Wendy’s Chili Clone Recipe
Description:
Welcome to the world of homemade chili that tastes just like the iconic Wendy’s version! This recipe has been a cherished secret for many years, originating from the April 8, 1993, episode of the Phil Donahue show featuring Gloria Pitzer, the renowned recipe detective. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal at home, planning a camping adventure, or hosting a casual gathering, this chili is your perfect companion. Embrace the classic serving style with cornbread or hot dogs, or explore delightful variations like Cincinnati-style chili over spaghetti noodles or as a topping for taco salads.
Keywords: Meat, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Small Appliance, Easy
Aggregated Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 432.9
- Fat: 18.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.9g
- Cholesterol: 77.1mg
- Sodium: 1095.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.6g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 6.9g
- Protein: 33.3g
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 – 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 dashes Tabasco sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Instructions:
| Time | Step |
|---|---|
| 0 mins | In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. |
| 5 mins | While the beef is cooking, puree the French onion soup in a blender until smooth. |
| 10 mins | Once the beef is browned, pour the pureed French onion soup over the cooked beef. Stir well to combine. |
| 15 mins | Cook and stir the beef mixture until it reaches the consistency of rice. |
| 20 mins | Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and Tabasco sauce until evenly distributed. |
| 25 mins | Add the undrained red kidney beans, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. |
| 30 mins | Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally. |
| 40 mins | Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or Tabasco sauce according to your preference. |
| 40 mins | Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Wendy’s Chili Clone! |
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic: Serve with a side of warm cornbread or atop grilled hot dogs for a hearty meal.
- Cincinnati Style: Ladle the chili over cooked spaghetti noodles and top with shredded cheese and diced onions for a unique twist.
- Taco Salad: Create a bed of crisp lettuce and crunchy corn chips in a bowl. Spoon the chili over the top and finish with a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex delight.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this beloved chili recipe, perfect for any occasion! 🌶️🍲
