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Wendy's Chili Recipe

Wendy's Chili Recipe

Pinklady
Wendy's introduced its chili in 1969, the same year the restaurant chain was founded by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. The recipe has remained largely unchanged, becoming a staple on Wendy's menu. Known for its rich flavor and chunky texture, Wendy's Chili has stood the test of time, offering customers a delicious and comforting option that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 5

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Ground Beef:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into crumbles. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:
    Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add Garlic and Spices:
    Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, sugar, and oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
  • Combine with Tomatoes and Beans:
    Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Then, add the kidney beans, pinto beans, and water. Mix everything together thoroughly.
  • Simmer the Chili:
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the chili simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Add the Final Touch:
    Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.

Video

Keyword Wendy's Chili Recipe