Description
Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional chili, featuring warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder. Unlike typical chili, it’s served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans. This Midwest comfort food is perfect for hearty dinners, game days, and family gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water (if needed for thinning)
For Serving (Optional):
- 1 lb (450 g) cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, warmed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
🍳 Cook the Meat:
-
Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces.
- Optionally, boil the beef in 4 cups of water to create a finer texture. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Add Onions and Garlic:
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.
- Cook until the onions are softened (3-4 minutes).
🍲 Add Spices and Liquids:
-
Mix in Spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, cloves, salt, and pepper.
-
Add Liquids:
- Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (if using).
- Add the bay leaf and stir well.
-
Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
- Add water if the mixture becomes too thick.
🍽️ Serve Cincinnati-Style:
-
Remove Bay Leaf:
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
-
Prepare the “Ways” to Serve:
- 2-Way: Chili over spaghetti.
- 3-Way: Chili, spaghetti, and shredded cheese.
- 4-Way: Add chopped onions or beans.
- 5-Way: Chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans.
-
Garnish:
- Top with oyster crackers and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Spice Level: This chili is mild. Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Use meatless crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms instead of beef.