Cincinnati’s Hearty Magic: A Spiced Chili Recipe You’ll Love

Steaming bowls of cincinnati chili transport you straight to the heart of ohio’s culinary tradition.

This regional specialty blends unexpected spices into a rich, meaty sauce that surprises and delights.

Cincinnati chili breaks all the traditional chili rules with its unique Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Crafted with ground beef, warm spices, and a secret blend of ingredients, the dish offers comfort in every bite.

Chili purists might raise an eyebrow, but locals know this recipe represents pure midwestern comfort.

Serve it over spaghetti or hot dogs for an authentic taste that turns a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Dive into this beloved comfort food that connects generations through its irresistible, soul-warming charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1-2 hours

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Cincinnati Chili

• Ground Beef: Brings hearty flavor and rich texture, select lean beef for less grease and better consistency.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep meaty undertones and helps create smooth sauce-like texture.

• Chili Powder, Cocoa Powder, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cumin, Cloves: Create Cincinnati's signature complex and warmly spiced profile, choose fresh ground spices for maximum flavor intensity.
• Salt, Pepper: Balance and highlight other seasonings, use freshly ground black pepper for vibrant taste.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle earthy undertones, remove before serving for clean eating experience.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Provide rich tangy base and help thicken the chili, select high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor, enhances overall meat taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright acidity to cut through rich meat.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out flavor profile, use sparingly.
• Onions, Garlic: Build foundational aromatic base, select fresh firm produce for best results.

Kitchen Gear For Cincinnati Chili

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking ground beef and simmering chili, with enough space to mix ingredients comfortably.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise chopping of onions and garlic.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring various spices.
• Measuring Cups: Important for measuring liquids like broth and sauces.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess fat from ground beef.
• Can Opener: Required for opening tomato sauce and paste cans.

How To Prepare Cincinnati Chili

• Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large pot over medium heat. Break the meat into tiny fragments, creating a fine texture. Some chefs prefer boiling the beef in water for an ultra-smooth consistency. Drain any extra grease if needed.

• Create Flavor Base

Tumble chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot. Let them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic essence for about 3-4 minutes.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle a symphony of spices – chili powder, cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, cloves, salt, and pepper. Pour in a medley of liquids including beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar.

• Simmer and Transform

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let the chili simmer lazily for 1-2 hours, occasionally stirring. The liquid will reduce and thicken, creating a rich, complex sauce. Add water if it becomes too dense.

• Serve Cincinnati Style

Pluck out the bay leaf. Serve over spaghetti in classic Cincinnati fashion – choose from 2-way (chili and pasta), 3-way (add cheese), 4-way (add onions or beans), or 5-way (the full monty with cheese, onions, and beans). Crown with oyster crackers and enjoy immediately.

Tips To Make Cincinnati Chili Stand Out

• Chili Cooking Mastery: Transform Your Cincinnati Classic
• Texture Trick: Boil ground beef in water for incredibly fine, almost paste-like meat texture that's authentic to traditional Cincinnati chili style.
• Spice Balance Genius: Toast dry spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their depth and release more complex flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and refrigerating overnight to allow flavors to intensify and meld perfectly.
• Dietary Flexibility: Create vegetarian versions by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the signature spice blend while accommodating different dietary needs.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion and freeze chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready when you need it.

Serving Suggestions For Cincinnati Chili

• Pasta Paradise Plating: Layer spaghetti as a base, creating a delicious foundation for the rich Cincinnati chili. The noodles provide a perfect canvas for absorbing the hearty sauce.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle sharp cheddar generously over the hot chili, letting it melt and create a creamy, tangy topping that complements the spicy meat sauce.
• Crunch Factor Topping: Scatter crispy oyster crackers across the dish for a delightful textural contrast. These small, crunchy bites add a satisfying crackle with every spoonful.
• Onion Zinger Boost: Sprinkle finely chopped raw onions on top for a sharp, fresh kick that cuts through the rich, meaty chili and adds a bright, crisp element to the classic Cincinnati-style dish.

Storing Cincinnati Chili Made Simple

• Chili Batch Magic: Prepare a double portion to stash away extra servings for busy weeks. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
• Refrigerator Wisdom: Store Cincinnati chili in sealed containers for 4-5 days. The flavors will actually intensify and taste more delicious after 1-2 days of resting.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Portion chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chili maintains top quality for 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Mastery: Thaw refrigerated chili in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot, reaching 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

Hearty Cincinnati Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Cincinnati chili delights taste buds with its unique blend of Mediterranean and Midwestern flavors. Meat lovers can savor this Cincinnati classic served over spaghetti or hot dogs, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 lb (450 g) cooked spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• Oyster crackers

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Crumble ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking protein into fine, uniform pieces while gently incorporating water to enhance texture.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic within the meat, allowing them to soften and infuse their robust flavors into the protein base.
3. Spice Integration: Blend an intricate mixture of chili powder, cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, cloves, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly massage spices into the meat, creating a complex flavor landscape.
4. Liquid Dimension: Pour beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional sweetener into the skillet. Stir to create a harmonious liquid foundation.
5. Simmering Transformation: Introduce a bay leaf, bringing the mixture to an initial boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to develop depth and concentrate flavors for 1-2 hours, stirring periodically.
6. Final Assembly: Remove bay leaf and prepare layered presentation. Construct the dish by spreading spaghetti as a base, covering with the rich meat sauce, sprinkling shredded cheese, and optionally garnishing with diced onions or beans.
7. Serving Flourish: Top with oyster crackers and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural complexity of the Cincinnati-style chili.

Notes

• Meat Texture Mastery: Use water while cooking ground beef to break it into ultra-fine, smooth fragments preventing clumpy consistency.
• Spice Blending Strategy: Toast spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic compounds and deepen flavor complexity.
• Simmering Secret: Maintain low, gentle heat during cooking to allow gradual flavor melding and prevent burning or scorching.
• Customization Flexibility: Adjust spice ratios for personal preference, considering reducing cocoa or cinnamon for milder profiles or adding more chili powder for increased heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg