SLOW COOKER WENDY’S COPYCAT CHILI

Slow Cooker Wendy’s Copycat Chili made with pantry ingredients and cooked easily in a crockpot! This hearty, flavorful crockpot beef chili tastes just like the real thing!

Wendy’s has the best chili! And with this copycat recipe you can make it right at home and in the slow cooker! Ground beef, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, seasonings, and beans slow cook into a delicious, thick, hearty meal perfect for a cold night. 

Prep time is drastically cut down when you use a handy vegetable chopper like this one!

Easy Crockpot Chili – A Great Weeknight Dinner!

Crockpot chili offers a convenient way to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It allows for hands-free cooking, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

This recipe uses simple ingredients that enhance flavor while providing essential nutrients. The combination of ground beef, beans, and vegetables creates a hearty dish. The slow cooking process deepens the flavors while ensuring the meat remains tender.

Easy crockpot chili is not just filling; it’s also economical, making it a great choice for families looking to enjoy a wholesome dinner without the hassle of complex cooking methods.

Why you will love this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• Hearty Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, beans, and vegetables creates a filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. All the ingredients together provide ample protein, supporting a balanced diet.
• Simple Preparation: Using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time. Just brown the beef, chop the veggies, toss in the ingredients, and let it cook!
• Versatile Flavor: The mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder delivers a depth of flavor that appeals to many palates. Each bowl can be personalized with toppings like shredded cheddar or sour cream, adding a fresh touch.

Ingredients for Copycat Wendy’s Chili

Beef: For the main protein in this dish, use 2 pounds of ground beef, browned & drained.

Onion: Add some subtle sweet flavor to this chili with 1 onion, diced.

Bell pepper: 1 green bell pepper, diced, will add great flavor without making the chili spicy.

Celery: Use 2 stalks of celery, sliced, to provide a mild, earthy taste that balances out other ingredients. 

Tomato paste: For a concentrated, savory taste use 1 TBSP tomato paste in this recipe.

Chili powder: You will need 3 TBSP of chili powder to add flavor and spice to the chili.

Brown sugar: Cut down on the acidity of the tomatoes by adding 1 TBSP of brown sugar.

Cumin: 2 tsp of ground cumin gives the chili notes of warm, smokiness that is delicious.

Garlic powder: Using 1 tsp of garlic powder adds a subtle complexity to the flavor.

Tomatoes: You need one 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes to give the dish great texture and taste.

Kidney beans: Add one 15-oz can of dark red kidney beans, drained, to give the chili some fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.

Pinto beans: One 15-oz can of pinto beans, drained, adds flavor, texture, and creaminess to this chili.

Beef broth: To keep the chili from drying out and to tenderize the meat, add in 14.5-oz of beef broth.

Toppings: Top each single bowl of chili with some shredded cheddar, green onions, sour cream, or crackers.

How to make Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili

Prep

Get started by cooking the ground beef in a large pan, until no longer pink. Drain the grease and then set aside.

Also, dice & slice the onion, bell pepper, and celery stalk.

Assemble

Now combine the cooked ground beef, onion, bell pepper, celery, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans and pinto beans, and the beef broth into your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Cook

Place the lid on your crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.

Serve the chili topped with shredded cheddar, green onion, sour cream, and crackers. Enjoy!

Variations of this Crockpot Chili Recipe

There are numerous ways to customize this chili recipe to suit different tastes and preferences.

Meat Alternatives

• Turkey: Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian: Substitute with lentils or a mix of vegetables and beans.

Adding Vegetables

• Zucchini: Chopped zucchini can be added for extra nutrition.
• Carrots: Diced carrots contribute sweetness and color.

Different Broths

• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth provides a lighter flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: A good alternative for vegetarian versions.

How long is homemade Copycat Wendy’s Chili good for?

The leftover chili should be stored in the refrigerator and it will last for up to 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What do you serve with homemade chili?

Homemade chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. It can also be topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for added flavor.

What type of beef is recommended for an authentic Wendy’s slow cooker chili?

For an authentic taste, 80/20 ground beef is recommended. This blend provides a balance of flavor and fat, ensuring the chili remains moist and flavorful.

What if my chili turned out too thick?

The consistency of this chili is usually just right, but if you feel like your chili is too thick, you can add a little bit more beef broth to thin it out.

Can i freeze leftover crockpot chili?

Yes, if stored properly you can definitely keep any leftover chili in the freezer. This is actually a perfect recipe to enjoy for dinner one night and freeze leftovers for another dinner night.

Make sure you store your leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc style freezer bag. If stored properly, you can keep your leftovers frozen for a couple months. I have seen some people store it for longer, but I would err on the side of caution and wouldn’t freezer for more than a couple months.

Try more of our hearty dinner dishes here:

• French Onion Tomato Soup Recipe
• Easy Chili recipe
• Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Alfredo
• Cheesy Potato Soup
• Chicken Chili Pasta Bake
• Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
• Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Stew Recipe
• Crockpot Beef Chili Recipe
• 30 Minute White Chicken Chili
• Crock Pot Pork Roast
• Hurst 15 Bean Soup
• Slow Cooker Roast with Dr.Pepper
• Creamy Tomato Soup with Tortellini
• Easy Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Wendy’s Copycat Chili is made with simple, yet hearty ingredients that come together to create a delicious and filling meal. Enjoy the flavors of Wendy’s Chili from the comfort of your home with this simple copycat recipe.