If you’ve never tried Cincinnati Chili, you’re in for a delightful surprise with this Cincinnati Chili Recipe. This unique dish blends a savory meat sauce with a distinctive mix of spices, creating a sweet and hearty flavor that’s totally different from your typical chili. Served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese and onions, it’s a Midwest classic that brings comfort and excitement to any dinner table. Whether you’re craving something cozy or want to impress friends with a regional favorite, this recipe is sure to become an instant hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the true essence of Cincinnati chili. Each element plays a role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors, colors, and textures that make this recipe unforgettable. From the fragrant spices to the rich tomato base, these simple ingredients create pure magic in your pot.
- 2 lbs ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty foundation essential for authentic chili.
- 1 quart water: The cooking medium that tenderizes the beef and blends flavors.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Offers a mild tomato base that balances spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tang to brighten the chili’s taste.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami richness and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The classic chili spice that warms and flavors the dish.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: An unexpected spice that lends a warm, sweet note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice: Adds a subtle peppery-sweet undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a unique depth that’s signature to Cincinnati chili.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A little heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adding mild sharpness and complexity.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic and savory depth.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and texture.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts subtle herbal notes during simmering.
- 1 square (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate: Surprises with a rich, smooth finish that balances acidity.
- Optional – 1 lb spaghetti: The traditional base making Cincinnati chili uniquely satisfying.
- Optional toppings: Kidney beans, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, oyster crackers for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Begin the Broth
Start by crumbling the ground beef into a large pot filled with water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to break up the meat. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the top. This process helps produce a clear, flavorful broth and tender beef pieces perfect for the chili base.
Step 2: Add Tomato and Spice Ingredients
Once the beef is gently cooked, stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to establish a rich, tangy foundation. Then add chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped onion, and a bay leaf. These spices give Cincinnati chili its distinctive sweet and savory personality.
Step 3: Incorporate Chocolate and Simmer
Drop in the square of unsweetened chocolate, allowing it to melt into the sauce, adding depth and a subtle smooth finish. Let the chili simmer uncovered on low heat for one and a half to two hours, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. This slow cooking allows all those complex spices to marry together beautifully and the flavors to intensify.
Step 4: Finish and Prepare for Serving
Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Your Cincinnati Chili Recipe is now ready to become the star of your meal, carrying the legacy of a Midwest favorite that never disappoints.
How to Serve Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of Cincinnati chili often comes from how you dress it up. Traditional garnishes include shredded cheddar cheese that melts beautifully on hot chili, diced raw onions for crisp contrast, and even kidney beans for added texture and heartiness. Don’t forget oyster crackers for a crunchy, salty topping that completes the experience.
Side Dishes
Simple sides complement Cincinnati chili perfectly. A fresh green salad balances the rich meat sauce, and crusty bread or cornbread is excellent for mopping up every last bit of that flavorful chili. For a more filling meal, steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes work wonderfully alongside this hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
The traditional presentation involves layering over spaghetti, but feel free to get creative! Try serving the chili over baked potatoes for a comforting twist, or stuff it into soft taco shells for a chili-inspired taco night. You can even use Cincinnati chili as a topping for nachos, adding all the usual garnishes for a fun and unique snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cincinnati chili actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to cool the chili to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.
Freezing
This Cincinnati Chili Recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve all of its deep, layered flavors.
Reheating
Reheat chili gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help restore the sauce’s perfect consistency.
FAQs
What makes Cincinnati chili different from regular chili?
Cincinnati chili is unique because it’s served over spaghetti and includes an unusual blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and even chocolate, creating a rich and slightly sweet flavor profile unlike traditional Tex-Mex chili.
Can I make Cincinnati chili without chocolate?
While the unsweetened chocolate adds depth and balances acidity, you can skip it if necessary, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich and distinctive. Consider substituting with a small amount of cocoa powder if you want a chocolate flavor without altering the texture.
Is Cincinnati chili spicy?
It has a mild heat level with a comforting warmth rather than a strong kick. The cayenne pepper is subtle, and the sweetness from cinnamon and chocolate helps tone down any spiciness, making it friendly for most palates.
What is the best way to serve Cincinnati chili?
Traditionally, Cincinnati chili is served over spaghetti and offered in “ways”: 2-way (chili over spaghetti), 3-way (add cheese), 4-way (cheese plus onions or beans), and 5-way (cheese, onions, and beans), topped with oyster crackers for authentic flair.
Can I prepare Cincinnati chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, allowing the chili to rest overnight improves the melding of flavors. It’s a great make-ahead dish and perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Cincinnati Chili Recipe is truly a treasure worth discovering and sharing. Its unique blend of spices, comforting texture, and fun traditional presentation make it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any day of the week. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite chili that brings a delicious slice of Ohio tradition right into your kitchen!
Print
Cincinnati Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Midwestern)
Description
Cincinnati Chili is a flavorful and unique American Midwestern dish featuring ground beef simmered with a distinctive blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, and unsweetened chocolate. Served traditionally over spaghetti with various toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans, this hearty chili offers a sweet and savory profile perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 quart water
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 square (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate
Optional Ingredients & Toppings
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Kidney beans
- Chopped onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the beef: In a large pot, crumble the ground beef into the quart of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to break the beef into smaller pieces.
- Simmer the beef: Reduce heat to low and let the beef simmer for 30 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during this period to keep the chili clear and flavorful.
- Add the flavor base: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped onion, bay leaf, and the unsweetened chocolate square. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Slow simmer: Allow the chili to simmer uncovered on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure all flavors meld beautifully. The slow cooking develops the complex, signature flavor of Cincinnati chili.
- Finish and remove bay leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the chili to avoid any bitter notes.
- Serve: Traditionally serve the chili over cooked spaghetti. Add optional toppings based on preferences such as shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers for texture and added flavor.
- Classic serving styles: Enjoy your meal served as 2-Way (chili over spaghetti), 3-Way (chili, spaghetti, and cheese), 4-Way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, plus onions or beans), or 5-Way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans).
Notes
- For best flavor, make Cincinnati chili a day in advance to allow the spices to deepen and develop fully.
- This chili freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
- The unique spice blend including cinnamon and unsweetened chocolate sets Cincinnati chili apart from other chili styles with a sweet and savory taste.
- Optional toppings can be customized based on dietary preferences and taste.
