Skip to Content

Wendy’s Copycat Chili in the Slow Cooker

Sharing is caring!

This Wendy’s chili recipe is a perfect copycat! Thick and rich chili with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s the perfect dump and go slow cooker chili.A white bowl full of Wendy's Copycat Chili on a red checked towel.

The first job I ever had was working at Wendy’s. I was 15. And yes, this will date me, but this was in the days of Wendy’s “superbar” and fresh stuffed pitas. Anybody remember those? I want the pitas to make a comeback. 

A white bowl of Wendy's copycat chili next to a slow cooker.

(Also my old Wendy’s manager’s wife reads my blog. How fun is that? Hi Kathie! Hi Gary!)

One thing about working at a restaurant, you get to see what other people love to order and eat. By golly, people love Wendy’s chili. Especially during the cold weather months.

Whether you agree or not, Wendy’s has some spectacular chili for a fast food chain. It’s way more complex than just hamburger and beans in a chili sauce. It’s thick and spicy with beans and veggies and tastes as close to homemade chili as you can get for under 2 bucks. 

A collage of photos showing the steps to make slow cooker Wendy's Copycat Chili

This copycat chili recipe tastes just like Wendy’s. Except it’s homemade, so it’s better.

Stirring everything together before covering the slow cooker.

This chili is comfort food at it’s best. It’s made with 2 kinds of beans, fresh chopped vegetables, tomatoes and spices. And it’s ridiculously easy. Just dump and go in the slow cooker. Watch the video and see.

Please note: You will need a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts for this chili. 

If you don’t have a large slow cooker, this recipe can also be made on the stove top. Simply follow the directions stated below, but simmer in a large stockpot for 45-60 minutes on low on the stove instead. 

We love to eat our chili with cornbread. If you do too, you need this Jiffy cornbread hack. The best cornbread ever!

A slice of Chili Dog Pizza made with leftover chilii

And if you are a true chili lover you’ve got to try this recipe that uses leftover chili. It’s my family’s favorite. Chili Dog Pizza!

More Slow Cooker Favorites to Enjoy: 

A white bowl full of Wendy's Copycat Chili on a red checked towel.

Wendy's Copycat Chili in the Slow Cooker

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
This Wendy’s chili recipe is a perfect copycat! Thick and rich chili with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (29 ounce can) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (29 ounce can) pinto beans, drained
  • 2 (14.5 ounce cans) diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cumin powder
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cups beef broth*
  • * See note below*

Instructions

    1. Brown the ground beef well. Drain off the fat and add the ground beef to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker.

    2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well and cover.

    3. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or on High for 4-6 hours.

Notes

1. You may substitute 2 beef bouillon cubes and 2 cups of water for the broth.

2. To make this on the stove top, simply add the browned and drained beef to a large stock pot along with the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes to an hour.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a review or a photo! I'd love to hear your feedback!

Pin this recipe for later!

This Wendy’s chili recipe is a perfect copycat! Thick and rich chili with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s the perfect dump and go slow cooker chili. #wendyscopycatchili #slowcookerchili #copycatrecipe #wendyschilirecipe

Did you make this recipe? 

Please leave a comment or review below!  I’d also love to see what you’ve been making on Instagram or Facebook.

Accidental Happy Baker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at amazon.com.

Gail

Saturday 20th of January 2024

I made this about two years ago and it was delicious. People still talk about it. I just went to the store and picked up all the ingredients to make tomorrow. Thank you!

Eleanor

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

I was in Wendy’s last week and ate a bowl of Chili. It was soooo good that a few days later using their recipe from Pinterest I made some for my family! It was every bit as good as I remembered and received kudos from all my family.!!!

Amy D

Wednesday 27th of December 2023

Hi Eleanor! Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you and your family enjoyed the chili recipe.

James

Sunday 16th of April 2023

This recipe is a keeper. The only things I did different was V8 Juice instead of Beef broth, a can of undrained rotel fire roasted, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Kelly D

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

I had a chili recipe I used for years but decided to give this a try. Let’s just say the other one won’t be made any longer.This was delicious , my hubby raved on and on.. and my picky son even liked it. Thank You….

Karen Knox

Sunday 12th of February 2023

Made this Chili for Super Bowl ~ Delish!

Amy D

Monday 13th of February 2023

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Wasn't that a nail biter game!!

Skip to Recipe