Cincinnati Chili with Zucchini Noodles

User Reviews

4.9

54 reviews
Excellent

Cincinnati Chili with Zucchini Noodles

This Cincinnati Chili recipe uses ground beef cooked with a blend of spices including cocoa powder and cinnamon, giving it a unique depth of flavor. The chili is served over sautéed zucchini noodles, adding a fresh and lighter alternative to traditional pasta. Melted cheddar cheese on top complements the spicy, slightly sweet chili, creating a hearty but balanced meal.

Description

Cincinnati Chili with Zucchini Noodles combines classic Cincinnati chili spices—like cocoa powder and cinnamon—with ground beef and vegetables such as garlic, onion, and green pepper. The chili is simmered to develop a thick texture and rich flavors. Instead of usual pasta, zucchini is shredded into noodles and briefly sautéed for a tender yet slightly crisp base that absorbs the flavors without overpowering them. The addition of shredded cheddar cheese on top adds creaminess and a sharp contrast to the chili's spices.

The preparation involves browning the beef, softening the vegetables, and simmering the chili sauce with tomatoes that include chipotle chiles, contributing a smoky heat. This dish offers a satisfying meal that is lower in carbohydrates thanks to the zucchini noodles. It pairs well with a simple side or salad for a complete dinner.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 onion
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon worcester sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 can tomato with chipotle chilies
  • 1 zucchini large
  • cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and drain off any extra fat.
  2. Then add the garlic, onion and green pepper and cook for a few minutes to soften.
  3. Add the cocoa powder, chili powder, Worchester sauce and cinnamon and stir to mix.
  4. Mix in the tomatoes, cover and cook on low for at at least 30 minutes. Longer is fine too though, I usually let it cook for an hour if I have time. You could add water, but I like my chili thick, so I don't.
  5. A few minutes before you are ready to serve dinner shred the zucchini into long strands.
  6. Saute the strands for 5 minutes in a frying pan sprayed with cooking spray.
  7. Serve the chili over the zucchini with lots of cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 354kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 10g (50%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 81mg (27%) Sodium 306mg (13%) Potassium 873mg (19%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 918IU (18%) Vitamin C 21mg (23%) Calcium 89mg (9%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 354 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 354kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 81mg 27%
Sodium 306mg 13%
Potassium 873mg 19%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 918IU 18%
Vitamin C 21mg 23%
Calcium 89mg 9%
Iron 5mg 28%

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

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Overall Rating

4.9

54 reviews
Excellent

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