Ann S Close To Wendy S Style Chili Recipe Recipe

Craving that iconic Wendy's chili flavor? This recipe is the culmination of countless experiments, designed to bring you a taste incredibly close to the real deal. I've poured over countless online recipes and tweaked this one to perfection. Get ready for a rich, savory chili that's perfect for a chilly evening. Share your thoughts and improvements – let's make it even better!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 130 mins
Calories 634.7 kcal
Protein 97g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Ann S Close To Wendy S Style Chili Recipe

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Ann S Close To Wendy S Style Chili Recipe

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Dark Red Kidney Beans
  • Chili Beans
  • Tomatoes And Green Chilies
  • Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped onions and green bell peppers
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Cumin
  • Chili Powder
  • Bay Leaf
  • Sugar

How to Make Ann S Close To Wendy S Style Chili Recipe

  1. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  3. Add 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped onions and green bell peppers. Stir well.
  4. Add 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
  5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

46 g

Sugar

5g

Fat

26g

Carbs

27g