Copycat Wendy's Chili

5.0

(4)

2 Reviews

This copycat Wendy's chili is a lighter yet hearty take on the original version. Lean ground beef is a healthy swap that helps keep saturated fat in check, while plenty of beans help thicken the chili and add a boost of fiber. While the original Wendy's chili isn't spicy, you can add heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh hot green chiles, such as jalapeños or serranos, as garnish.

Liz Mervosh

Updated on September 18, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

a recipe photo of the Copycat Wendy's Chili — Photo: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Active Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Soy-Free High-Fiber High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 medium stalks celery, chopped
1 ½ pounds 90%-lean ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ cups unsalted chicken broth
2 (8 ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added dark kidney beans, rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added pink or pinto beans, rinsed
1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt (optional)

Directions

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, 10 to 12 minutes.
Add ground beef; cook, stirring often, until the beef is crumbled and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and well combined, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pink (or pinto) beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 15 minutes.
Divide among 6 bowls. Top each with a dollop of yogurt, if desired.

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, August 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

432	Calories
17g	Fat
36g	Carbs
36g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 2/3 cups
Calories 432
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 36g	13%
Dietary Fiber 13g	46%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 36g	72%
Total Fat 17g	22%
Saturated Fat 6g	30%
Cholesterol 78mg	26%
Vitamin A 1543IU	31%
Vitamin C 39mg	43%
Vitamin D 3IU	1%
Vitamin E 3mg	22%
Folate 35mcg	9%
Vitamin K 14mcg	12%
Sodium 474mg	21%
Calcium 168mg	13%
Iron 6mg	33%
Magnesium 95mg	23%
Potassium 1399mg	30%
Zinc 7mg	64%
Vitamin B12 3mcg	125%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Copycat Wendy's Chili

Ingredients

Directions

To make ahead

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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