Wendy’s Copycat Chili – Slow Cooker

This slow cooker Wendy’s–style chili captures everything people love about the classic: hearty beef, tender beans, rich tomato broth, and just the right blend of spices. The slow cooker brings all those flavors together effortlessly, creating a thick, cozy, deeply satisfying chili that tastes even better than the drive-thru version. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth and aroma, perfect for busy nights, game days, or freezing for later.

What makes this recipe shine is its balance. The tomatoes bring bright acidity, the beef adds richness, and the beans give the chili its signature heartiness. Celery, bell pepper, and onion melt into the mixture, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the bold spices. With each hour in the slow cooker, the flavors deepen, creating that iconic red bowl of comfort.

This chili is versatile too. Customize the heat level, adjust the seasonings, add sugar to smooth the acidity, or leave the lid off near the end to thicken it even more. Serve it with cheese, sour cream, or crackers for the full Wendy’s experience—right at home.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: About 6 hours

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet chili seasoning, or:
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: 1 tbsp sugar to balance acidity

Instructions:

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