Copycat Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe

If you’re a fan of Wendy’s chili, you’re going to love this Instant Pot copycat recipe that you can make in your pressure cooker! It’s easy to make and just as delicious as the real thing. Plus, this copycat Wendy’s chili recipe is a lot healthier for you than the fast food version. Give it a try today!

Wendy’s chili is a fan favorite, but it can be unhealthy and expensive to eat out.

Making chili at home is a lot better for you, and it can be less expensive than eating out. Plus, everyone should have an easy chili recipe in their cookbook.

This Instant Pot copycat recipe is just as delicious as the real thing, and it’s easy to make! The ingredients are pantry staples for most people, and it can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cans chili beans (kidney and pinto beans)
• 1 can diced zesty chili-style tomatoes
• 1/2 white large onion
• 1 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth (I like to use 1 teaspoon better than bullion with 1 cup water)
• 1 tbsp butter

What are some variations of this recipe?

There are lots of different options for serving this recipe. You could add some heat with diced jalapeños, or make it a bit earthy with mushrooms. Crushed-up tortilla chips would also be a great addition. You could add black beans instead of or in addition to the beans that have already been added.

What if I can’t find chili beans?

You can use two cans of dark red kidney beans and two cans of pinto beans mixed with a little bit of McCormick’s chili seasoning as a substitute.

What kind of meat is used in Wendy’s chili?

Wendy’s chili is made with ground beef. You can use any kind of ground beef that you like for this recipe. We prefer to use 93/7 so there is less grease to deal with.

What brand of tomatoes do you use?

We used Del Monte’s brand for this recipe, which can be found at most major grocery stores.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you will want to remove the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Can I use tomato juice instead of tomato sauce?

I wouldn’t recommend this substitute for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Honestly, it isn’t horrible to begin with! But if you want less fat and red meat, you could use ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Directions

1. Set instant pot to the saute feature and brown grown beef – drain excess grease and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
2. While cooking, chop the green pepper and onion
3. Add in all the rest of the ingredients except for the butter and stir with a wooden spoon
4. Cook for 15 minutes on the Chili setting
5. Natural pressure release for 5 minutes and then quick release the remaining pressure
6. Mix in butter and enjoy

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I think it tastes best the next day.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure you freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. We really love Souper Cubes for freezing chili. You can use the code TBM10 for 10% off.

What can I serve with this chili?

This chili is delicious on its own, or you can top it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or jalapeños. It’s also great served over rice or pasta.

We also really love serving it over a nice, big piece of cornbread! And of course, if you want to make it more like Wendy’s, make a delicious baked potato and serve this chili over it with sour cream and chives.

Can I make this in the slow cooker instead?

Yes! You can definitely make this in your crock pot. Cook the ground beef on the stove top before, and then put all the ingredients (except the butter) into a slow cooker. Cook on high for two hours or low for 5-6. Stir in butter before serving.

Can I make a double batch of this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully – and you’ll probably want to because everyone is going to gobble up this yummy recipe.

What’s the best way to reheat this chili?

The best way to reheat this chili is in a pot on the stove over low heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as thick and creamy. You may need to add some water if it’s too thick.

If you are reheating from frozen, you can do this in the Instant Pot! Just add 1.5 cups of beef broth and heat for 20 minutes on manual high pressure.

Is Wendy’s chili real beef?

Yes, Wendy’s chili is made with real beef. However, some employees have reported that the beef used in the chili is from hamburgers that were grilled too long and couldn’t be served as burgers to customers.

Does Wendy’s put sand in their chili?

No, Wendy’s does not put sand in their chili. However, it does have silicone dioxide, which is silica. This is an anti-caking product that might be used in Wendy’s chili. All the reasons to make it yourself at home!

Does Wendy’s put beans in their chili?

Yes, they have a combination of beans in their chili.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Apple Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

The chili from Wendy’s is always a fan favorite – and now you can make it at home using your Instant Pot and this recipe. You will definitely want to print of this instant pot wendy’s copycat chili for the future – it’s a great recipe you will want to use over and over again. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!