Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti is a fun and tasty dish that combines spaghetti with a special chili sauce. It’s a delightful mix of flavors with a touch of cinnamon and cocoa!
Who knew spaghetti could be so exciting? I love serving it with cheese and onions on top. It’s a meal that makes everyone happy, and it’s a great way to switch things up! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian version. They add a nice texture!
Kidney Beans: They provide heartiness and fiber. You can substitute with black beans or pinto beans based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Cocoa Powder: It might seem unusual, but it adds depth to the chili flavor. If you’re out of it, you can skip it or use a little extra chili powder for spice without the cocoa flavor.
Spices: The combination of spices is what makes this chili unique. Feel free to experiment! Add a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or adjust the cayenne for more heat.
How Can I Achieve a Flavorful Chili?
Creating a rich, flavorful chili requires a few key techniques. First, browning the meat correctly helps develop a deep flavor.
- Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks, and drain the excess fat.
- After adding onions and garlic, let them sauté until they’re soft; this step builds a solid base for the chili.
- Don’t rush the simmering process. Letting the chili sit on low heat for 20-30 minutes allows all the flavors to meld perfectly!
Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. Sometimes a little extra salt or a dash of vinegar can elevate the flavor.
How to Make Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb spaghetti
For Topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped onions, oyster crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to get a delicious meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, making sure to break it apart with a spoon. Once it’s nicely browned, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your chili!
3. Add Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cocoa powder, cloves, cayenne pepper (if you like some heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this cook for another minute so the spices release their delightful fragrance.
4. Combine Ingredients for Chili:
Next, pour in the tomato sauce, rinsed kidney beans, and either water or beef broth. Mix everything well, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, just add a bit more water to keep it nice and saucy.
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
6. Serve Your Chili Spaghetti:
To serve, place a generous portion of spaghetti on each plate and spoon the delicious chili over the top. Finally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and add optional toppings like chopped onions and oyster crackers if you’d like.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti hot and fresh! It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned before adding the onions and garlic for the best flavor.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by using black beans or lentils instead of ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Just add extra spices for flavor!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
What Should I Serve with Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti?
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread, a garden salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
