Go Back

Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili is a spiced, meat-based chili with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, traditionally served over spaghetti and topped with a variety of garnishes. Unlike typical chili, it's thinner in consistency and features unexpected spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder. It's a true Midwestern comfort food served "2-way" to "5-way" with spaghetti, beans, onions, and cheese.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 45 minutes

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Medium saucepan for spaghetti
  • Colander

Ingredients

  • For the Chili:
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • For Serving:
  • 1 lb cooked spaghetti
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and warmed
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
  • Oyster crackers optional

Instructions

  • Simmer the Meat:
  • In a large pot, combine the ground beef and water or broth. Bring to a boil and use a spoon to break up the beef into fine pieces as it cooks. Simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.
  • Add Remaining Ingredients:
  • Add the chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all spices including cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, and the bay leaf.
  • Simmer Slowly:
  • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  • Cook the Spaghetti:
  • While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Assemble Your Way:
  • Serve warm chili over a bed of spaghetti and layer toppings as desired:
  • 2-Way: Chili + Spaghetti
  • 3-Way: Chili + Spaghetti + Cheese
  • 4-Way: Chili + Spaghetti + Cheese + Onions OR Beans
  • 5-Way: Chili + Spaghetti + Cheese + Onions + Beans
Servings: 8 servings