Wendy's Chili

Dollar Tree Dinners

Video Stats

Host: Dollar Tree Dinners
Published: Jul 9, 2025
Views: 34.3k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Wendy’s Chili is a beloved dish that strikes a balance between hearty and comforting. This recipe captures the essence of the original while allowing for some creative substitutions. The use of pre-cooked ground beef and frozen vegetable blends makes this dish not only convenient but also budget-friendly. The addition of various beans, including pinto and chili beans, adds texture and depth to the chili, making it a filling meal.

The process begins with sautéing the vegetables, which is crucial for developing flavor. The frozen pepper and onion blend is a great shortcut, ensuring that you can whip up this dish without extensive chopping. The homemade chili seasoning, made from common pantry spices, allows for customization based on personal taste preferences. This flexibility is one of the highlights of making chili at home.

As the chili simmers, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for serving over baked potatoes or with a side of corn chips for added crunch. The nostalgia of Wendy’s chili shines through, making it a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick meal, this chili recipe is sure to please.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:17

Gather ground beef, frozen seasoning blend, pinto beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning.

04:01

Tip: Make your own chili seasoning to use up pantry items.

2
04:24

In a bowl, combine two tablespoons of chili powder, half a tablespoon of cumin, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of onion powder, and half a teaspoon of salt.

3
04:57

Dice one stock of celery and chop frozen pepper and onion stir fry.

4
05:50

Preheat a soup pot and add a splash of oil.

5
05:57

Add diced celery and pepper and onion stir fry to the pot and sauté until excess water evaporates.

06:20

Tip: Let excess water evaporate from frozen vegetables for better control over moisture.

6
06:31

Add pre-cooked ground beef to the pot.

7
06:44

Add the prepared chili seasoning to the pot and sauté together for a few minutes.

8
07:05

Add a can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili beans, and pinto beans to the pot.

9
07:43

Add one can of water to achieve a soupy consistency.

10
08:02

Turn the heat down to low and let the chili simmer for several hours.

08:36

Tip: Cook ground beef ahead of time and freeze it for easy slow cooker recipes.

11
08:46

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed, adding extra chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt.

09:35

Tip: If your food is bland, adding salt can enhance the flavor.

12
10:01

Let the chili simmer for an additional 20 minutes to meld flavors.

10:06

Tip: Let flavors meld by simmering for a little longer after adding seasonings.

13
10:13

Serve the chili with corn chips and a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Pinto Beans1 can
Kidney Beans1 can
Diced Tomatoes1 can
Tomato Sauce1 can
Chili Seasoning2 tbsp
Celery1 stalk
Onion1
Pepper1 bag
Garlic1 tsp

Nutrition

Calories
350
kcal per serving
Protein
25
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Wendy's chili is made with leftover hamburger patties, reducing food waste.
  • Chili can be made in a slow cooker for a convenient meal option.
  • Blooming spices in oil enhances the flavor of the chili.
  • Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the flavors of chili.