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Wendy’s Chili

Wendy's Chili Recipe featuring ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and parsley in a large pot.
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This homemade Wendy’s chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful copycat made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices—perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or game day comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel or Hunt’s)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water (plus up to 1/2 cup more if needed)
  • 1 (1.25-ounce) package chili seasoning (e.g., McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, undrained
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 Tablespoon white vinegar
  • Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions, cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 8–10 minutes until browned. Drain any grease.
  2. Add chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and water. Add more water if needed.
  4. Mix in chili seasoning, kidney beans, pinto beans (with liquid), salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in white vinegar just before serving. Top with desired toppings and enjoy.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper.
  • Butter can be added at the end to mellow spices.
  • Use leftover hamburger patties for a shortcut.
  • Simmer uncovered to thicken or add more water to thin.
  • This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/wendys-chili-delicious-recipe/