Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This Instant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili is delicious and so easy to make! Dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (1)

Hi friends! Can you believe that the new year is around the corner? Maybe one of your resolutions next year is to make more wholesome dinners at home for your family. Or maybe you got one of those new fandangled Instant Pots for Christmas and you’re looking for new recipes to try out. Or maybe you’re a fan of Wendy’s Chili like I am! Well whichever camp you’re in, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili!

I am always on the hunt for new recipes that will work for our growing family. My boys are picky, definitely meat and potatoes kinds of guys. So while trying new recipes can be tricky, a quick and easy chili recipe was a no brainer! I’m actually not sure why I haven’t tried this earlier. This Santa Fe Soup is a family favorite, so chili is a natural progression.

And let’s talk about this Instant Pot for a minute. I’m new to the machine so I’m still working out what all we can make with it. I even bought one for my mom for Christmas so that she can help me figure it out. Anyone else do the same? So far we love making spaghetti and meatballs and delicious French Dip Sandwiches in it. And now – thisInstant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili!

NOTE: I designed this recipe for a 6qt. Instant Pot. If you’re using a mini 3 qt. Instant Pot, please halve the recipe.

To make theInstant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili, I started with a pound of lean beef. I like super lean for this recipe so that you don’t have to drain it! Keep it simple, right?! Set the Instant Pot on Saute, add a little oil and garlic and simmer for a minute or two then add the ground beef.Update! We’ve had quite a few people try this recipe (thank you!) and report back that while they liked it, they wanted more meat. A few have successfully doubled the meat that it called for and loved it. So if you like a meaty stew – give it a try!

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (2)

Once the beef is no longer pink, add your chopped onion, bell pepper and celery. Continue to cook the beef and vegetable mixture until the onions start to turn translucent. Turn the Instant Pot “off” to discontinue the Saute feature. That’s when you can add your seasoning.

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (3)

Mix all that together, then add a cup of water. Follow that with your Ranch Style Beans and Kidney beans and stir in.

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (4)

Then add your Rotel, diced tomatoes topped with the tomato sauce. NOTE: DO NOT STIR THE TOMATOES IN. A few readers have noted that they got a “burn” warning on their pressure cooker when making this recipe. This is likely due to the high starch content in the tomatoes. For this recipe, simply pour the tomato ingredients ON TOP in the last step and do not stir.

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (5)

At this point, add your Instant Pot lid, secure it and make sure the vent is set to seal. Set your Instant Pot to 10 minutes on manual and leave it! I let the pot naturally release and let me tell you I came back to a glorious sight…

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (6)

CourseEntree

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 8 cups

Author Kimberly Sneed

Ingredients

  • 1tbspvegetable oil
  • 2tspminced garlic
  • 1lblean ground beef
  • 1large onionchopped
  • 1large bell pepperchopped
  • 6stalks celerychopped
  • 1package McCormick's Chili Seasoning
  • 1cupwater
  • 1 15ozcan Ranch Style Beans
  • 1 15ozcan dark red kidney beansdrained
  • 1 15ozcan RoTel Original
  • 1 15ozcan diced tomatoes
  • 1 15ozcan tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Set your Instant Pot to Saute and vegetable oil and minced garlic to the pot.

  2. Once the pot is hot and oil is simmering, add ground beef.

  3. Once browned, add chopped onion, bell pepper and celery to the beef.

  4. Cook until onion is starting to become translucent, then add McCormick's Chili Seasoning.

  5. Turn the Instant Pot "off" of Saute.

  6. Mix well and add water.

  7. Scrape up any browned bits that have adhered to the bottom of the pot.

  8. Add Ranch Style and kidney beans to the pot and stir.

  9. Then add Rotel, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce ON TOP. Do not stir in.

  10. Then add your Instant Pot lid, make sure vent is set to seal and set your IP to 10 minutes on manual or 10 minutes of high pressure.

  11. Once time is up, let your Instant Pot naturally release.

  12. Once released, open your Instant Pot, stir and enjoy your chili!

Recipe Notes

Made for a 6 qt. Instant Pot. If making in a mini 3qt. you will need to halve the recipe.

In order to avoid a "burn" warning, float the tomato ingredients on top of the other ingredients – if they are stirred in, they’ll sink to the bottom and could scorch.

Update! We've had quite a few people try this recipe (thank you!) and report back that while they liked it, they wanted more meat. A few have successfully doubled the meat that it called for and loved it. So if you like a meaty stew - give it a try!


It was so easy to whip up and in no time I had a delicious, hearty and wholesome meal for the family!

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (8)

If you’re looking for MORE Fresh and Easy Family Meal Ideas, check out the amazing recipes from some of my friends below!

Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (9)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Zoodles from Mom Endeavors

One Pan Salmon & Vegetables from Mom Endeavors

Tomato & Jalapeño Tuna Stuffed Avocados from See Vanessa Craft

Baked Spaghetti from Spaceships & Laser Beams

Paleo Cincinnati Chili from Play Party Plan

Dragonfruit Smoothie Bowls from Happiness is Homemade

Chicken Cranberry Lettuce Wraps from Printable Crush

Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce from Ashlee Marie

Instant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili from A Night Owl Blog

Easy Baked Shrimp Foil Packets from See Vanessa Craft

One Pan Chicken Cacciatore from Happiness is Homemade

Paleo Almond Chicken from Play Party Plan

Fresh Nectarine Salad Recipe from Printable Crush

Lemon Herb Salmon from Ashlee Marie

Southwest Tortilla Salad from A Night Owl Blog

Related posts:

  1. Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  2. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
  3. Instant Pot Jambalaya
  4. Easy Instant Pot Turkey
Instant Pot Wendy's Copycat Chili (2024)

FAQs

What does Wendy's make their chili from? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

Why is Wendy's chili so sweet? ›

The beans also play a role in the texture and flavor of the chili. Both pinto beans and kidney beans are used, which means they each provide their own unique properties. Pinto beans have a creamy texture and a nutty and slightly earthy flavor. Kidney beans have a dense texture and subtly sweet flavor.

Is Wendy's chili made fresh everyday? ›

Made fresh every day

We prep from scratch every day—slicing our tomatoes by hand, preparing our house-made chili and cooking our bacon to ensure quality and freshness in every order.

What is the sand in Wendy's chili? ›

Wendy's Chili: Sand

One key ingredient to Wendy's chili is an anti-caking agent called silicon dioxide. Street name: sand or glass powder.

What does Wendy's use as fillers in their meat? ›

Our signature square hamburger patties have no fillers or additives because we know the beef is what matters when it comes to making the best hamburger in the game.

How unhealthy is Wendy's chilli? ›

According to the Wendy's website, a large chili contains 1,270 milligrams of sodium. This is approximately 55 percent of the recommended daily sodium allowance for adults, which is under 2,300 milligrams. Furthermore, the chili has 15 grams of total fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, and 31 grams of total carbs.

Does Wendy's sell their chili in a can? ›

We Should. We Could. We Canned.

Enjoy the classic taste of Wendy's® famous chili from the comfort of your own home.

What brand is Wendy's chili? ›

Wendy's Chili with Beans Brings Restaurant Quality Taste to the Comfort of Your Home | Conagra Brands.

What is the most unhealthy thing on the Wendy's menu? ›

The Wendy's Big Bacon Classic Triple Burger may be the worst thing on the menu, with 1,220 calories in just one sandwich. And don't forget about the 36 grams of saturated fat— or 163% of the recommended daily value (DV) of just 22 grams per day—and 10% of your daily calories.

Is Wendy's chili healthier than fries? ›

Best Side: Chili

Surprisingly, a small cup of chili contains less calories than a side salad. And it's loaded with 15 grams of protein, too. Opt for one of these instead of a starchy, 300-calorie baked potato or 320-calorie small order of fries.

How to make chili taste homemade? ›

Make your own spice blend

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Does Wendy's use old hamburgers for chili? ›

Yes, the meat in Wendys chili is made leftover from unsed burgers that are past the hold hold time. The chili meat is good for seven days after, usually is used within the next day.

Can you eat chili that sat out all night? ›

To ensure food safety, it is generally recommended to follow the "2-hour rule" for perishable foods. If chili has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it is advisable to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Can diabetics eat Wendy's chili? ›

A small chili contains 240 calories,11g of fat, 22g of carbs, 6gm fiber, and 15g of protein, making it a low-calorie and low-carb option that's perfect for those who want a warm and filling meal while managing blood sugar levels.

Does Wendy's use real beef in their chili? ›

The Wendy's Chili recipe ingredients are simple at their core, but at Wendy's it's all about blending our signature beef with the perfect mix of hearty vegetables, chili beans and savory spices. The result is a taste that's both satisfying and sentimental, and it's the perfect comfort food anytime of the year.

Is Wendy's chili made with leftover hamburgers? ›

Yes, the meat in Wendys chili is made leftover from unsed burgers that are past the hold hold time. The chili meat is good for seven days after, usually is used within the next day. Most likely. They use fresh, not frozen meat, so what's left over is made into chili.

What gives chili its distinct flavor? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 6633

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.