Cincinnati Chili is a unique dish that’s both flavorful and fun! Made with ground meat and a special mix of spices like cinnamon and cocoa, it’s often served over spaghetti or hot dogs.
This chili is different from what you might usually think of, and that’s what makes it special! I love to top mine with cheese and onions—it’s a tasty mix of sweet and savory, perfect for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for this chili. You can also swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. It may change the flavor a bit, but still delicious!
Spices: The unique mix of spices sets Cincinnati chili apart. If you’re missing any, feel free to adjust the amounts or use pre-mixed chili seasoning. My favorite is to add a bit more cinnamon for a sweeter touch.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth. You could substitute it with dark chocolate in small amounts—just melt it down first. It adds a rich flavor that’s really special!
Spaghetti: Traditional Cincinnati chili is served over spaghetti, but you can use alternatives like zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a gluten-free option or whole wheat spaghetti for more fiber.
What’s the Best Way to Simmer For Flavorful Chili?
Simmering is key to developing deep flavors in Cincinnati chili. After you combine everything, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently. Here’s how:
- Keep the chili uncovered to evaporate some liquid, thickening it naturally.
- Cook it slowly for around 1 hour, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as it cooks. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water.
This slow cooking helps all those flavors meld together perfectly, making every bite just right!
How to Make Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained
For Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Kidney beans (optional)
- Oyster crackers (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and 1 hour for simmmering, making a total of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. After some easy prep, you’ll let it simmer and then enjoy your chili over spaghetti!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to break it apart finely as it cooks. This step is important for a nice texture!
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease if needed. Then, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these together until the onions are soft and look a little translucent. This will bring out their sweet flavor, creating a great base for your chili.
3. Add Tomato Sauce and Broth:
Next, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water) and stir to mix everything together. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer—it should start to bubble lightly.
4. Add All the Spices:
Now comes the fun part! Add the chili powder, ground cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, cocoa powder, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to make sure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
5. Simmer for Flavor:
Once everything is well mixed, reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking at the bottom. You’ll notice it thickening up and the flavors melding together beautifully!
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the chili is simmering, cook your spaghetti according to the package’s instructions. Once it’s ready, drain the spaghetti and place a serving on each plate.
7. Assemble Your Dish:
Spoon the Cincinnati chili generously over the hot spaghetti. Don’t be shy—this chili is meant to be the star!
8. Add Toppings:
Top your dish with a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle some chopped onions on top. If you like, you can add kidney beans for extra texture and flavor.
9. Serve with Crackers:
If you want to add a crunchy bite to your chili, serve it with oyster crackers on the side. They are a delicious complement!
Enjoy your Cincinnati Chili over spaghetti—a delightful mix of warm, spiced flavors topped with savory cheese and onions!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Is Cincinnati Chili Gluten-Free?
Yes, Cincinnati chili itself is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free brand of Worcestershire sauce. To keep the dish gluten-free, serve it over gluten-free pasta or zoodles instead of traditional spaghetti.
Can I Make This Chili in Advance?
Yes! Cincinnati chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
