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Wendy’s Inspired Chili

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Wendy’s Inspired Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a crisp fall day. This recipe captures the essence of Wendy’s famous chili, allowing you to enjoy this comforting classic in the comfort of your own home. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (29 oz.) can kidney beans (with liquid)
  • 1 (29 oz.) can pinto beans (with liquid)
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced green chili
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Beef:
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off the excess fat.
  1. Transfer to Pot:
  • Transfer the browned beef into a large pot.
  1. Combine Ingredients:
  • Add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, onion, green chili, celery, and tomatoes.
  1. Season the Chili:
  • Season with cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
  1. Add Water and Simmer:
  • Pour in 2 cups of water and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  1. Adjust Seasoning:
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
  1. Serve with Toppings:
  • Enjoy with your choice of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Tips:

  • Customize Toppings: Enhance your chili experience by adding your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of diced jalapeños.
  • Make Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making it ahead of time and reheating for an even more robust taste.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Wendy’s Inspired Chili is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the warmth of fall right to your table. With its hearty combination of ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and share with family and friends. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this homemade Wendy’s chili is sure to become a fall favorite. So, savor the rich flavors and cozy up to a bowl of this delicious chili whenever you crave a taste of comfort.

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Wendy’s Inspired Chili

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This hearty chili is inspired by Wendy’s iconic recipe. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a medley of spices, it’s perfect for a cozy meal or game day feast.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chili:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 3 celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans (drained and rinsed)

Spices:

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

 

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef:

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and return the beef to the pot.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

  3. Add the Tomatoes and Liquid:

    • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to combine.

  4. Incorporate the Beans and Spices:

    • Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.

  5. Simmer the Chili:

    • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, let it simmer for 1-2 hours.

  6. Adjust and Serve:

    • Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • To thicken the chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
  • For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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