Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili
If you’re craving a big, comforting bowl of chili that tastes just like your favorite fast food version, this Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili is exactly what you need.
This meaty, bean-packed chili is slow-cooked to perfection, and we think it’s better than the original. It’s ridiculously easy and perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready and waiting.
If you love easy copycat recipes as much as we do, then try our copycat Texas Roadhouse chili, copycat Panda Express beef and broccoli, or this copycat McRib.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy “dump and go” recipe
- Packed with hearty beef and beans
- Slow-cooked for deep, rich flavor
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Tastes just like the classic version
Key Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Ground Beef: It brings that hearty, meaty flavor and makes the whole dish filling and satisfying.
- Crushed Tomatoes: They give the chili its rich, saucy texture and that classic tomato flavor that everything builds on.
- Kidney & Pinto Beans: These add bulk, texture, and a little creaminess. They also help stretch the dish and make it extra hearty.
- Onion, Bell Pepper, and Celery: The trinity. They build flavor, adding sweetness, depth, and a “homey” flavor.
- Beef Broth: This ties it all together, keeps the chili from getting too thick, and adds extra savory flavor.
Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapenos for extra heat.
- Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Make It Heartier: Use beef chunks in place of ground beef, or combine them.
- Make It Cheesy: Mix the cheese right in.
How to Make Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cook the beef until brown and drain. Then add it, along with the remaining chili ingredients, to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low or high until the vegetables are tender, and the flavors have melded. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Avoid overcooking the beef. It should be browned but not crispy.
- Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
- If you have the time, cook it on low for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity if you prefer.
Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Yes! In fact, the flavor gets even better after sitting for a day. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can. Freeze the chili for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less chili powder.
You can! Simply simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili
Equipment
- Skillet
- slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef browned
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces dark red kidney beans drained
- 15 ounces pinto beans drained
- 14.5 ounces beef broth
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and sliced celery.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and crackers.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
