Wendy’s-Style Chili – Hearty, Savory, and Perfectly Slimmed Down

This lighter version of the classic fast-food favorite brings all the bold, beefy flavor of Wendy’s chili—without the extra calories. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and robust spices. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a cozy family dinner, this chili satisfies with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Familiar Flavor – Tastes just like the chili you know and love from the drive-thru.
One-Pot Wonder – Everything comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.
Nutritious & Satisfying – High in fiber and protein, low in fat.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Even better the next day—freezes beautifully, too.

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef (96% lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Veggies
Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are softened.

3. Add the Rest
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, water or broth, and all spices. Mix well.

4. Simmer and Serve
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 230
Protein: 20g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 6g

Tips for Success

• Use No-Salt-Added Cans – Gives you better control over seasoning.
• Spice to Taste – Adjust cayenne for more or less heat.
• Let It Sit – Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
• Freezer-Friendly – Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Why This Recipe Works

By using lean beef, tons of vegetables, and heart-healthy beans, this chili mirrors the flavor of your favorite fast-food version—without the extra grease or sodium. It’s the kind of comfort food that keeps you full, energized, and on track.

This Wendy’s-style chili brings big flavor in a better-for-you package. Hearty, cozy, and easy to make, it’s a go-to recipe for lunch, dinner, or batch cooking. Once you try it, you’ll skip the drive-thru and make it from scratch every time.