Cincinnati Chili
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
220 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cincinnati Chili
Description
The Cincinnati Chili recipe involves finely chopping onion and sautéing it before adding lean ground beef and a sauce made from tomato sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, cocoa powder, garlic, and a distinctive spice blend including cinnamon, oregano, and allspice. The mixture simmers gently for about two hours, allowing rich flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken. The inclusion of cocoa powder and cinnamon gives the chili a slightly sweet depth that complements the acidity of the tomato and vinegar.
After cooking, the bay leaf is removed and the chili is served over cooked spaghetti noodles. Common toppings include shredded cheddar cheese and chopped raw white onion, with red kidney or chili beans added for extra texture and substance. Different serving styles—2-way through 5-way—refer to variations in toppings, ranging from plain chili over spaghetti to the full combination of chili, cheese, beans, and onion.
This recipe provides a hearty, warming meal combining familiar ingredients with a unique spice profile, often enjoyed as a comforting dinner or casual family meal. The chili sauce can be customized in spiciness or thickness by adjusting simmering time and seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef lean
- 4 cups water
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
For Serving
- spaghetti cooked
- cheddar cheese shredded
- white onion chopped
- red kidney beans or chili beans, canned
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender.
- Add the uncooked beef and the remaining ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer skimming any fat that rises to the top. Simmer for 2 hours or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Serve over hot spaghetti with toppings per the notes below.
Notes
- Serve chili over hot spaghetti and add toppings as preferred: cheese, onions, and beans.
- Different serving styles include 2-way (chili only), 3-way (chili and cheese), 4-way onion (chili, onions, cheese), 4-way bean (chili, beans, cheese), and 5-way (chili, beans, onions, cheese).
- Nutrition info applies to the chili sauce only and excludes pasta or toppings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 220 | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 701mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 757mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1542IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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