Cincinnati Chili is a unique dish that combines ground beef, spices, and chocolate for a delicious twist! Traditionally served over spaghetti or hot dogs, it’s a true comfort food.
If you’re looking for a fun way to dress up dinner, this chili is perfect. I love to top mine with cheese and onions—it just adds that extra yum factor! 🧀🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for Cincinnati chili, giving it a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, try lentils or a meat alternative like Beyond Meat.
Spices: The unique flavor of Cincinnati chili comes from its variety of spices, especially cinnamon and cocoa powder. If you’re running low on spices, a premade chili seasoning mix works well too. Just adjust to taste!
Spaghetti: While traditional, any long pasta can be used. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great options if you’re looking for healthier choices or have dietary restrictions.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a classic topping, but feel free to use Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Vegan cheese is also a good alternative for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Get the Perfect Chili Consistency?
A common challenge with making Cincinnati chili is achieving that perfect, hearty consistency. The key is to simmer it long enough for the flavors to meld and for it to thicken up.
- Start at medium heat to brown the beef and onions, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Aim for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Keep an eye on the chili, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer the chili simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
- If your chili seems too watery, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
These tips should help you master Cincinnati chili and make it a family favorite! Enjoy your cooking!
Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 1 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions (optional)
- Kidney beans or oyster crackers (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cincinnati Chili recipe takes roughly 30 minutes of prep time and about 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time. So overall, you’ll spend around 2 hours from start to finish—perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Aromatics:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Be sure to break the beef into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, just until it gets fragrant. Now, sprinkle in the chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, cocoa powder (or chocolate), cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), along with some salt and black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the meat evenly in those wonderful spices!
3. Simmer the Chili:
Pour in the beef broth (or water), tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to help it thicken and allow all those delicious flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Spaghetti:
While your chili is simmering away, take this time to cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain well and set aside.
5. Assemble and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, place a generous mound of spaghetti on each plate. Ladle a hearty portion of that beautiful Cincinnati chili over the pasta, and top it off with a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. If you like, you can also sprinkle on some chopped onions or your choice of beans or oyster crackers for extra flavor and texture.
6. Enjoy!
This dish is often enjoyed as a “3-way” (spaghetti, chili, cheese), but if you add diced onions and beans, you’ll have yourself a “4-way” or “5-way” experience, bringing in more delightful textures and tastes!
This Cincinnati chili recipe brings warmth to any meal, with its unique blend of ingredients and comforting nature. Enjoy making this hearty delight! 😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute! It will yield a lighter chili, and the spices will still provide plenty of flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if necessary, as turkey tends to cook faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat alternative like tempeh or a plant-based ground meat. You can also add more beans for protein and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the lentils if you’re using dried ones!
Can I Prepare This Chili in Advance?
Absolutely! Cincinnati chili can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the chili from the spaghetti if you plan to store them together, as this helps maintain texture! When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
