Sure, here’s a slow cooker recipe for a copycat version of Wendy’s chili. This recipe captures the essence of Wendy’s famous chili with a rich, flavorful taste that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (29 oz) can kidney beans, with liquid
- 1 (29 oz) can pinto beans, with liquid
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Add the tomato sauce, kidney beans (with liquid), pinto beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced tomatoes.
- Season: Add the water, chili seasoning mix, cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and Adjust: After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy with crackers, cornbread, or over rice.
Tips:
- Meat Variation: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Beans: Feel free to substitute or add different types of beans according to your preference.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can reduce the amount of water or let the chili cook uncovered for the last hour.
- Spiciness: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of your chili.
Enjoy your homemade Wendy’s copycat chili!