Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Copycat Wendy's Chili recipe! Imagine coming home to a rich, hearty chili that tastes just like the famous fast-food version, but with the love and care of homemade cooking. This recipe is so easy and delicious, you'll wonder why you ever settled for takeout. Whether you're a busy parent, a chili enthusiast, or just looking for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can pinto beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the medium onion and set it aside. Drain the kidney beans and pinto beans, and open the can of diced tomatoes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help reduce the greasiness of the chili.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, drained kidney beans, drained pinto beans, and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture in the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the chili for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste if needed.
- Once done, serve the chili hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to enhance richness.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 6-hour slow cook is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors.
- For extra depth, consider adding a small amount of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee to the mixture.
- Customize your toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips can elevate your chili experience.
- This chili freezes exceptionally well, so don't hesitate to make a large batch for future meals.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, you can leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
