Description
Wendy’s Copycat Chili is a rich, hearty, easy dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and peppers in a savory chili base. It is one of those comforting food ideas that works for weeknight dinner, meal prep, game day, and cozy family meals, making it a go-to easy recipe whenever you need filling dinner ideas with classic flavor.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
46 ounces tomato juice
29 ounces diced tomatoes
16 ounces tomato sauce
15 ounces kidney beans, drained
15 ounces pinto beans, drained
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Pour in the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, then stir well to combine.
4. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Do not rush the simmering time, because giving the chili enough time to cook is what helps the flavors meld and creates that classic rich, balanced texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Wendy's copycat chili, copycat chili recipe, easy dinner, hearty chili, beef chili, homemade chili, family dinner, comfort food, dinner ideas, meal prep chili