 ounce cans
- 4 cans plain tomato sauce 15 ounce cans
- 2 packages McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning 1.25 ounce packages
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot.
- Simmer for at least three hours (I let mine cook all day long).
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Make sure you’re using an 8 quart or larger cooker. If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe.
- Add all ingredients (remember to brown and drain the meat first), cover, and cook on high for 4 – 6 hours or low for 8 – 10 hours.
- Make sure you’re using an 8 quart or larger cooker (you need to be sure everything fits below the fill line. If your slow cooker is smaller, halve the recipe.
- Turn the cooker to saute and brown the meat, then drain it. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, and cover. Turn knob to ‘sealing’, and set the device on manual for 30 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release, then enjoy!
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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ACK! But, Wait!!! Are you looking longingly at this recipe but thinking to yourself that you don’t eat beans? Never fear! I have the Ultimate Bean-Free Chili just for you! You’re welcome!!! (or if you’d rather have a classic homemade chili recipe, try this one!)
Wendy’s Chili – Easy Copycat Recipe
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Recipe FAQS
What kind of meat is in Wendy's Chili?
Wendy's chili contains ground beef.
Is there dairy in Wendy's chili?
There are no dairy ingredients in the recipe.
Is Wendy's chili bad for you?
This will depend on your diet, but the chili is high in protein, fiber, and is gluten free.
Original images: (yes, these are embarrassing!)
11/2010
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Hands down the best chili I’ve eaten. I had to cut the recipe in half as were a small family. I’ll never use another chili recipe! Just like Wendy’s but more fresh tasting 12/10 amazing
This is maybe even better than Wendy’s! Pantry friendly and easy instructions. This is one of those dishes the whole family loves. Wishing you and yours a blessed 2023.
April, I’ve been making your recipe for years. It’s the best chili recipe!! I usually half the recipe and cook in the crockpot. It makes a full pot. I’m having a large party this fall and thinking of doing the full recipe. Can you tell how many it serves so I can get a grasp on how much to cook??
I make this chili for my MahJongg group and I make the full recipe. Fills two crockpots. Enough for 25-30 people.
Cook on low 8 hours. Put in fridge overnight and warm up the next day in crockpot. Just put it on high a couple of hours. Done. Mostly hands off except for the browning of the beef and of course chopping veggies. I do the veggies the day before with a chopper.
Everyone loves it.
The best chili I’ve ever had!!! Entire family loved every bite. I will never use another recipe for chili. Tonight makes the 2nd pot in 2 weeks. Followed recipe exactly other than adding a can of water. Thanks for sharing😊
Your serving says “1 cup” but what is the total number of people it serves? Will this recipe feed 20 people?
It makes about 8 quarts, so roughly 30 small 1 cup servings, 15 medium 2 cup servings, and about 10 larger servings. The outcome will also vary on the size of your vegetables and how much you let it simmer down.
i tried making the chili in my instant pot.got error msg, no water.the juice from the tomatoes wasnt enough. i switched to slow cook on high.in 3hrs the chili was ready to eat.the chili came out great,you just cant pressure cook this recipe.
Nowwww if you did spaghetti and meatballs or just spaghetti YESSSSS it wil work, i’ve pressure cooked both.
This is our go-to chili recipe! The kids love it and we sneak the extra fiber(celery) that they would never eat into their diet. I’ve shared this with extended family and they all love it. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Hi April,
I just ordered several of your Ebooks. I can’t wait to see all of your recipes! I am not a very good cook, but I want to improve my cooking skills. I hope your recipes are easy (beginner’s level) to follow? Are there any instructional videos on YouTube to go along with the recipes in your Ebooks?
I love this recipe. I make it and freeze some to serve over the fall and winter months. It is so good.
This is the best tasting chili recipe I have ever made; I literally panic if I misplace the recipe!