Wendy’s Copycat Chili

Chili is one of my favorite foods to order at Wendy’s. So many people love their chili and would love to make it at their own homes. Now, they can! This copycat recipe is identical to the chili sold at the restaurant. I just can’t get enough of it. I make this during cool fall evenings and even during the summertime. It’s a dish that’s fantastic year-round. And, best of all, it requires ingredients you’re likely already familiar with in the kitchen. If you’ve been searching for an easy Wendys copycat chili for beginners, this recipe is just right for you.

This best Wendys copycat chili recipe is warm and satisfying. It’s both hearty and delicious. The aroma of chili cooking in your kitchen is likely to send taste buds into overdrive.

Chili is a dish that is loved everywhere, and many regions have their own recipe. But I want you to know that you will not find a better recipe than this. The flavor, the ease, and the simple ingredients make for a perfect family friendly Wendys copycat chili. Your family will definitely ask you to make this again and again, guaranteed!

This is a budget-friendly dish that goes a long way.

Let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you! I love hearing from my readers!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with ground beef – It’s scrumptious, hearty, and filling.
Loaded with veggies – This is the perfect healthy Wendys copycat chili recipe that’s nutritious and sure to impress.
Variety of beans used
Flavorful – The flavors of this chili are amazing and will leave you wanting more.
Copycat Wendy’s recipe — It’s absolutely similar to Wendy’s! You can also make this simple Wendys copycat chili meal even if you’re newer in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

Ground beef
Bell pepper
Onion
Celery
Jalapeno deseeded
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Pinto beans not drained
Kidney beans not drained
Chili powder
Cumin
Oregano
Minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground beef: Swap the ground beef for lean beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. This recipe is very versatile. Keep in mind that the chili will likely take on an entirely different flavor if you opt for ground chicken.

Onion: If you have household members who aren’t a fan of onions, even in soups and chilis, swap it for onion powder.

Minced garlic: Feel free to use garlic paste or garlic powder in place of freshly minced garlic if you don’t have any available at the time of preparing this chili.

Pinto and kidney beans: Feel free to use the type of beans to suit you best when preparing this Wendy’s chili. If you’re out of pinto beans, double up on kidney beans (or vice versa). Add beans as you prefer and based on what your family is familiar with in your own homemade chili.

Jalapeno: If you do not have a fresh jalapeno in your kitchen, you can choose to add a bit of spice to this chili using a spicy seasoning mix or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.

How to Make It

Step 1. Brown the meat in a large pot over medium-high heat on the stove. Continue to cook until the meat is completely done. Browning the meat adds immense flavor to any dish, especially when cooking a chili, where the beef is the main ingredient.