Wendy’s Copycat Chili

The Legendary Fast-Food Chili You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

If you’ve ever pulled into a Wendy’s drive-thru on a chilly day, chances are you’ve ordered their iconic chili — hearty, comforting, and surprisingly loaded with flavor. Now, you can recreate that same delicious experience right in your own kitchen with this spot-on copycat recipe.

Loaded with beef, beans, veggies, and the perfect blend of spices, this is the kind of chili that brings people together. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this chili delivers — every single time. Best of all, it’s made with pantry staples, comes together easily, and gets even better the next day.

 Ingredients

This recipe makes a big batch — about 10–12 servings — perfect for leftovers or freezing!

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (use 80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 quart tomato juice (yes, tomato juice — it gives that signature Wendy’s base!)
• 1 (29-ounce) can tomato purée
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained

Vegetables:

• 1 medium-large onion, chopped (about 1½ cups)
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced green bell pepper

Spices & Seasonings:

• ¼ cup chili powder (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (or more if you love that earthy depth)
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sugar (for balance)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but it adds that subtle kick)

 Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 to 1½ hours on stovetop OR 3–4 hours on low in a slow cooker
• Total Time: About 1½ hours
• Yields: 10–12 servings

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off the excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brown the beef until some of the edges start to caramelize. It adds a subtle “meaty” depth.

2. Add Everything to the Pot

In a large 6-quart stockpot (or slow cooker), combine the browned beef with:

• 1 quart tomato juice
• 1 can tomato purée
• Drained red kidney and pinto beans
• Chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper
• All the seasonings and spices

Give it a good stir to mix everything together.

This is the point where the smell starts making your kitchen feel like a warm hug.

3. Simmer the Magic

Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over low to medium-low heat. Let it cook for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes so the flavors blend and the chili doesn’t stick.

Alternatively, you can cook this in a slow cooker on low for 3 to 4 hours — great if you want to “set it and forget it.”

As it simmers, the tomato juice thickens into a velvety base, and the spices mellow into that signature Wendy’s flavor.

4. Taste & Adjust

Right before serving, taste your chili. Need more heat? Add a pinch more cayenne. Want it smokier? A dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder works wonders.

 Serving Ideas

This chili is amazing on its own, but here are a few fun serving options:

• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions
• Spoon over baked potatoes or hot dogs
• Serve with cornbread or saltine crackers
• Or just eat straight from the pot with a big ol’ spoon (no judgment here)

 Leftovers & Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Simmer on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between

 Customize It!

• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce
• Make it vegetarian: Swap beef for plant-based ground meat and use veggie broth instead of tomato juice
• Add veggies: Diced carrots, corn, or zucchini work great

 Final Thoughts

This Wendy’s-style chili is a comforting, cozy, classic for good reason. It’s the kind of dish that brings you back to simpler times — full bowls, warm hearts, and the satisfying joy of homemade comfort food. And best of all? You can tweak it to make it yours.