If you love the rich, hearty taste of Wendy’s famous chili, you’re in for a treat. This homemade version of the restaurant favorite is easy to whip up and delivers that same savory flavor you know and love. With a blend of beans, ground chuck, tomatoes, and chili seasoning, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to batch-cook for the week. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it anytime!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 5 (7-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can ranch style beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans
- 1 (12-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes
- 1 (1 1/4-ounce) package McCormick mild chili seasoning
- 3 lbs ground chuck
Directions:
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground chuck over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Chili Base: In a large pot, add all the canned ingredients, including the juices from the cans. Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper.
- Combine and Cook: Add the browned ground chuck to the pot. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat until the onion and bell pepper are tender.
- Simmer: Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend and develop.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has cooked to your desired consistency, serve it up hot. This chili is delicious on its own or topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
Pro Tip:
This recipe freezes exceptionally well! Portion out any leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for later. Simply thaw and reheat whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.
With this simple recipe, you can recreate the comforting, delicious chili that Wendy’s is known for, right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or freezing it for meal prep, this chili is sure to be a hit.
