Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 to 1 ½ hours (stovetop) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh ground beef
- 1 quart tomato juice
- 1 (29 ounce) can tomato purée
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 medium-large onion, chopped
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, to add at the end)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the fresh ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a 6-quart pot, combine the cooked beef and all the other ingredients (except the optional butter if you choose to use it).
- Simmer on Stovetop:
- If cooking on the stovetop, simmer the chili covered for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes. Maintain a simmer, which is lower than “low” heat. If you’re concerned about evaporation, you can cover it partially or stir more frequently.
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Alternatively, you can cook the chili in a slow cooker on low for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows for a longer, slower cooking process.
- Optional Butter:
- At the end of cooking, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the chili. This will help mellow the flavors and provide a richer texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chili is done cooking and has reached your desired consistency, serve it hot. It pairs perfectly with Jalapeno Popper Cornbread Muffins.
Tips:
- Cooking on a simmer with small bubbles is essential to prevent overcooking or excessive evaporation.
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the right level of simmer.
- If cooking uncovered makes you nervous, stir more frequently to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your homemade Wendy’s Chili copycat, a perfect comfort food for cooler weather!