Yummy Cincinnati Chili
Transform your dinner table into a Midwest classic with this rich and flavorful Yummy Cincinnati Chili recipe! This unique twist on traditional chili combines tender ground beef with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, along with a hint of cocoa powder and optional dark chocolate for a subtle depth of flavor. Simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce, this iconic dish is served over a bed of spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans for a signature five-way style. Perfect for weeknight comfort dinners or hearty gatherings, this soul-warming meal comes together in just over an hour and is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget the oyster crackers for the ultimate authentic touch!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 ounce unsweetened dark chocolate (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup diced yellow onion (for topping)
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup oyster crackers (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the pot, but leave a few tablespoons for flavor.
Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in flavor.
Add in the tomato sauce, beef broth, water, and all the spices (cocoa powder, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin). Stir well to combine.
Mix in sugar, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. For a richer flavor profile, add the optional dark chocolate at this point, stirring until it has melted into the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
While the chili cooks, prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
When ready to serve, place a bed of cooked spaghetti on each plate. Ladle the Cincinnati chili generously over the top.
Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, diced yellow onion, and kidney beans as desired. Serve with oyster crackers on the side, if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5673 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 276.6 g | 355% | |
| Saturated Fat | 125.0 g | 625% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 844 mg | 281% | |
| Sodium | 10817 mg | 470% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 513.5 g | 187% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 57.3 g | 205% | |
| Total Sugars | 74.9 g | ||
| Protein | 299.0 g | 598% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2210 mg | 170% | |
| Iron | 49.2 mg | 273% | |
| Potassium | 6539 mg | 139% | |
*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.
