Fairly Authentic Cincinnati Chili
Discover the bold and complex flavors of "Fairly Authentic Cincinnati Chili," a Midwestern classic with a twist. This recipe combines tender ground beef with aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, creating a uniquely spiced chili that’s simmered to perfection. The addition of cocoa powder and apple cider vinegar enriches the sauce with subtle layers of savory and tangy depth. Traditionally served over spaghetti and crowned with shredded cheddar, diced onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers, this dish offers the quintessential "five-way" experience. With just 15 minutes of prep and a long, slow simmer, this hearty chili is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Perfect your next game day or comfort food craving with this irresistible Cincinnati-style delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pound spaghetti (optional, for serving)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
- 1 medium diced white onion (optional, for serving)
- 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional, for serving)
- 1 cup oyster crackers (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble the ground beef and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a low boil, stirring and breaking up the beef into very small pieces. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Drain and rinse the ground beef in a colander to remove excess grease, then return it to the pot.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook over medium heat until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to create a rich base.
Add the apple cider vinegar, cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
To serve, plate over cooked spaghetti and top with options like shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, kidney beans, or oyster crackers, creating the iconic 'two-way', 'three-way', 'four-way', or 'five-way' chili combinations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5728 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 283.1 g | 363% | |
| Saturated Fat | 124.2 g | 621% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 842 mg | 281% | |
| Sodium | 9320 mg | 405% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 520.9 g | 189% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 62.3 g | 222% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.2 g | ||
| Protein | 310.3 g | 621% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2101 mg | 162% | |
| Iron | 50.7 mg | 282% | |
| Potassium | 7221 mg | 154% | |
*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.
