Simple Cincinnati Chili
Transform your dinner table with this Simple Cincinnati Chili, a hearty and flavorful twist on classic chili that's perfect for family meals or game day gatherings. This iconic Midwest dish combines tender ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic with a velvety tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of unsweetened cocoa powder for a depth of flavor that's uniquely Cincinnati. Simmered to perfection, this chili is traditionally served over a bed of spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and optional kidney beans or oyster crackers for a satisfying and customizable meal. With only 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry staples, this recipe is an easy yet impressive way to explore a regional classic from the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 0.5 cup diced onions (for topping)
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup oyster crackers (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked (about 8–10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it as you mix.
Add the cocoa powder, chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, paprika, ground cumin, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all spices evenly into the chili mixture.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the chili simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
If using optional kidney beans, stir them into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through.
When ready to serve, divide the cooked spaghetti among serving bowls. Ladle the chili over the spaghetti.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and, if desired, add kidney beans and oyster crackers on the side.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Simple Cincinnati Chili!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6388 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 284.3 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 124.2 g | 621% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 842 mg | 281% | |
| Sodium | 10428 mg | 453% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 659.4 g | 240% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 53.5 g | 191% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.0 g | ||
| Protein | 323.3 g | 647% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2094 mg | 161% | |
| Iron | 41.3 mg | 229% | |
| Potassium | 5908 mg | 126% | |
*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.
