Description
Authentic Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful meat sauce with a blend of spices including cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate, served over spaghetti and topped with cheddar cheese, onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers. This hearty recipe simmers slowly to develop a rich, savory, and slightly sweet chili that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili
- 2 pounds 90/10 ground beef
- 2 cups water or chicken stock, plus more if needed
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate (optional)
For Serving (optional)
- 16 ounces spaghetti, cooked
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup oyster crackers
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Place the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks until fully browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Bring the mixture back to a boil.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water or chicken stock if needed to achieve your desired thickness.
- Finish the Chili: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and the optional unsweetened chocolate until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired to balance flavors.
- Serve: Divide cooked spaghetti among bowls. Ladle the hot chili over the spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Simmering the chili for a long time allows the flavors and spices to meld together beautifully.
- Adding unsweetened chocolate is optional but adds depth and richness to the chili.
- Adjust chili powder levels to your preferred spice tolerance.
- Use water or chicken stock depending on your flavor preference; stock adds more savory depth.
- This recipe is traditionally served over spaghetti and garnished with cheese, onions, beans, and crackers for the full Cincinnati chili experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 bowl with toppings and spaghetti)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
