Cincinnati Hubby's Cincinnati Chili

Experience the bold and complex flavors of "Cincinnati Hubby's Cincinnati Chili," a delicious twist on the iconic Midwest classic. This hearty chili combines ground beef, aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, and a surprising hint of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, velvety flavor. Simmered to perfection with tomato paste, beef broth, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, this dish is served over spaghetti for a signature Cincinnati-style presentation. Customize your bowl with classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, kidney beans, and a side of crispy oyster crackers for the full five-way experience. Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, this recipe is a comforting crowd-pleaser that takes just 15 minutes of prep and feeds six. Turn an ordinary night into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this savory, sweet, and slightly spiced masterpiece!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (optional, for topping)
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans (optional, for topping)
• 1 cup oyster crackers (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat it over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize lightly and deepen in flavor.

Step 4

Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Add unsweetened cocoa powder, chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly, and the flavors should meld together.

Step 7

While the chili simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 8

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl, top with a generous ladle of chili, and add your preferred toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans. Serve with oyster crackers on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4008.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5472.5

Total Fat 282.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 124.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 842.1mg	0%
Sodium 8705.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 468.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.5g	0%
Total Sugars 56.5g
Protein 294.0g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 2089.1mg	0%
Iron 44.5mg	0%
Potassium 5927.7mg	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: 45.4%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 33.6%