Wendy’s Chili – Don’t LOSE this Recipe

#### Instructions:

1. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, but leave a little for flavor.
– Add the chopped onions, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent.

2. **Add the Tomatoes and Beans:**
– Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add the can of green chilies at this stage.

3. **Season the Chili:**
– Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring all the flavors are evenly distributed.

4. **Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld:**
– Add the beef broth (or water) to thin the chili out to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker chili, use less broth or let it simmer uncovered.
– Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and develop.

5. **Taste and Adjust:**
– After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili powder for heat, more brown sugar for sweetness, or more salt to bring out the flavors.

6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings. Classic options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside cornbread or crackers for a complete meal.

#### Tips and Variations:

– **Make it Spicy**: If you like a spicier chili, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the pot. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or use a spicier chili powder.
– **Customize the Beans**: While kidney and pinto beans are traditional, feel free to swap in black beans or white beans for a different twist.
– **Vegetarian Version**: For a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or just use extra beans and vegetables.
– **Slow Cooker Option**: For a hands-off approach, you can cook the chili in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This **Wendy’s Chili Copycat Recipe** brings the same rich, satisfying flavors you crave, without having to leave the house. The chili is incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours. It’s the perfect blend of beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, with a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a tailgate party, or meal prep for the week, this chili is a winner. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it again and again whenever you want!

So, don’t lose this recipe—**Wendy’s Chili** is a dish you’ll want to make over and over again. With its comforting warmth and hearty ingredients, it’s the ultimate bowl of goodness. Enjoy!