Wendy’s Chili Copycat in the Slow Cooker

Looking for the perfect homemade chili recipe? Try this Wendy’s Chili Copycat made in the slow cooker for an easy, flavorful, and hearty meal. This slow cooker chili recipe combines ground beef, kidney beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, and a delicious blend of chili seasonings to create a savory dish that rivals the famous Wendy’s chili. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a game day, or just craving a comforting dinner, this easy-to-make chili is sure to satisfy. With its rich flavor, tender beef, and the convenience of the slow cooker, it’s the perfect addition to your chili recipe collection. Serve it with sour cream, cheese, or a side of rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Wendy’s famous chili right at home with this easy slow cooker recipe. Packed with hearty ground beef, kidney beans, pinto beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, this copycat version is perfect for any chili lover. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so it’s practically hands-off! This chili is a delicious blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it an ideal meal for family dinners, game day, or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (29 oz) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (29 oz) can pinto beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef: In a large pan on the stovetop, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add the ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the slow cooker. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and sugar.
3. Cook the chili: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Serve: Once the chili is ready, serve with sour cream, chopped chilies, or a side of fluffy rice. Enjoy your homemade Wendy’s chili!

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Tips:

• Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps enhance the flavor and create a richer chili.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chili powder or omit the green chilies.
• Add extra veggies like carrots or corn for a different twist on this classic chili recipe.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans for a meatless chili.
• Spicy chili: For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Different beans: You can substitute kidney beans or pinto beans with black beans, white beans, or your favorite type.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time? A: Yes, this chili can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Q: Can I freeze Wendy’s chili? A: Absolutely! Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work in this recipe, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Wendy’s chili with:

• Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños, diced onions, or crackers.
• Sides: Cornbread, cornbread muffins, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the chili.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This slow cooker Wendy’s chili copycat recipe brings the bold flavors of the iconic restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With a combination of tender beef, savory beans, and aromatic spices, this chili is a hearty, flavorful meal everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s super versatile and can be tailored to your preferred spice level or dietary preferences. It’s a must-try for any chili lover!