Make this Wendy's copycat chili recipe at home in less than an hour. Easy and delicious with just the right amount of heat. Most of us know Wendy’s for their fast-food burgers and fries. However, there is another side to the restaurant, their chili recipe.
2.5OuncesChili Seasoning Mix 2 Packages McCormick Milk Chili Seasoning Mix
14OuncesKidney Beans 1 Can undrained
14OuncesPinto Beans 1 Can undrained
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1TablespoonWhite Vinegar
Instructions
Add olive oil to a large pot and brown the ground beef on medium-high heat on the stove top until the meat is cooked through. Approximately 5 minutes.
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 Pounds Ground Beef
Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the ground beef mixture and cook until the onions are translucent.
2 Stalks Celery, 1 Medium Onion, 1 Medium Green Bell Pepper
Pour in the stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, water, chili seasoning mix, salt and black pepper, kidney beans, white vinegar, and pinto beans. Stir to combine and break up any chunks of the stewed tomatoes.
14 Ounces Stewed Tomatoes, 10 Ounces Tomatoes with Green Chiles, 14 Ounces Tomato Sauce, 1 Cup Water, 2.5 Ounces Chili Seasoning Mix, 14 Ounces Kidney Beans, 14 Ounces Pinto Beans, Salt, Black Pepper, 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
If you would like a bit more heat, add hot sauce or ground cayenne pepper.
Simmer 45 minutes. Add the vinegar into the chili mixture.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and transfer to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. When it is hot and bubbly, it is ready to serve with your favorite toppings.
Time Saving Tip:
If you want to save a bit of cooking time, when browning the beef, add the diced onion, celery and green bell pepper to the mixture and cook until the onions are translucent. That way, the chili mixture just has to heat up in the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing this Chili
Make a double batch and freeze this chili in smaller airtight containers. It is a perfect recipe to make ahead, and meal prep. Keep this in the freezer for up to 6 months. It also stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just take out of the freezer, thaw, and reheat. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a quick and hearty bowl of the best chili.