Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe | Mama Loves Food (2024)

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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.

Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe | Mama Loves Food (2)

Ground beef, onion, celery, and green bell pepper – chopped and ready!

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!

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Kidney beans, ranch beans, and lots of tomatoes!

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!

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Almost ready to cook!

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!

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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.

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Garlic and chili spices added!

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.

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Simmered to perfection. Don’t forget to stir frequently!

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!

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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.

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Yasssss! Two scoops, please!

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!

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More game day recipes we love

  • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
  • Football Field Cake
  • Spicy Meatballs
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe | Mama Loves Food (11)

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!

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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
  • Make sure to check out all our copycat recipes!

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Wendy’s Chili Recipe Making Tools

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How to make Wendy’s Chili Recipe

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Wendy's Chili Recipe

This simple Wendy’s Chili recipe copy-cat is easy and delicious. Make a double batch and freeze some for later. Make sure to add it to your dinner meal plan!

4.97 from 31 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: wendy's chili recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 cup

Calories: 260kcal

Author: April Woods

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 cansRanch Style Beans NOT drained (15 ounce cans)
  • 2 cans dark red kidney beans drained (15 ounce cans)
  • 2 cansOriginal 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 packagesMcCormick 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

Modification for slow cooker:

  • 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.

Modification for Instant Pot:

  • 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!

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Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal

Want even more?Follow Mama Loves Food on Pinterest!

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.

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Original images: (yes, these are embarrassing!)

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11/2010

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Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe | Mama Loves Food (2024)

FAQs

What makes Wendy's chili taste so good? ›

The reason we love Wendy's chili so much really comes down to three things: the beef, the beans, and the fact that it's straight comfort food.

What are the ingredients in Wendy's chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

Does Wendy's sell their chili in a can? ›

We Should. We Could. We Canned.

Enjoy the classic taste of Wendy's® famous chili from the comfort of your own home.

Does Wendy's put sugar in their chili? ›

Without the proprietary combination of seasonings -- a blend containing sugar, salt, garlic powder, chili peppers, yeast extract and other spices -- Wendy's chili would lack its characteristic flavor.

What does Wendy's use as fillers in their meat? ›

Our signature square hamburger patties have no fillers or additives because we know the beef is what matters when it comes to making the best hamburger in the game.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Is Wendy's chili made from leftover burgers? ›

Yes, the meat in Wendys chili is made leftover from unsed burgers that are past the hold hold time. The chili meat is good for seven days after, usually is used within the next day.

What is the sand in Wendy's chili? ›

Wendy's Chili: Sand

One key ingredient to Wendy's chili is an anti-caking agent called silicon dioxide. Street name: sand or glass powder.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Is Wendy's chili made fresh everyday? ›

Made fresh every day

We prep from scratch every day—slicing our tomatoes by hand, preparing our house-made chili and cooking our bacon to ensure quality and freshness in every order.

What is the silicon dioxide in Wendy's chili? ›

This food additive, called silicon dioxide, is used as an anti-caking agent in meat-based products such as chili (including that sold by chains like Wendy's and Taco Bell). When not used in fast food, silicon dioxide can be found in cement, ceramics, glass and, of course, between your toes during a day at the beach.

What company makes Wendy's chili? ›

Wendy's Chili with Beans Brings Restaurant Quality Taste to the Comfort of Your Home. Conagra Brands, Inc.

Can you buy Wendy's chili beans at the store? ›

Wendy's Canned Chili With Beans will begin rolling out at grocery stores and select online retailers this spring/summer. It'll be available for $4.99 and found in your store's chili section.

What brand is Wendy's chili? ›

Wendy's Chili with Beans Brings Restaurant Quality Taste to the Comfort of Your Home | Conagra Brands.

Does Wendy's use real beef in their chili? ›

Yes, it is. But it isn't like days or weeks old. Hamburgers are only good for 5 minutes at Wendy's, after that they are taken and chopped up to make chili meat. Well actually what they do is cook burger patties in advance and any that don't get sold within a short time end up in the chili.

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

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