Wendy’s Chili is a beloved classic known for its hearty, savory flavor, packed with ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich tomato base. This homemade version of Wendy’s Chili is just as comforting and flavorful, with the perfect balance of spices, tender meat, and beans. Whether you enjoy it on its own, served over a baked potato, or topped with cheese and sour cream, this chili is perfect for a cozy meal any time of year. With easy ingredients and a simple preparation, you can make this fast food favorite right at home.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips
Directions:
- Cook the beef: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Mix well to combine.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crumbled tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Adjust spice level: If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
- Beans: If you’re not a fan of pinto or kidney beans, you can substitute with other beans, like black beans or garbanzo beans.
- Make-Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
Wendy’s Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that is easy to make at home and perfect for any occasion. With tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this chili is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or as a topping for baked potatoes, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of flavor, this homemade version of Wendy’s Chili will satisfy your cravings for a delicious, hearty meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Wendy’s Chili ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?
Yes, this chili is excellent made ahead! You can prepare the chili up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits. To serve, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.
What are some good ingredient substitutions if I don’t have kidney or pinto beans, or if I want to change the spice level?
Absolutely! You can substitute the kidney and pinto beans with an equal amount (15-ounce can each) of black beans, cannellini beans, or a mix of your favorite beans. For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño pepper (remove seeds for less heat) or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot when you add the seasonings. If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce the chili powder to taste.
How do I know when the chili is perfectly cooked and ready to serve?
The chili is ready when it has thickened and the flavors have melded together, which typically takes 30-45 minutes of simmering. Visually, the sauce should have reduced slightly, and the chili should have a slightly thicker consistency. The aroma will also deepen, indicating the spices have fully bloomed. A good test is to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Can I double or triple this Wendy’s Chili recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe! When doubling or tripling, use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly; it might take an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering for the flavors to fully develop. Ensure you have enough space in your refrigerator or freezer for storage if you have leftovers.
What are the nutritional benefits of this Wendy’s Chili recipe?
This chili is packed with nutrients! Ground beef provides protein and iron, while kidney and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber and protein. The tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C, and the onions and garlic offer antioxidants. This chili is a hearty and balanced meal that can contribute to a healthy diet.
Wendy’s Chili
This classic Wendy’s Chili is the perfect comfort food for any time of the year, bursting with savory flavors and packed with nutrients.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef use 80% lean
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz can
- 1 can kidney beans 15 oz can, drained
- 1 can pinto beans 15 oz can, drained
- 2 cup water
- 1 tbsp chili powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Drain the excess fat and add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, water, and chili powder.
- Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 60 minutes.
Notes
Optionally, garnish with shredded cheese and chopped onions for added flavor.
