Easy Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe With Beans

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Craving the hearty, comforting flavors of Wendy’s classic chili but prefer to enjoy it at home? This easy copycat recipe allows you to recreate that beloved dish in your own kitchen, offering a satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and rich in taste.

Wendy’s has been serving its rich and meaty chili since 1969. The gluten-free menu item is delicious as a side dish, a main dish, on top of a potato, or as part of the Wendy’s Taco Salad.

This homemade version of Wendy’s chili captures the essence of the original, offering a rich and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of tender ground beef, flavorful beans, and a perfectly balanced spice blend makes it a comforting choice for any occasion. Plus, its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

If you are very observant, you will notice in the picture above that there are three cans of tri-colored beans. Why? Wendy’s Chili is made with different types of beans. According to Wendy’s website, “Prepared Pink Beans and/or Prepared Pinto Beans, Prepared Red Kidney Beans” are listed as ingredients. However, I find that using canned chili beans produces better results.

How To Make This Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe

To make this hearty chili, brown ground beef and onions until the beef is no longer pink. I like to use my Instant Pot since I can both saute and slow cook with only one pot to clean.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can adapt the recipe and brown the beef and onions on the stovetop on medium heat in a large pot and then simmer the chili on the stove or finish cooking it in a slow cooker/Crockpot.

Once the beef has cooked, add the chili beans, Ro*Tel, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, and 1 cup of water. For convenience, I take the 8-ounce container of tomato sauce and use that for measuring my water. (One cup = 8 ounces.)

If you like cumin like I do, then you might want to go heavy and use 4 tablespoons (which is equal to 1/4 cup). If you aren’t sure, start with 2 tablespoons. You can do a taste test after about an hour. You can always add more cumin, but you cannot take it away once it has been added.

Stir all of the ingredients together and allow it to slow cook for 4-8 hours.

Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded Cheddar cheese and sour cream.

How To Store Leftover Chili

Storing chili is simple. Once you’ve prepared a batch, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the chili to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, ensuring there’s minimal air inside to prevent freezer burn. You can refrigerate leftover chili for up to three to four days, or if you want to enjoy it later, store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Chili Topping Ideas

Chili topping ideas are a fantastic way to elevate your chili and customize it to your taste. The beauty of chili toppings is that you can mix and match them to create your perfect bowl of chili, tailored to your cravings and preferences. Here are some creative chili toppers:

• Freshly chopped green onions or chives lend a burst of freshness. 
• Diced tomatoes or avocado chunks bring a cool, refreshing element.
• For a kick of heat, consider jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce. 
• For some crunch and texture, don’t forget crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with unique toppings like pickled red onions, crumbled bacon, or even a fried egg for that extra touch of indulgence.

What is Wendy’s chili made out of?

According to the Wendy’s website, Wendy’s chili ingreidents are:
Chili Base (Chili Sauce [Water, Tomato Paste, Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Calcium Chloride), Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spices, Flavor Enhancer (Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Modified Corn Starch), Citric Acid, Garlic Powder, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, Onion Powder, Xanthan Gum], Onions, Celery, Green Peppers), Water, Ground Beef (Beef, Salt), Chili Beans (Prepared Pink Beans and/or Prepared Pinto Beans, Prepared Red Kidney Beans), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: MILK AND SOY.

Is there MSG in Wendy’s chili?

No and yes. While monosodium glutamate is not a listed ingredient, Wendy’s uses yeast extract.

According to Healthline, “Yeast extract contains glutamates, which are forms of an amino acid that are found naturally in many foods. They’re sometimes extracted and used as additives to prepared food. This product is commonly known as monosodium glutamate (MSG). Yeast extract contains naturally occurring glutamates, but not as much as MSG.”

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I love being able to recreate recipes at home because it allows me to choose what ingredients go into it. I prefer to use organic when I can, including grass-fed beef. This recipe can be made using non-organic ingredients, if necessary.

For those who want to know, like the original, this recipe is gluten-free. However, it is not a low-carb dish.

The one thing that my recipe does not have is celery and I doubt you will even miss it. Actually, there are a few other ingredients missing in my Wendy’s Chili clone, such as Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Yeast Extract, Modified Corn Starch, Milk, and Soy. I don’t think anyone will miss those ingredients.

What goes with Chili? Cornbread, naturally. Check out these different cornbread recipes at Southern Kissed:

• Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread
• Skillet Cornbread
• Peppered Cornbread

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Ready to enjoy the comforting taste of Wendy’s chili at home? Gather your ingredients and start cooking this easy copycat recipe today! We’d love to see your culinary creations—share your photos and tag us @SouthernKissed on social media. Enjoy every hearty spoonful!