Wendy’s Copycat Chili

Chili is one of my favorite foods to order at Wendy’s. So many people love their chili and would love to make it at their own homes. Now, they can! This copycat recipe is identical to the chili sold at the restaurant. I just can’t get enough of it. I make this during cool fall evenings and even during the summertime. It’s a dish that’s fantastic year-round. And, best of all, it requires ingredients you’re likely already familiar with in the kitchen. If you’ve been searching for an easy Wendys copycat chili for beginners, this recipe is just right for you.

This best Wendys copycat chili recipe is warm and satisfying. It’s both hearty and delicious. The aroma of chili cooking in your kitchen is likely to send taste buds into overdrive.

Chili is a dish that is loved everywhere, and many regions have their own recipe. But I want you to know that you will not find a better recipe than this. The flavor, the ease, and the simple ingredients make for a perfect family friendly Wendys copycat chili. Your family will definitely ask you to make this again and again, guaranteed!

This is a budget-friendly dish that goes a long way.

Let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you! I love hearing from my readers!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with ground beef – It’s scrumptious, hearty, and filling.
• Loaded with veggies – This is the perfect healthy Wendys copycat chili recipe that’s nutritious and sure to impress.
• Variety of beans used
• Flavorful – The flavors of this chili are amazing and will leave you wanting more.
• Copycat Wendy’s recipe — It’s absolutely similar to Wendy’s! You can also make this simple Wendys copycat chili meal even if you’re newer in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Bell pepper
• Onion
• Celery
• Jalapeno deseeded
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Pinto beans not drained
• Kidney beans not drained
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground beef: Swap the ground beef for lean beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. This recipe is very versatile. Keep in mind that the chili will likely take on an entirely different flavor if you opt for ground chicken.

Onion: If you have household members who aren’t a fan of onions, even in soups and chilis, swap it for onion powder.

Minced garlic: Feel free to use garlic paste or garlic powder in place of freshly minced garlic if you don’t have any available at the time of preparing this chili.

Pinto and kidney beans: Feel free to use the type of beans to suit you best when preparing this Wendy’s chili. If you’re out of pinto beans, double up on kidney beans (or vice versa). Add beans as you prefer and based on what your family is familiar with in your own homemade chili.

Jalapeno: If you do not have a fresh jalapeno in your kitchen, you can choose to add a bit of spice to this chili using a spicy seasoning mix or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.

How to Make It

Step 1. Brown the meat in a large pot over medium-high heat on the stove. Continue to cook until the meat is completely done. Browning the meat adds immense flavor to any dish, especially when cooking a chili, where the beef is the main ingredient.

Step 2. Add 1 bell pepper chopped, 1 onion chopped, and ⅓ cup of celery chopped to the pot.

Step 3. Add 2 cans of pinto beans not drained and 2 cans of kidney beans not drained.

Step 4. Add 1 large can of Tomato sauce and 1 small can of diced tomatoes.

Step 5. Add 3 tbsp chili powder, 3 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 2 tsp minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6. Stir to combine well.

Step 7. Bring the mixture to a low boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover the mixture for at least 2 hours before serving.

THANKS FOR PINING!

Tips for Success

Find a type of ground beef or turkey that works well for you and your household’s dietary needs or restrictions. Mixing different ground beef and even pork can make this recipe your very own.

Storage & Reheating

Once the Wendy’s Copycat Chili is cooled off to room temperature, you can place it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Place the chili into a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop and reheat until heated through. You can also reheat the chili in the microwave until heated through (typically for 2 to 3 minutes per serving).

This chili is freezer friendly! You can place it into an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs really well with some homemade cinnamon rolls, cornbread, or even crackers. You can get creative with this dish, as its base flavors are perfect for pairings. Because it’s a quick Wendys copycat chili recipe, you can make additional sides while you wait for the chili’s flavors to come together.

Or consider adding a splash of pickle juice and shredded cheese on top and eat it as a meal in one. Adding sour cream and chopped green onions as a topping is another way to go if you’re searching for even more homemade Wendys copycat chili ideas.

Notes

To make this a healthy Wendys copycat chili version, add more veggies and beans. You can also opt for ground turkey or lean beef for reduced fat without sacrificing flavor.

More easy copycat recipes?

Copycat KFC Fried Chicken Recipe – Finger-lickin’ good.

Olive Garden Salad Dressing – Even better than the original!

KFC Coleslaw – Tastes exactly like the real thing!