Weight Watchers Chili

Chili is one of my favorite foods to order at Wendy’s. So many people love their chili and would love to make it at their own homes. Now, they can! This copycat recipe is identical to the chili sold at the restaurant. I just can’t get enough of it. I make this during cool fall evenings and even during the summertime. It’s a dish that’s fantastic year-round. And, best of all, it requires ingredients you’re likely already familiar with in the kitchen.

This recipe is warm and satisfying. It’s both hearty and delicious. The aroma of chili cooking in your kitchen is likely to send taste buds into overdrive.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground beef: Swap the ground beef for lean beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. This recipe is very versatile. Keep in mind that the chili will likely take on an entirely different flavor if you opt for ground chicken.

Onion: If you have household members who aren’t a fan of onions, even in soups and chilis, swap it for onion powder.

Minced garlic: Feel free to use garlic paste or garlic powder in place of freshly minced garlic if you don’t have any available at the time of preparing this chili.

Pinto and kidney beans: Feel free to use the type of beans to suit you best when preparing this Wendy’s chili. If you’re out of pinto beans, double up on kidney beans (or vice versa). Add beans as you prefer and based on what your family is familiar with in your own homemade chili.

Jalapeno: If you do not have a fresh jalapeno in your kitchen, you can choose to add a bit of spice to this chili using a spicy seasoning mix or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with ground beef – It’s scrumptious, hearty, and filling

Loaded with veggies – This is the perfect healthy Wendys copycat chili recipe that’s nutritious and sure to impress.
Variety of beans used
Flavorful – The flavors of this chili are amazing and will leave you wanting more.
Copycat Wendy’s recipe — It’s absolutely similar to Wendy’s! You can also make this simple Wendys copycat chili meal even if you’re newer in the kitchen.

hearty chili that is perfect for a winter day. This recipe is easy to make and can be made in advance. It is also a great way to use up leftover meat. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a comforting bowl of chili on a cold day

Weight Watchers Beef Chili (Lightened)

Servings: 8
Estimated WW Points: 4-5 Points per serving (depending on your WW plan)

Ingredients

2 lbs 96% lean ground beef
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
⅓ cup celery, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 (28 oz) can no-sugar-added tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3 tbsp chili powder
3 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp minced garlic
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Brown the lean ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the bell pepper, onion, celery, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.

Weight Watchers Tips:

Use 96% lean ground beef to keep the Points low.
Rinse and drain the beans to reduce sodium while maintaining their fiber and protein.
Top with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of plain nonfat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a filling, low-Point meal.