Copycat Wendy's Chili: A Keto-Friendly Recipe

Wendy's chili has been a menu staple since 1969, setting the fast-food chain apart with its unique offering alongside burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The original recipe cleverly utilized leftover burger patties to minimize food waste. This article provides a copycat recipe that captures the essence of Wendy's chili, while also offering a keto-friendly alternative.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is not just a copycat; it’s a perfect chili recipe. The inspiration comes from Dave and Wendy, and it stands out as one of the few original menu items when Wendy’s first opened. Including chili on the menu helped Wendy’s differentiate itself from other fast-food establishments. The recipe has received positive feedback, with one reviewer noting, "I made this recipe twice and my family loved it. It’s by far the best chili ever I followed it to the T and it taste amazing 👍🏻. I really recommend it to everyone to make it.”

Ingredients for Copycat Wendy's Chili

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles in creating the perfect chili:

• Yellow Onion: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor and aroma. Cooking it first establishes a foundational flavor that enriches the entire dish.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides a textural contrast with a slight bite. While a green bell pepper is preferred, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used for a sweeter flavor.
• Celery: A subtle yet crucial ingredient that adds a slight crunch and fresh sweetness.
• Tomato Paste: Essential for developing a deep tomato flavor. Cooking it before adding other ingredients intensifies its sweetness. Extra tomato paste can be frozen in tablespoon portions for future use.
• Ground Beef: The classic choice for a hearty chili. While turkey or chicken can be alternatives, beef delivers the authentic flavor.
• Spices: A classic blend of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper creates a savory, complex flavor profile.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Add tomato flavor and liquid, maintaining the chili's consistency.
• Kidney & Pinto Beans: The original recipe includes both for added meatiness, protein, and liquid.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the Flavor Base: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
2. Develop Depth: Add the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens to a deep brick red color.
3. Incorporate the Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up as you cook, for about 6 minutes until it is no longer pink.
4. Spice It Up: Add all the spices into the mixture and mix well to combine.
5. Add Tomatoes and Water: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and half a can of water, swirling to catch any residual tomato. Stir to combine.
6. Add the Beans: Add both kidney and pinto beans with their liquid and stir to combine again.
7. Simmer: Reduce the burner temperature to low and allow the chili to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes. The liquid will reduce, but ensure there’s still enough to avoid a dry chili.
8. Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Divide into bowls and serve with cheddar and saltines, or other desired toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Toppings: Experiment with toppings like scallions, tortilla strips, sour cream, or fried shallots.
• Slow Cooker: After sautéing the initial ingredients, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for an extended period.
• Simmer Time: Simmering for the full 40 minutes enhances the flavor, but can be shortened if you're in a rush.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this copycat Wendy’s chili with:

• Baked potato
• French fries topped with chili and cheddar
• Chili cheese dogs
• White rice

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Cool properly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for a few weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding a little liquid if needed.

Keto Chili Adaptation

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, this recipe can be easily adapted. The primary adjustment involves reducing or eliminating high-carb ingredients like beans and sugar.

Read also: Low-Carb Chili Delight

Keto-Friendly Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Use a high-fat content ground beef to increase the fat content of the chili.
• Onion and Bell Pepper: These add flavor without significantly increasing carbs.
• Tomato Paste: Use sparingly, as it can be high in carbs.
• Diced Tomatoes: Opt for no-sugar-added varieties.
• Beef Broth: Use to replace the liquid from the beans.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices add flavor without carbs.
• Optional: Green Chilies: Add for extra flavor and a bit of heat.

Modifications:

1. Omit Beans: Beans are a significant source of carbs. Simply leave them out for a keto-friendly version.
2. Sweetener: Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
3. Liquid: Use beef broth instead of tomato sauce to reduce carbs.

Keto Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Ground Beef
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Jalapeno, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, no sugar added
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 3 tbsp Chili Powder
• 2 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions for topping

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and jalapeno (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor.
6. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions if desired.

Serving Keto Chili

This keto chili can be served on its own or with keto-friendly toppings like:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Chopped cilantro

The Wendy's Secret: Leftover Hamburgers

An interesting tidbit about Wendy’s chili is the reported use of leftover hamburger patties. According to an employee in 2017, ground beef used in the chili comes from hamburgers left on the grill. If these patties aren’t used in a certain time, they are refrigerated and then added to the chili. Wendy’s claims this practice adheres to health and safety procedures and reduces food waste.

Creative Uses for Leftover Chili

Leftover chili can be repurposed in various ways:

• Loaded Broccoli: Steam broccoli and top with chili, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
• Chili Mac: Mix chili with leftover pasta.
• Chili Dogs: Serve chili over hot dogs.
• Frito Chili Wrap: Wrap chili, Fritos, and cheese in a tortilla.
• Chili Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with chili.
• Bread Bowls: Serve chili in bread bowls.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

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