Here’s a homemade version of Wendy’s Chili — hearty, slightly sweet, savory, and very close to the fast-food classic. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal, and you can make it in about an hour.

🌶️ Wendy’s-Style Chili Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
• ½ cup chopped celery (optional but authentic)
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2–3 cups beef broth (adjust for desired thickness)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• Optional: dash of hot sauce for extra kick

Instructions

1. Cook the beef

• In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
• Drain excess fat.

2. Add vegetables

• Add onion, celery, and bell pepper.
• Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Add tomatoes and beans

• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans.

4. Season and simmer

• Add beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Stir to combine.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add extra broth if chili is too thick.

5. Adjust

• Taste and adjust seasonings.
• If you like a little sweetness, add a tiny pinch more sugar.
• For spicier chili, add hot sauce or cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Oyster crackers or cornbread
• Chopped onions
• Optional sour cream or chopped jalapeños

Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day.
• Slow cooker version: Brown beef + veggies, then dump everything into a slow cooker and cook on low 6–7 hours.
• Thicker chili: Mash some beans against the side of the pot.
• Smokier flavor: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.

If you want, I can also give a super-close copycat version using only pantry ingredients that tastes just like Wendy’s, including the slightly sweet signature sauce flavor.

Do you want me to do that?