Description
Cincinnati Chili is a unique, flavorful chili that features a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate. Traditionally served over spaghetti, it’s a savory, sweet, and hearty dish that’s sure to please. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun twist on traditional chili!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 lb spaghetti (for serving)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Chopped onions (for topping)
- Kidney beans (optional, for topping)
- Hot sauce (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
-
Add the Vegetables and Spices:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
-
Simmer the Chili:
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Add 1 cup of water (or more if you prefer a thinner chili) and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more water if the chili gets too thick.
-
Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate, and ladle the Cincinnati chili over the top.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and a spoonful of kidney beans (optional). Add hot sauce if you like extra heat.
Notes
- Cincinnati chili is traditionally served over spaghetti, but it can also be served as a topping for hot dogs, or with crackers.
- For authentic Cincinnati-style chili, be sure to include the cinnamon and cocoa powder for that distinctive sweet and savory flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add more chili powder or hot sauce.
- Some variations include adding a small amount of dark chocolate for depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with chili and toppings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg