Copycat Wendy’s Chili With Beans Recipe

Nothing in life is more comforting than a steaming bowl of chili, especially when it brings back memories of your favorite fast-food joint. The craving is real for those who have reveled in the hearty and flavorful goodness of Wendy’s Chili With Beans. But what if I told you that you don’t have to head to the nearest drive-thru to enjoy it?

How to Make Wendy’s Chili with Beans

Wendy’s Chili With Beans is a popular menu item from the fast food chain Wendy’s.

Ingredients

To achieve the authentic Wendy’s Chili With Beans flavor, you’ll need the following:

Essentials:

• Ground beef (1-1½ lbs): Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Tomato sauce (28 oz can): For that rich, tangy base.
• Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Adds texture and freshness.
• Pinto beans (1 can, 15 oz): Drained and rinsed for the classic bean element.
• Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz): These hearty beans pair perfectly in chili.

Vegetables:

• Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds depth of flavor.
• Green bell pepper (½, diced): For a subtle sweetness.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Complements the chili’s texture.

Spices & Seasonings:

• Chili powder (2-3 tbsp): Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Cumin (1 tbsp): For that earthy, smoky flavor.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds richness.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances overall flavor.
• Black pepper (½ tsp): A touch of heat.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions or jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Drain excess fat but leave a little for flavor.

Step 2: Add diced onions, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir to combine well.

Step 4: Mix in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the chili to simmer for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer it a bit spicier, add more chili powder or black pepper.

Step 7: Ladle the chili into bowls, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, and enjoy a homemade version of Wendy’s classic!

Tips for Perfect Chili

• Let It Simmer: The longer you let your chili simmer, the richer and more developed the flavors will become. If you have time, aim for 2 hours.
• Customize the Spice Level: Wendy’s chili balances flavor and mild heat. If you prefer a spicier version, consider using cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: While canned beans and tomatoes are convenient, using fresh vegetables can elevate the flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for Later: This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers, and you’ll have a ready-made meal for busy nights.
• Serve with Sides: For a hearty twist, pair your chili with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or even overcooked rice.

What to serve with

Wendy’s Chili With Beans is a warm and hearty dish with versatile sides and accompaniments.

1. Bread-Based Sides

Pairing chili with warm bread adds texture and ensures you can scoop or dip into the chili for maximum enjoyment.

a) Cornbread

• Cornbread is a tried-and-true companion to chili. Its mildly sweet flavor and crumbly texture perfectly complement the spicy, savory chili.
• Serve classic Southern-style cornbread or try honey-butter cornbread for added sweetness.
• Option: Jalapeño or cheddar cornbread for a spicy cheesy kick.

b) Crackers

• Saltine crackers are the classic Wendy’s accompaniment. They offer a crispy, salty crunch that contrasts well with the chili’s hearty texture.
• Crumble them over the Wendy’s Chili With Beans or use them as a scoop.

c) Garlic Bread

• Warm slices of crusty garlic bread make a delicious side dish, soaking up the Wendy’s Chili With Beans flavorful juices.

d) Bread Rolls

• Soft dinner rolls, ciabatta, or sourdough bread are great for sopping up the Wendy’s Chili With Beans without overwhelming its flavors.

2. Rice and Grains

Wendy’s Chili With Beans served over rice or grains is an excellent option for a more filling and complete meal.

a) White Rice

• Fluffy white rice helps tone down the chili’s spice and creates a balanced bite—scoop chili over a bed of rice for a hearty combo.

b) Brown Rice or Quinoa

• Pair chili with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier spin. These add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients.

c) Mexican-Style Rice

• Spiced or tomato-flavored rice complements the chili beautifully for those looking for a Tex-Mex vibe.

3. Chips, Nachos, and Fries

Chili pairs wonderfully with crunchy chips or potato-based sides, especially if you want a fun and casual meal.

a) Tortilla Chips

Serve chili alongside tortilla chips—or use them to create loaded nachos by layering chips, chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.

b) French Fries

Pour chili over crispy French fries for a bold take on chili cheese fries. Top with shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream.

c) Potato Wedges

Crispy potato wedges provide a sturdy base for dipping or topping with chili.

4. Dairy-Based Toppings

Cool, creamy toppings balance the chili’s bold flavor while giving the dish extra richness.

a) Shredded Cheese

Sprinkle cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend over the chili. The cheese melts over the warm dish, adding gooey goodness.

b) Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy, cooling element.

c) Cream Cheese or Queso

For a decadent option, stir cream cheese into the chili or drizzle queso over it.

5. Healthy and Fresh Options

Balancing the chili with light, fresh sides adds freshness and texture to the meal.

a) Salad

A crisp green salad with ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and ranch or vinaigrette dressing works well.

Tip: For a Tex-Mex touch, add a Southwest-style salad with avocado, corn, black beans, and crispy tortilla strips.

b) Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw complements the chili by offering a crunchy, cool side.

c) Sliced Vegetables

Serve a platter of fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers to dip into or eat alongside chili.

d) Guacamole

Guacamole adds richness and a creamy cooling balance to the chili.

6. Sweet Treats

A subtle dessert or sweet complement can round out a chili night perfectly.

a) Sweet Corn Muffins

Add sweetness without overpowering the chili by serving sweet corn muffins as a side.

b) Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad with apples, citrus, grapes, or watermelon can lighten up the meal.

7. Beverages

Pairing the chili with the right drink can elevate the whole experience.

a) Iced Tea

Sweet or unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing accompaniment to the chili’s bold flavors.

b) Beer

A cold, crisp beer—like a lager or IPA—pairs beautifully with chili for an adult-friendly option.

c) Lemonade

Homemade lemonade offers a refreshing, citrusy drink to balance the chili’s spices.

d) Soft Drinks

Coca-Cola or root beer complements the richness and savory profile of chili.

Ingredients Substitutes

Wendy’s Chili with Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be recreated using commonly available ingredients at home. However, sometimes certain ingredients may not be available, or you may want to alter the recipe to suit dietary preferences.

1. Ground Beef

Original Ingredient: Wendy’s uses ground beef to provide a rich and meaty base for the chili.

Substitutes:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner chili option.
• Plant-Based Ground “Meat”: A great alternative for vegetarians or vegans (e.g., Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat).
• Lentils or Mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils mimic a meaty texture for vegetarian/vegan chili.
• Ground Pork: Adds a unique flavor but is heavier than beef.
• Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP): Rehydrates easily and adds a chewy texture similar to ground meat.

2. Beans (Red Kidney Beans and Pinto Beans)

Original Ingredient: Wendy’s chili typically includes a mix of kidney beans and pinto beans.

Substitutes:

• Black Beans: Black beans provide a similar texture and can replace kidney or pinto beans.
• Navy Beans or Cannellini Beans: A softer, creamier substitute for kidney or pinto beans.
• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): A different flavor but works well in chili recipes.
• Edamame or Peas: A non-traditional but protein-packed bean alternative.
• No Beans: If you prefer a “Texas-style” no-bean chili, simply omit beans altogether.

3. Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste

Original Ingredient: Wendy’s chili uses canned tomato products for flavor and consistency.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Tomatoes: Cook and puree fresh tomatoes as a replacement for canned ones.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Alternative for diced tomatoes, providing a smoother texture.
• Salsa: Adds a zesty flavor, but may change the chili profile slightly.
• Pumpkin Puree or Butternut Squash: This is for a unique, slightly sweet flavor and thick consistency.
• Ketchup + Water: Mixed together, this can substitute tomato sauce or paste in a pinch (adjust sweetness accordingly).

4. Chili Powder and Spices

Original Ingredient: Chili powder is the key spice blend in Wendy’s chili, often accompanied by cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

Substitutes:

• Homemade Chili Seasoning: Blend equal parts paprika, ground cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
• Taco Seasoning: Contains similar spices and works well as a substitute.
• Adobo or Cajun Seasoning: Adds depth and spice, though the flavor profile will change.
• Smoked Paprika + Chipotle Powder: For a smoky and spicy chili.

5. Green Bell Pepper

Original Ingredient: Adds mild sweetness and crunch to the chili.

Substitutes:

• Red, Yellow, or Orange Bell Peppers: Softer, sweeter flavor compared to green peppers.
• Jalapeños or Serrano Peppers: If you prefer a spicier chili.
• Zucchini or Celery: Alternative veggies that add volume and texture.
• Frozen Peppers: Perfect if fresh peppers aren’t available.

6. Onion

Original Ingredient: Adds aromatics and depth of flavor to the chili.

Substitutes:

• Shallots: Milder and slightly sweeter than onions.
• Leeks: Provide a similar onion flavor with a softer texture.
• Onion Powder: Use about 1 teaspoon per medium onion as a dry substitute.
• Green Onions or Scallions: Great for topping or cooking into the chili.

7. Celery

Original Ingredient: Adds crunch and a subtle bitterness.

Substitutes:

• Carrots: Provide sweetness and a similar crunch when cooked.
• Zucchini: For a versatile vegetable substitute.
• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage can work for color and texture.
• Spinach or Kale: Greens add nutrition, though the flavor will differ.

8. Worcestershire Sauce

Original Ingredient: Adds a tangy, complex umami flavor.

Substitutes:

• Soy Sauce (+ a Splash of Vinegar): Mimics the salty and tangy flavor.
• Miso Paste: For umami richness in vegan recipes.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a slightly sweet acidity.
• Liquid Aminos: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
• Tamari Sauce: A richer soy sauce alternative for gluten-free recipes.

9. Beef Broth

Original Ingredient: Used to provide depth and enhance the beef flavor.

Substitutes:

• Vegetable Broth: Ideal for vegetarian/vegan options.
• Chicken Broth: Lighter flavor but still works well.
• Water + Bouillon Cubes: Creates a flavorful broth similar to beef.
• Mushroom or Vegan “Beef” Broth: Adds earthy richness.

10. Sugar

Original Ingredient: Used in small quantities to balance the acidity of tomatoes.

Substitutes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that can be used in moderation.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a molasses-like flavor.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Zero-calorie sugar alternatives.
• Applesauce: Introduces sweetness without added sugar.

11. Salt and Black Pepper

Original Ingredient: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Substitutes:

• Kosher Salt or Sea Salt: Alternative salts for cooking.
• White Pepper: A slightly milder and less pungent pepper.
• Herbed Salt Blends: Add a unique flavor twist while seasoning.
• Low-Sodium Salt: For those watching sodium intake.

Final Thoughts

Wendy’s Chili With Beans is versatile enough to pair with various sides. From comforting breads to refreshing salads and hearty rice, there’s a pairing for everyone’s taste.

More Wendy’s Recipes:

• Copycat Wendy’s Brownie Batter Frosty Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Cajun Crunch Chicken Recipe