Best Cincinnati Chili
User Reviews
4.9
Best Cincinnati Chili
Description
The Best Cincinnati Chili recipe blends ground beef and water, which are broken into a fine texture to create a smooth meat base. Tomato sauce and paste combine with a mix of aromatic spices such as chili powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika, enriched further with notes of allspice, cloves, and a touch of unsweetened chocolate for depth. Apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce add acidity and complexity, balancing the meat’s richness.
The chili is simmered gently for 1-2 hours to thicken and allow the flavors to meld, producing a sauce that is both hearty and fragrant. Unlike thicker stews, this chili has a somewhat saucy consistency ideal for spooning over pasta or hot dogs. Its flavor carries distinctive warm spices uncommon in typical chili recipes, creating a subtly sweet and earthy profile.
Serving Cincinnati Chili traditionally includes layering it over cooked spaghetti noodles and finishing with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and optionally kidney beans, creating five variations known as 3-Way, 4-Way, and 5-Way. This layered approach offers a range of textures and flavors from creamy cheese to crisp onions.
This chili can be reheated or made ahead, with thicker texture achieved through longer simmering rather than thickening agents. It is versatile for stovetop, slow cooker, or pressure cooker methods, and leftovers freeze well for future meals.
Ingredients
Chili
- 2 pounds ground beef we use 85/15 but 80/20 is also a popular choice, lean
- 4 cups water
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 onion finely chopped (about 2 cups, large
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 2-3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt coarse
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ground
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate chopped (optional, or bittersweet chocolate
- 2 bay leaf
For Serving
- spaghetti noodles cooked
- cheddar cheese shredded, mild or medium
- onion white or yellow, chopped
- Kidney Beans rinsed, drained, and warmed
- oyster crackers
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, combine the ground beef and water. Use a potato masher, whisk, or fork to break up the meat into very fine pieces until you essentially have a slurry of meat water.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion, garlic, all seasoning and spices, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, brown sugar, and chocolate to the Dutch oven and stir well to combine.
- Turn the heat on to medium-high. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours until thick, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or cayenne pepper, if needed. At this point you can cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight and reheat the next day, or enjoy immediately.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or hot dogs with your desired toppings. See notes for different "ways".
Notes
- For a thicker chili, continue simmering to reduce excess liquid instead of using flour or cornstarch.
- The chili can be cooked in a slow cooker or Instant Pot with reduced water; stirring halfway through a slow cooker cook helps reduce liquid.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze up to 6 months in airtight containers.
- Serve over spaghetti for traditional 3-Way, 4-Way, or 5-Way styles including toppings like cheddar, onions, and beans.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8-10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 202 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 202kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 725mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 528mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 790IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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