🍲 Mediterranean Wendy’s-Style Chili

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes

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🥘 Ingredients

Ground Beef Base

• 500 g ground beef (or turkey/beef mix)

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large carrot, diced (Mediterranean twist)

Tomato & Bean Mix

• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes

• 1 can kidney beans, drained

• 1 can pinto beans, drained

• 2½ cups water or beef broth

Seasoning Blend (Mediterranean + Original Wendy’s Style)

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp coriander (optional but very Mediterranean)

• ½–1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of cinnamon (Mediterranean magic)

• 1 bay leaf

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richer color + depth)

• 1 tbsp honey or date syrup (softens acidity)

• 1 chopped zucchini or celery

• A squeeze of lemon at the end

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.

2. Add onions, carrot, and bell pepper.

3. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.

4. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds more.

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2. Brown the Beef

1. Add ground beef to the pot.

2. Break it apart with a spoon.

3. Cook until fully browned.

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3. Add Spices

Add:

• Chili powder

• Cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Coriander

• Salt

• Pepper

• Cinnamon

• Bay leaf

Cook the spices for 1 minute to bloom flavor.

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4. Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth

1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth/water.

2. Add tomato paste if using.

3. Bring to a boil.

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5. Simmer

• Reduce heat to low.

• Cover and simmer 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The chili should thicken, deepen in color, and become silky.

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6. Finish

• Remove bay leaf.

• Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Add a squeeze of lemon for a Mediterranean brightness.

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🍽️ Suggested Mediterranean Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

• Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)

• Crumbled feta

• Lemon zest

• Olive oil drizzle

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🌟 Mediterranean Tweaks That Make It Better

• Olive oil instead of vegetable oil

• Carrot + thyme + coriander for warmth

• Lemon at the end for balance

• Cinnamon enhances beef richness (classic Mediterranean trick)