Cincinnati Chili is a tasty twist on traditional chili, featuring ground beef, spices, and a hint of chocolate for extra flavor. It’s usually served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions, or beans!
This dish is perfect for those cozy nights. I love digging into the layers of flavors, and honestly, who can resist a mountain of cheese on top? 😋
Whenever I make Cincinnati Chili, I like to prepare extra so I can have leftovers. It’s even better the next day, making dinner a breeze! Enjoy every spoonful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The base for this dish is usually ground beef, but you can try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian crumbles work great for a meat-free version too!
Spices: The spices make this chili unique! If you don’t have allspice or cloves, you can increase the cinnamon or use a pre-made chili spice blend. Just adjust to your taste!
Unsweetened Chocolate: The chocolate adds a special depth. If you’re looking for a substitution, cocoa powder works well. Just remember, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder can replace 1 ounce of chocolate!
Spaghetti: Traditional Cincinnati Chili is served over spaghetti, but you could use any pasta you have on hand. Try rotini or even zucchini noodles if you want something lighter!
How Can You Achieve the Best Flavor with Your Chili?
The secret to a flavorful Cincinnati Chili is all in the cooking time and the way you layer the ingredients. Start by finely chopping your onions and garlic, since smaller pieces will blend better into the sauce. This also helps release their flavors faster.
- Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned to build a great base flavor.
- Remember, patience is key when simmering. Let the chili cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps the spices meld beautifully.
- Don’t rush the final taste test! Adjust the seasonings based on your preference. A little more salt or spice can go a long way.
How to Make Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate or 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- For Serving:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (for topping)
- Optional: cooked kidney beans (for a 3-way or 5-way chili)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cincinnati Chili takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1.5 to 2 hours to simmer. You’ll be rewarded with a hearty dish full of flavor that will delight your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside while you prepare the chili.
2. Prepare the Chili Meat Sauce:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly for about 7-10 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
3. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook them together for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Stir in Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to build flavor.
5. Combine the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth or water and stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to add the spices: cinnamon, allspice, cloves, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, cayenne (if you like it spicy), Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors!
7. Incorporate Chocolate:
Crumble the baking chocolate (or stir in cocoa powder) into the sauce until it melts completely. This chocolate is what makes Cincinnati Chili so special!
8. Simmer for Flavor:
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer, partially covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir it occasionally. The goal is to thicken the chili and allow all the flavors to meld.
9. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt or spices if desired.
10. Assemble the Dish:
To serve, place a generous serving of cooked spaghetti onto a plate. Ladle a hearty amount of chili meat sauce over the spaghetti.
11. Add the Toppings:
Top with a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese and, if you like, some chopped raw onions.
12. Explore Cincinnati Chili Ways:
If you want to explore the different “ways” of serving Cincinnati Chili:
- 2-way: spaghetti with chili
- 3-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese
- 4-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions
- 5-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, kidney beans
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy every delicious bite of your Cincinnati Chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a lower-fat alternative and works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook slightly faster than beef.
How Long Will Leftover Cincinnati Chili Last?
Leftover Cincinnati Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Of course! If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, consider adding fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
What Should I Serve with Cincinnati Chili?
While Cincinnati Chili is traditionally served over spaghetti, you could serve it with cornbread, garlic bread, or even atop rice for a different twist. A fresh salad on the side also complements the meal nicely!