Description
Make Wendy’s famous chili at home with this easy copycat recipe! Packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices, this homemade chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food with this budget-friendly and delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh ground beef
- 1 quart tomato juice
- 1 (29 oz) can tomato purée
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 medium-large onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart pot.
- Add tomato juice, tomato purée, drained beans, onion, celery, and bell pepper.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 3 to 4 hours.
- Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
Notes
- Spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Thicker Chili: Reduce tomato juice or simmer longer.
- Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1 ½ hours (or 3 to 4 hours in a slow cooker)
- Category: Dinner, Soup, Stew
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
