Cincinnati Chili

Experience the unique flavors of Cincinnati Chili, a beloved Midwest classic that takes traditional chili to a whole new level. This one-of-a-kind recipe blends ground beef with unexpected spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, creating a rich, aromatic sauce that’s simmered to perfection. Served over a bed of al dente spaghetti and topped with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans, this dish offers a customizable “way” system—2-way, 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way—depending on your preference. Perfect for hearty family dinners or game-day gatherings, Cincinnati Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Try this regional favorite today for a culinary journey you won’t forget!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Ground beef
• 4 cups Water
• 6 ounces Tomato paste
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons White vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 1 pound Uncooked spaghetti
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Chopped white onion

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and water. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef into small pieces as it cooks over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 2

Once simmering, add the tomato paste, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 3

Stir in the cocoa powder, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, cumin, and bay leaves. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 4

Add the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients and ensure a uniform mixture.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

Step 6

While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside.

Step 7

When the chili is ready, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Step 8

To serve, place a portion of cooked spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl, ladle the Cincinnati chili on top, and add your preferred toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and kidney beans.

Step 9

Enjoy this iconic dish, and customize the toppings to create a 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way Cincinnati Chili experience!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3329.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5454.2

Total Fat 265.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 123.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 967.9mg	0%
Sodium 5225.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 479.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.1g	0%
Total Sugars 61.3g
Protein 295.5g	0%

Vitamin D 63.5IU	0%
Calcium 2256.6mg	0%
Iron 42.9mg	0%
Potassium 6842.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.5%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 35.0%