Skip the Drive-Thru! This Copycat Wendy’s Chili Hits the Spot
Try our Wendy’s copycat chili recipe!
Love Wendy’s famous chili? If the answer is yes, then you’re sure to love our knock-off version as well… maybe even better! Whether on a potato, in a taco salad, or à la carte with a side of saltines, this dinner recipe idea whips up in a pinch!
What I learned about Wendy’s chili (and didn’t really want to know):
My first attempt at recreating Wendy’s chili was for our sister site, Hip2Keto, which led to an interesting discovery… The trademark flavor allegedly comes from leftover, cooked, hamburger patties. 😲
Unused patties are refrigerated, then boiled and chopped into the chili. Wendy’s claims this process follows safety guidelines and helps reduce food waste.
That said, my family prefers the Hip2Save Wendy’s copycat chili WAY more than the real thing!
While there’s really no easy way of mimicking the flavor of old, greasy burger patties, this Wendy’s copycat chili hones in on the flavors we love so much about the original. It’s wonderful the night I make it and even better the next day. Leftovers are fabulous on a hot dog, smothered over nachos, or when I’m feeling healthy, poured over a steamy baked potato. 🥔
Hip Tip: If you like a kick to your chili, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice list or try a splash per individual serving of your favorite hot sauce!
Wendy's Copycat Chili Recipe
yield: 8 SERVINGS
prep time: 15 MINUTES
cook time: 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES
total time: 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES
The closest thing to Wendy's chili, made from scratch at home!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (I use 85/15)
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 (15 oz) can light red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes in puree
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups tomato juice (1 quart)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
1
In a large pot, brown the ground beef until just done. Drain the fat leaving about a tablespoon or two.
2
To the pot with beef, add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for another five minutes.
3
Now add all the remaining ingredients including the spices and Worcestershire sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4
Uncover and remove from heat for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced onions. Enjoy!
Our homemade Wendy’s copycat chili recipe makes a happy belly!
Your whole family is sure to love this knock-off Wendy’s chili. It’s mild enough for the kiddos and versatile enough to use the leftovers as a meal starter the following day. Try it over elbow macaroni topped with shredded cheddar for a quick chili mac — Yummm!
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