Description
Authentic Cincinnati Chili recipe with signature spices like cinnamon and cocoa, served over spaghetti for a unique Midwestern classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked
- Shredded cheddar cheese, kidney beans, chopped onions (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil the Beef: Place ground beef and water (or broth) in a large pot. Bring to a boil, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Once cooked through, skim any foam.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, simmering for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomato Base: Add tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Spice it Up: Mix in chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, salt, allspice, paprika, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and cocoa powder. Stir well.
- Add Final Flavor Boosters: Pour in vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf. If desired, add sugar to mellow acidity.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if it gets too thick.
- Rest and Serve: Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over spaghetti, then top with your preferred “way” (cheese, beans, onions).
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 646
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 43 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 51 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Cincinnati Chili, Spaghetti, American Cuisine