Wendy’s Chili Sauce has become a go-to comfort food for many, known for its hearty, savory blend of ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered to perfection.
But what truly sets it apart is the chili sauce—a robust and flavorful mix that gives the dish its signature taste.
Recreating this iconic sauce at home allows you to capture the essence of Wendy’s Chili, bringing that familiar warmth and depth of flavor to your table.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make Wendy’s Chili Sauce from scratch, so you can enjoy this beloved classic any time the craving strikes.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the experience, this homemade version is sure to hit the spot.
How To Make Wendy’s Chili Sauce?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Times: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Yields: 6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar, or more to taste
Instructions
Step-1. Brown the ground beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step-2. Sauté the vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté them with the beef for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
Step-3. Add the tomatoes and beans
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, and black beans. Mix everything to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step-4. Incorporate the broth and tomato paste
Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste. Stir the mixture until the tomato paste is fully dissolved, giving the chili a rich, thick consistency.
Step-5. Season the chili
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly incorporated.
Step-6. Simmer the chili
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step-7. Adjust the flavor
After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, cayenne pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste.
Step-8. Serve and enjoy
Once the chili is ready, serve it hot. You can enjoy it on its own or top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Nutrition Facts Of Wendy’s Chili Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Serving Suggestions
Over rice: Serve the chili over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
With cornbread: Pair the chili with a slice of warm cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
As a chili dog: Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs, along with some shredded cheese and diced onions.
On baked potatoes: Spoon the chili over a baked potato and add a dollop of sour cream for a filling dinner.
Tips and Variations
Spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For more heat, add extra cayenne or a chopped jalapeño.
Meat alternatives: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Vegetarian option: To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and double the beans. You can also add more vegetables like corn or zucchini.
Thicker chili: For a thicker consistency, simmer the chili uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Freezing: This chili freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for a quick meal later on.
Special Notes
✤ If you don’t have pinto beans on hand, black beans or even cannellini beans can be used as substitutes without compromising the overall flavor.
✤ You can use water instead of beef broth.
FAQS
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How long does the chili last in the fridge?
The chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
You can substitute kidney beans with pinto beans or chickpeas if you don’t have kidney beans.
Conclusion
Making Wendy’s Chili at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some time, you can enjoy a bowl of comforting, flavorful chili that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or freezing it for later, this recipe will surely be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a bowl of homemade goodness.
Wendy’s Chili Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or more to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté them with the beef for about 5 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, and black beans. Mix everything to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste. Stir the mixture until the tomato paste is fully dissolved, giving the chili a rich, thick consistency.
- Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly incorporated.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, cayenne pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Once the chili is ready, serve it hot. You can enjoy it on its own or top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.