Cincinnati Chili
Experience the unique flavors of Cincinnati Chili, a beloved Midwest classic that takes traditional chili to a whole new level. This one-of-a-kind recipe blends ground beef with unexpected spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, creating a rich, aromatic sauce that’s simmered to perfection. Served over a bed of al dente spaghetti and topped with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans, this dish offers a customizable “way” system—2-way, 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way—depending on your preference. Perfect for hearty family dinners or game-day gatherings, Cincinnati Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Try this regional favorite today for a culinary journey you won’t forget!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground beef
- 4 cups Water
- 6 ounces Tomato paste
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 2 whole Bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 pound Uncooked spaghetti
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Chopped white onion
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and water. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef into small pieces as it cooks over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, add the tomato paste, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Stir in the cocoa powder, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, cumin, and bay leaves. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Add the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients and ensure a uniform mixture.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
When the chili is ready, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
To serve, place a portion of cooked spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl, ladle the Cincinnati chili on top, and add your preferred toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and kidney beans.
Enjoy this iconic dish, and customize the toppings to create a 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way Cincinnati Chili experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
916 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.4 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.5 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 783 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.8 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 48.8 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 379 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 933 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
