This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen heart. It captures that unique, savory-sweet magic instantly. Seriously, the warm hug of cinnamon and cocoa makes this Cincinnati Chili Recipe truly unforgettable. The texture becomes wonderfully rich after a long, slow simmer. It is comfort food elevated beyond the ordinary diner fare.
I often make a huge batch on Sunday afternoons. Then, weeknight dinners practically cook themselves! My family absolutely devours every last bit of this spaghetti chili mix. It reheats beautifully, too. This recipe easily fits into our busy schedule.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Cincinnati Chili Recipe is my weeknight hero. It truly simplifies dinner prep. Here is why I keep coming back to it:
- Flavor Bomb: That spiced sauce is unmatched comfort.
- Ease Factor: Mostly hands-off simmering time wins every time.
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone enjoys building their own 3-Way Chili.
- Freezer Friendly: Perfect for those emergency meals later on.
It brings genuine American comfort food vibes home easily. This recipe is just sunshine in a bowl.
Cincinnati Chili Recipe Ingredients
Gathering these spices feels a bit like mixing a secret potion. Believe me, the combination of unexpected spices creates the signature taste here. This unique blend transforms simple ground beef into authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipe perfection. It is truly culinary alchemy in our kitchen!
Let us look at the stars of this show. Remember, exact amounts are waiting in the printable card below. I want you to focus on the feeling these ingredients bring:
- Ground Beef: This forms the necessary hearty base for our simmering sauce. I prefer 80/20 for great texture.
- Beef Broth & Tomato Products: These liquids create the sauce’s body and depth of flavor. They marry beautifully with the ground beef.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add foundational savoriness. They build layers before the spices even arrive.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: These are standard chili elements, bringing expected warmth. They ground the recipe in familiar territory.
- Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves: Ah, the magic trio! These give the chili its unmistakable sweet yet savory profile. Do not skip these!
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds unbelievable richness and color. It darkens the flavor beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash brightens everything up wonderfully. It cuts through the richness perfectly.
Substitutions and Tips
I know pantries can look different every day. That is perfectly fine for this recipe. You can certainly adjust things around.
- Finding ground turkey? Use it instead of beef for a lighter version. It works well enough.
- If you lack allspice, bump up the cinnamon slightly. It will change the flavor a bit, though.
- For an extra flavor punch, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce during the simmer. It adds fantastic umami depth.
- Don’t sweat the fresh onion if you are rushing. The flavor will still be great.
- Cooked kidney beans hold up better if you add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps them firm.
How to Make Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Making this delicious spaghetti chili is simpler than you think. We are building flavor slowly and surely here. Follow these steps closely for the best results. Remember, patience truly pays off with this slow-simmered goodness. This ultimate Cincinnati Chili Recipe comes together beautifully on the stovetop.
Step 1: Browning the Beef and Aromatics
Grab your biggest, sturdy pot, maybe a Dutch oven. Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat there. Use a spoon to break that meat up well. After that, drain off any extra fat you see. If using onion, toss it in now. Next, add the minced garlic too. Cook these until they smell wonderful, about five minutes.
Step 2: Adding the Liquids and Spices
Now we bring in the unique flavor builders. Stir in the beef broth and tomato products right away. Then, add the chili powder and ground cumin. Sprinkle in the cocoa powder; it looks strange, I know! Next, add the vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cayenne pepper. Season well with salt and pepper for good measure. Mix everything until it is totally combined.
Step 3: The Long Simmer
Increase the heat until the whole mixture starts to boil. Watch it carefully so it does not scorch. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to low. Cover the pot snugly with a lid. Let this glorious Cincinnati Chili Recipe simmer for hours. Stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Three hours is a minimum for great flavor development. Four to six hours gives you pure comfort.
Step 4: Prepare Your Service Wares
While the chili thickens up nicely, get your serving items ready. Boil your spaghetti according to package directions. Drain it well when it is perfectly al dente. Set out your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Next, chop the raw onion finely if you are using it. Rinse and drain those canned kidney beans for later use.
Step 5: Assembling the Cincinnati ‘Ways’
This is where the fun truly begins for this American comfort food! Place a good portion of spaghetti on each bowl. Spoon a generous amount of the rich chili right over the pasta. Then, pile on that finely shredded cheese mound, which makes the 3-Way Chili. Remember the topping rules for your perfect configuration.
- For a 4-Way Chili, add your choice of beans or onions next.
- Layer everything for the fully loaded 5-Way Chili experience.
- Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and inviting.
How to Store Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Storing leftovers is super easy for this batch. Place any leftover chili base in an airtight container quickly. Refrigerate it properly for up to four days. This sauce freezes like a dream, too! For longer storage, freeze chili portions securely for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. This makes future meal prep a breeze.
Tips for Success
- Simmer time is your best friend here; push past two hours if you can.
- Taste the chili near the end of cooking. Adjust salt or cayenne pepper then.
- Always spread the meat thinly when browning; this helps drain the fat better.
- Use very sharp cheddar cheese; its bite balances the sweet spices.
- Prep your toppings beforehand so serving the Cincinnati Chili Recipe is fast.
- If the chili gets too thick while simmering, just add a splash of water or broth.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering the base properly.
- Sturdy Spoon: Needed for breaking up ground beef and stirring often.
- Colander: Perfect for draining pasta and rinsed kidney beans easily.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: Accuracy helps maximize the spice blend magic.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping those necessary onions quickly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with saltine crackers crushed right on top for texture.
- A simple green side salad cuts the richness nicely.
- Try serving this spaghetti chili with a crisp glass of iced tea.
- Offer hot sauce on the side for daring guests who want extra heat.
- Presentation shines when the cheese absolutely blankets the hot chili layer.
Cincinnati Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 6 hours (simmering time)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Varies based on serving size, typically 8-10 servings of chili base
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American (Cincinnati Style)
- Diet: None
Description
A recipe for authentic Cincinnati Chili, known for its unique blend of spices including cinnamon and cocoa, traditionally served over spaghetti in various configurations (‘ways’).
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (optional, for the chili)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For serving (Cincinnati ‘Ways’):
- Spaghetti
- Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped raw onion
- Kidney beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat. If using, add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cocoa powder, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, cumin, and cloves. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and the sauce will thicken. For best results, simmer for 4-6 hours, or even longer.
- While the chili is simmering, prepare your desired ‘ways’ for serving.
- To serve Cincinnati Chili, layer ingredients according to the ‘way’ you prefer:
- 2-Way: Spaghetti, topped with chili.
- 3-Way: Spaghetti, topped with chili, then covered with a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
- 4-Way: Spaghetti, topped with chili, then covered with shredded cheddar cheese, and either chopped raw onion or kidney beans.
- 5-Way: Spaghetti, topped with chili, then covered with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped raw onion, AND kidney beans.
Notes
- The longer the chili simmers, the more complex the flavor becomes. Aim for at least 3 hours for best results.
- The use of cocoa powder and cinnamon is characteristic of Cincinnati Chili and gives it its unique sweet/savory profile.
- The ‘Ways’ (2-Way, 3-Way, 4-Way, 5-Way) dictate the toppings served over the spaghetti and chili base.
