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Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili is an experience like no other, combining rich, aromatic spices with tender ground meat to create a uniquely flavorful chili. Served over spaghetti and often garnished with shredded cheese, onions, and beans, this dish transforms traditional chili into a one-of-a-kind culinary delight.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 191 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 bay leaves
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth low sodium or no sodium added
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
  • Cooked Spaghetti
  • cheddar cheese shredded
  • onions chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the chili to a simmer and add the cooked ground beef. Cover the pot and simmer the chili for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. To serve, ladle the chili over cooked spaghetti or other pasta. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions, if desired.

Notes

  • Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to reach your desired spice level.
  • Serving Options: Traditional Cincinnati Chili is often served over spaghetti ("2-way"), but you can also add cheese ("3-way") and onions ("4-way"), and beans ("5-way") for a heartier meal.
  • Chocolate: A small amount of cocoa powder or dark chocolate helps deepen the flavor; feel free to experiment to find your preference.
  • Leftovers: This chili freezes well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
  • Simmering Time: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 2 hours to fully develop the flavors. If you find it too thick, you can add a bit more water or broth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this dish gluten-free.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 191kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 59mg (20%) Sodium 421mg (18%) Potassium 605mg (17%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 666IU (13%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 36mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 191

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 191kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 59mg 20%
Sodium 421mg 18%
Potassium 605mg 13%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 666IU 13%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 36mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.