Description
This hearty and flavorful Wendy’s Chili Recipe replicates the classic fast-food favorite at home, featuring a savory blend of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a robust mix of spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this chili simmers gently to develop deep, rich flavors that are sure to satisfy any chili lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
- 1 can (16 ounces) pinto beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
Liquids
- 1 cup water
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned thoroughly. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables with Beef: Transfer the browned beef to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans with liquid, pinto beans with liquid, tomato sauce, and water. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices throughout the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasonings: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Increase cayenne pepper if a spicier heat is desired.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or topped with ingredients like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Simmering the chili for at least 2 hours deepens the flavors and creates a richer taste.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness and improve texture.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the chili’s spiciness according to your preference.
- Pair the chili with toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, or cornbread for a classic meal.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes easily for future meals.
