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Hearty Homestyle Chili with Beans and Ground Beef (Copycat Wend's Chilli)
Anderson Jorge

Hearty Homestyle Chili with Beans and Ground Beef (Copycat Wend's Chilli)

Hearty Homestyle Chili with Beans and Ground Beef (Copycat Wend's Chilli)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef fresh, lean for best texture
  • 1 quart tomato juice adds rich tomato base
  • 1 can 29 ounces tomato purée (for thickness and depth)
  • 1 can 15 ounces red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can 15 ounces pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 medium-large onion about 1½ cups, finely chopped
  • ½ cup celery diced for added texture
  • ¼ cup green bell pepper finely diced
  • ¼ cup chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin for warm, earthy flavor
  • teaspoons garlic powder adds savory depth
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano for herbal notes
  • ½ teaspoon sugar balances acidity
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat

Method
 

  1. Place a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks
  2. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, then drain excess fat if needed
  3. Add chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant
  4. Pour in the tomato juice and tomato purée, stirring well to combine with the meat and vegetables
  5. Add the drained kidney beans and pinto beans, mixing everything evenly
  6. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and cayenne pepper
  7. Stir thoroughly to ensure all spices are well incorporated into the chili base
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered
  9. Allow the chili to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors deepen
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot

Notes

  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg