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.