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Wendy’s Copycat Chili

Wendy’s Copycat Chili

This Wendy’s Copycat Chili recipe brings the rich, spicy, and comforting flavors of the popular fast-food chili into your kitchen. Made with hearty ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices, this chili is perfect for a cozy meal any time. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for families and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans, with liquid
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles to ensure even texture. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant, creating a rich flavor base.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Allow the mixture to toast slightly, which awakens and deepens the spices’ flavors.
  4. Pour in Liquids and Beans: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans (with their liquid), and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to the signature Wendy’s texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and cumin for the best flavor impact.
  • Always drain excess fat from the beef to keep the chili hearty, not oily.
  • The longer you simmer the chili, the more developed the flavors become.
  • Adjust salt at the end of cooking to avoid over-seasoning.
  • Stir the chili every 5-10 minutes during simmering to prevent sticking or burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Wendy's copycat chili, homemade chili, beef chili, spicy chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food