Crock Pot Cincinnati Chili

Experience the bold, iconic flavors of the Midwest with this Crock Pot Cincinnati Chili, a richly spiced and slow-simmered dish perfect for cozy family dinners or game-day feasts. This unique chili recipe combines ground beef with a medley of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of cocoa powder, resulting in the signature sweet-and-savory flavor Cincinnati chili is known for. Cooked low and slow in your crock pot, it’s enhanced with crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar for a perfect balance of depth and tanginess. Serve traditionally over spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions for that classic “three-way” style, or use it as a hearty topping for hot dogs. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this crowd-pleasing recipe redefines comfort food with its unique twist and irresistible aroma. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a warm, satisfying bowl of chili!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground allspice
• 0.25 tsp ground cloves
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 12 oz cooked spaghetti (optional, for serving)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup diced onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Drain off excess fat and transfer the beef to the crock pot.

Step 2

Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the crock pot.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5

Add the bay leaf to the mixture and cover the crock pot with the lid.

Step 6

Set the crock pot to low and cook for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors.

Step 7

Once the chili has finished cooking, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 8

Serve the Cincinnati chili over cooked spaghetti or use as a topping for hot dogs. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2623.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3390.8

Total Fat 203.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 762.3mg	0%
Sodium 6341.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g	0%
Total Sugars 30.5g
Protein 214.2g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1166.9mg	0%
Iron 29.2mg	0%
Potassium 4341.9mg	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: 53.2%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 21.9%