Chili Like Wendy'S
A hearty, flavorful chili with robust spices and tender beans, perfect for comforting gatherings and chili lovers seeking a savory, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) pinto beans ⓘ
- 1/2 can chili peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a heavy pot; drain off excess fat. Crumble into small pieces.
- In a large pot, combine kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, diced celery, chili peppers, cumin powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and water.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat.
- Cook, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes, for 2 to 3 hours to develop flavor.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with diced garlic and bell peppers. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the heat by using more or fewer chili peppers, or add hot sauce for an extra kick. This chili can also be enhanced with a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or a side of Zucchini Goulash to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers and consume within 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Like Wendy'S contains roughly 1880 calories, with 105g protein, 310g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (417% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (209% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any beans you have on hand, such as black beans or garbanzo beans, to customize the texture and flavor of your chili. Just ensure they are canned beans, as dried beans require different cooking times.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili peppers or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also stir in some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes! This chili benefits from being made a day ahead, as the flavors develop further overnight. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a cozy dish for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).