Cincinnati Chili is a unique and tasty dish made with ground meat, spices, and a hint of chocolate. It’s often served over spaghetti and topped with cheese and onions!
This chili has a special flavor that’s hard to resist. Enjoy it with a scoop of sour cream on top—trust me, it takes it to another level! Plus, leftovers make the best lunch. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Beef adds rich flavor, but the alternative meats can work just fine if you prefer.
Spices: The mix of chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves creates the unique Midwestern flavor. If you don’t have allspice, using a pinch more cinnamon can help fill in, but allspice is worth finding!
Chocolate: Unsweetened baking chocolate is key for depth. If unavailable, cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons) can substitute, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Spaghetti: Traditionally served over spaghetti, this chili can also be paired with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or even rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Chili Consistency?
A key aspect of Cincinnati Chili is the right texture. Here’s how to ensure your chili thickens nicely:
- Keep the heat low and let it simmer uncovered. This allows excess liquid to evaporate, making the chili thicker.
- Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. This also helps incorporate all the flavors together.
- If it seems too thick at any point, add a little water or broth to loosen it up.
Letting it simmer for at least an hour really helps meld the flavors. Patience is really important here!
How to Prepare Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (about 1 oz), chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti, cooked (for serving)
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Oyster crackers (optional, for topping)
- Diced onions (optional, for topping)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cincinnati Chili recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 1 hour for cooking. Altogether, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes for this delicious meal to come together. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or deep skillet, place the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, you can drain any excess fat if preferred.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
3. Toast the Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, and paprika. Cook together for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast slightly and enhance their flavors.
4. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the tomato sauce and either water or beef broth, mixing everything well to combine. This will form the base of your chili.
5. Add Flavor Boosters:
Next, mix in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped unsweetened baking chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts completely and integrates into the mixture.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and cook uncovered for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure an even flavor. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed!
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the chili is simmering, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set aside.
8. Serve the Chili:
To plate your Cincinnati Chili, start by placing a portion of cooked spaghetti on a plate. Ladle the chili generously over the pasta.
9. Add Toppings:
Top the chili with a generous mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Feel free to add optional toppings like oyster crackers and diced onions for extra crunch. A dollop of sour cream is also a nice touch!
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of your homemade Cincinnati Chili!
This dish is a delicious blend of spices and a hint of sweetness from the chocolate, served over spaghetti, making it a true comfort food favorite from Cincinnati and beyond!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer a leaner meat option. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it’s still delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Cincinnati Chili?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.
What Should I Do If the Chili is Too Spicy?
If your chili ends up spicier than you’d like, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a little sugar to balance out the heat. You can also add some extra cooked pasta or beans to dilute the spicy flavor.
Can I Freeze Cincinnati Chili?
Yes! Cincinnati Chili freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
