Wendy’s copycat chili:
2 frozen beef patties $2.50
1 bag of frozen seasoning blend $1.25
1 can of kidney beans $1.25
1 can of pinto beans $1.25
1 can of diced tomatoes $1.25
1 can of tomato sauce $1.25
Chili Seasoning:
1 packet of premade chili seasoning $0.75
or
2 tablespoons of chili powder $1.25
1/2 tablespoon cumin $1.25
1 teaspoon garlic powder $1.25
1 teaspoon onion powder $1.25
Total cost is $8.25 to 13.75 depending on what you already have on hand. Serves about 6 people or 4 with seconds. Can be served with cornbread, fritos, or cooked rice to make it more filling or to serve more people.
Brown and crumble beef patties over medium high heat, I like to rinse these to remove excess salt and seasonings so they are have a more neutral flavor. Add 1 bag of frozen seasoning blend and your chili seasoning. Sautee this for a couple of minutes to activate the chili seasoning (this is called blooming your seasoning, it activates the oils in the chili powder via heat and fat). Dump in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, both cans of beans (undrained) and 1 can of water. Bring this to a boil and simmer for a minimum of 20 minutes but up to 2 to 3 hours depending on how much time you have to spare. Longer cook times will concentrate flavors. You can also put it in a slow cooker and keep on low heat until you get home from work for a make ahead meal.
A few topping choices: sour cream, onion, cheddar cheese, hot sauce
No bake Peanut Butter chocolate pie
Peanut Butter milk chocolate pudding mix $1.25
Graham cracker pie crust $1.25
Milk $1.25
Cool Whip $1.25
Mix pudding with 1 & 1/2 cup of cold milk and whisk for 1 minute until thickened. Pour into prepared pie crust and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until set. Spoon thawed cool whip over the top and serve.