Are you in the mood for a warm and delicious meal? Look no further than this Wendy’s-inspired chili recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
  • 1 can (16 ounces) pinto beans, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the cooked beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onions and peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Main Ingredients

To the pot, add diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans with their liquid, pinto beans with their liquid, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine.

4. Season the Chili

Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.

5. Simmer

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld.

6. Adjust Seasonings

Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings, especially cayenne pepper, to your preference for spiciness.

7. Serve

Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, or your favorite chili toppings.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 77mg
  • Sodium: 1173mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 30g

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Serves: 6

Enjoy this Wendy’s-inspired chili, a hearty and comforting meal perfect for those cozy evenings at home!