Wendy’s Copycat Chili in the Slow Cooker
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.
Bev Michael says: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Made this chili and it is wonderful!! My go to chili recipe. Will continue to make. Have passed this to my daughters to make.
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.
(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.
This copycat chili recipe tastes just like Wendy’s. Except it’s homemade, so it’s better.
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!
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:
- Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
- Slow Cooker Rootbeer Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Calico Beans
- Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Ham
Wendy’s Copycat Chili in the Slow Cooker
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.
Video
Notes
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Did you make this recipe?
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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!
Have made this twice now and it’s a big hit with my family. Very easy and delicious.
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.!!!
Hi Eleanor! Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you and your family enjoyed the chili recipe.
Everyone loves this recipe it’s a big hit here. When I make chili it is this.
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.
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….
Made this Chili for Super Bowl ~ Delish!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Wasn’t that a nail biter game!!
Made this chili an it is wonderful!! My go to chili recipe. Will continue to make. Have passed this to my daughters to make.
I’m so glad to hear that you guys have been enjoying it Bev! Thanks for sharing!
I dont think another bean will fit in my crockpot, but it’s cooking now.
It does make a lot!
I’m making it right now and excited to taste it. 😀
This is my go to crockpot chili recipe.
I use ground beef and Italian sausage and definitely cut the chili powder in half. Serve it with sour cream and shredded cheese. We love it!
Delish! This is my second time making this recipe and my family loves it!
So Good…I made it Yves ( no meat )
My Favorite Chili recipe.
Yes,I made it.I used morningstar crumbles instead of meat.
Absolutely delicious.Thank You
I love this recipe and so does the family! Thank you for sharing.
Love to hear that Crystal! Glad it’s become a favorite. 🙂