A rich tomato-based chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and a signature blend of spices. This version captures the comforting, slightly tangy flavor you’d expect from a bowl of Wendy’s chili.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🔹 Protein
- 500g ground beef
🔹 Beans
- 1 can kidney beans (drained)
- 1 can pinto beans (drained)
🔹 Base
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 Tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
🔹 Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
🔹 Liquid
- 1–2 cups beef broth or water
🍳 Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Brown ground beef over medium heat
- Break into small crumbles
- Drain excess fat
🔸 Step 2: Sauté Veggies
- Add onion, bell pepper, celery
- Cook 5–7 minutes until softened
- Stir in garlic
🔸 Step 3: Build the Chili
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste
- Stir in beans
🔸 Step 4: Season
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar
🔸 Step 5: Simmer
- Add broth to desired thickness
- Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes
- Stir occasionally
👉 Flavor deepens the longer it cooks
🔸 Step 6: Taste & Adjust
- Adjust salt, spice, or thickness
🔸 Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot with toppings
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Top with shredded cheese 🧀
- Add sour cream
- Serve with crackers or cornbread
- Great over baked potatoes
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Let it simmer longer for better flavor
✔ Slight sweetness is key to the signature taste
✔ Use both kidney & pinto beans
✔ Break beef finely for authentic texture
🔄 Variations
🌶️ Spicier Version
Add cayenne or hot sauce
🥩 Meatier
Add more beef
🥬 Veggie Version
Skip meat, add more beans
🍗 Turkey Chili
Use ground turkey
❓ FAQs
Can I make it in slow cooker?
Yes—cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freezes very well up to 3 months.
Why does it taste better next day?
Flavors continue to develop overnight.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300–350
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~12g