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Copycat Wendy’s Chili

Copycat Wendy's Chili
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This Copycat Wendy’s Chili recipe recreates the rich, hearty, and comforting flavors of the famous fast-food chili using simple ingredients. Perfect for chilly days or a satisfying homemade meal, it blends lean ground beef, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and a balanced spice mix to deliver a filling and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and sauté vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add spices and mix well: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat and veggies, allowing the spices to bloom for about one minute to deepen their aroma.
  3. Incorporate liquids and beans: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and water or broth. Add the kidney beans, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer to develop flavor: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. This slow cooking melds the ingredients and thickens the chili, resulting in a perfect hearty texture.
  5. Final taste and adjustments: Taste your chili and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, black pepper, or chili powder to your preference. Stir well before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease and keep the chili balanced.
  • Simmer low and slow to enhance flavor blending and thicken chili naturally.
  • Drain fat after browning beef to ensure a less oily chili.
  • Adding spices after sautéing meat and veggies maximizes aroma and depth.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.

Nutrition

Keywords: Wendy's chili copycat, homemade chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, fast-food style chili

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/copycat-wendys-chili/