Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe: A Hearty Homemade Classic

Just Like Wendy’s Chili: A Copycat wendys Favorite

wendys fans rejoice: this homemade chili nails the savory, robust flavors you crave from your favorite fast food chili. Simmering in about an hour, our hearty American-style chili is packed with lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices. Plus, it freezes beautifully for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.

Category: Dinner | Cuisine: American | Servings: 10 servings | Prep Time: 15 m | Total Time: 1 h 35 m

Ingredients for an Authentic wendys Copycat Chili

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth

Simple Instructions to Simmer Your wendys Copycat Chili

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add ground beef, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until evenly browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon.
2. Add diced onions, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their aroma.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
5. Gently fold in drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
6. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover partially and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For a thicker chili, remove the lid in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, a dash of cayenne for heat, or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy a true copycat chilli recipe that’s better than fast food.
9. Cool any leftovers completely before transferring to airtight containers. Freeze up to 3 months for quick dinners ahead.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

Serving Suggestions & Tips

• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creamy tang.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or diced jalapeños for a fresh kick.
• Serve with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a baked potato for a hearty meal.
• Pro Tip: Let chili rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors even more.

Plus, this freezer-friendly chili is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or busy weeknights, making it a go-to dinner solution that rivals the fast food original.

Serve up a steaming bowl and savor the taste that stands toe-to-toe with wendys.