Time Required:
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 1 hour
– Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
**Introduction**
Warm a bowl full of Wendy’s Chili and treat yourself to a comforting, piquant meal! Brimming with hearty beef, kidney beans, and pinto beans, this recipe promises a flavor explosion with each bite. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night indoors.
**Why make this recipe?**
Making Wendy’s Chili at home enables you to control the ingredients and spice levels according to your preference. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
**How to make Wendy’s Chili:**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs ground beef
– 1 can (29 oz) kidney beans, drained
– 1 can (29 oz) pinto beans, drained
– 2 cups diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 cup onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup celery, chopped
– 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 cups water
**Directions:**
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat.
2. Add onions, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, pinto beans, and water.
4. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5. Allow the mixture to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Adjust seasoning as per taste before serving.
**How to serve Wendy’s Chili**
Serve Wendy’s Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, a dab of sour cream, or chopped green onions. Complement it with a buttered toast for a wholesome meal.
**How to store Wendy’s Chili**
To store Wendy’s Chili, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.
**Tips to make Wendy’s Chili**
– Draining the beef fat keeps the chili from being too greasy.
– Adjust the spice levels as per your preference.
– The chili thickens over time, so adding enough water initially is important.
**Variations (if any)**
A vegetarian version of Wendy’s Chili can be made by replacing the ground beef with soy granules or a mix of chunky vegetables of your choice.
**FAQs**
**Q1.** Can I use a different type of beans in the chili?
*Yes, you can use black beans as an alternative or in addition to kidney and pinto beans.*
**Q2.** How can I make the chili spicier?
*Add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno to make the chili spicier.*
**Q3.** Can I freeze the chili for later use?
*Yes, Wendy’s Chili can be frozen in an airtight container and preserved for up to 3 months.*