Just Like Wendy's Chili Recipe

My entire family LOVED this chili and they never agree on anything. I didn't have the packets of chili seasoning so I used 1 rounded Tbs Cumin, 1 1/4 tsp salt, 1 1/4 Tbs Chili Powder, 1 tsp Oregano, 1 tsp basil. This will be my go to chili.

I love this chili! I made some minor alterations: added 2 cans of each bean to be more like Wendy's (as suggested somewhere in the reviews), draining one of each of the cans , I didn't add any water because there was enough liquid without it (I like my chili thick, not soupy) and honestly forgot the vinegar at the end - I don't know if adding this makes a huge difference but the chili was awesome without it. I used a cast iron skillet to prepare the hamburg mixture. Brown the hamburg and yes - flatten it and just let it cook for about 8 minutes before crumbling - this is going to give it a nice, seared side that's going to stand up and carry through the dish. I also drained the majority of any fat at this point because as one big patty, it was easier to do, then added the celery, onion & pepper. I put everything in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 or so hours. Served with shredded cheddar and a side of cornbread. It was even better the next day after "setting" up in the fridge overnight! I gave some to my friend who loves Wendy's Chili so I consider her a taste expert on this: she agreed that it was as good as Wendy's and passed her taste test with flying colors! This is definitely becoming a go-to recipe, especially for those cold New England winter days! I can't wait to make it again :)

This recipe is excellent and easy to make. Instead of using the McCormick® Mild Chili Seasoning Mix, I used the following: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 serrano pepper. Was bomb!

I worked at Wendy's in the 1980's The real secret was they used seared hamburger patties, that were over cooked and could not make hamburgers (not burnt) , so they tossed them in a pan and stored them in the fridge. The next day, we would put tap water over the patties and boil, then drain off the greasy water and chop the meat with 2 steel spatulas. The rest was a chili spice packet, large red kidney beans drained and rinsed, diced bell pepper, whole stewed tomatoes crushed by hand, and tomato sauce. No celery, no onion, just meat, spices, beans, peppers, tomatoes, and sauce.

I made it for Christmas, and put it in my Crock-Pot. I used two cans of each of the beans. My family LOVED it!!! K.B.

This was a family favorite. I doubled the recipe and used my biggest pot. Instead of pre-mixed chili seasoning, I used the suggestion of another reviewer and used 1 Tbsp. cumin, 1 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 1/4 Tbsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. basil and doubled them. I used heaping amounts of the cumin & chili powder and salt & peppered to taste. I was too afraid to add the vinegar at the end. I thought the tomato products had enough zing to them. Next time I will add a little vinegar and see how we like it. Will be making this again and again.

This chili taste exactly like Wendy’s chili. In preparing, I made a few changes. After I browned the meat, I drain the fat. Put meat in a large pot -then I cooked all the vegetables separately until they were soft, added it to the meat, then added the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, McCormicks chili packets and beans. I forgot to add the vinegar at the end, but that didn’t matter as it tasted delicious. You can also put this in a crockpot (after you’re done cooking it all ) and cook it on low for a few hours to serve.

My husband loved it, and I thought it was quite good. I just made a few changes. Browned and seasoned the meat, drained it, then in a clean pan, cooked the veggies. I cooked it in a slow cooker on low for about 5 hours. Next time I would skip the celery, and drain the beans before adding. Added it to our recipe book for sure though!

I have made this recipe 3 times and the last 2 times, I was able to make this taste 98% like Wendy's chili...with a few hacks. 1.I use a can of "Chili beans" instead of just plain kindeys (dump out half of the sauce, as it is high in sodium). 2. Use leftover "Hot Chili Seasoning" packets from Wendy's. I had 4 that I put back for this occasion. 3. Add a touch of an all purpose seasoning that has MSG. 4. Couple chunks of dark cocoa nibs Other than that, follow the recipe. This last time, I had leftover smoked brisket and prime rib from the holidays as the proteins....absolutely money.

As he said ... it has the CHILI taste! great chili, and I made the meat with the onions/garlic/peppers in the skillet ..and tossed it into the crock pot. same end result, and delicious results! I made it at 2 for super bowl, so I was aiming for 6:30/7 ... worked out well on low.

I cook the hamburger with the onion celery and green pepper in a fry pan then add the meat mixture with along with the rest of the ingredients and cook it in the crock pot for about 8 hours I dont add water at all I use 1 mild 1 spicy chili mix Add lots of garlic and 2 cans of drained mushrooms and it's absolutely amazing 😋

Is delicious. Not change anything. I buy a ground meat 93/7 and I can’t drain.

Loved it cook it often.

So yummy! Made it just as directed great to enjoy for several days

This is a true copycat recipe! So good. I used ground turkey, instead of beef. Also, I drained the meat after it was cooked. Otherwise, I followed the recipe to a “T.” This recipe is a keeper!

I followed the directions as written, except left out the beans & vinegar & the chili turned out great! Tastes just like Wendy's chili. I also like it over a baked potato & served with a small salad. Delish!

I added slices of young carrots, sweet yellow pepper, and mushrooms but skipped the celery. Reminds me of Sneaky Dee's chili (a late night Toronto staple back in the day!)

Everyone asked for the recipe.

Always delicious. This is my favorite chili recipe and I’ve made it dozens of times. Definitely give it a try!

Double the recipe it freezes well. Added extra Pinto Beans. Have made it several times.