Master Cincinnati Chili Recipe: Savory Midwest Comfort Magic

On a chilly cincinnati chili night, comfort calls for a heartwarming bowl of regional magic that blends unexpected flavors.

Midwestern culinary traditions sparkle with surprising ingredients and robust spice combinations.

Meat lovers and adventurous cooks find this recipe irresistibly unique.

Mediterranean and Mexican influences dance through each carefully seasoned bite.

Cinnamon and cocoa powder create mysterious depth in this classic midwest staple.

Layers of complex tastes invite you to experience something truly extraordinary.

Dive into this delicious journey and transform your dinner table with one remarkable dish.

What Makes Cincinnati Chili a Favorite

• Savor Unique Flavor Profile: Cincinnati chili blends sweet and savory spices with unexpected ingredients like cocoa and chocolate, creating a distinctive taste that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: This recipe requires minimal prep work and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create a hearty, impressive meal.
• Customize Your Comfort Dish: Versatile serving options allow everyone to personalize their plate by choosing toppings like cheese, onions, and beans, ensuring each person enjoys their perfect bowl of chili.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: One-pot cooking method means less cleanup, while the recipe provides a filling meal that can feed a crowd or offer delicious leftovers for multiple meals.

What You Need for Cincinnati Chili

• Ground Beef: Classic protein for Cincinnati chili base.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory flavor to the dish.

• Onion: Provides sweet and sharp foundation.
• Garlic: Delivers deep, aromatic undertone.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, tangy base.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings bright, tangy balance.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves: Signature Cincinnati chili spice blend.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds subtle depth and richness.
• Chocolate (Optional): Enhances complexity of flavor.

• Spaghetti, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Onions, Beans: Traditional Cincinnati chili garnishes and base.

• Oil: Helps sauté aromatics and brown meat.

Cincinnati Chili Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Ingredients

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Crank up the heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break apart the meat and cook until it transforms into golden-brown, crispy crumbles.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Spice blend

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Slow Simmer the Chili

Let the chili bubble away uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This slow process helps intensify the rich, complex flavors.

Step 5: Enhance with Chocolate Notes

Sprinkle in cocoa powder and optional chocolate pieces. Cook for a few additional minutes, which adds depth and a subtle richness to the chili.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Diced onions
• Kidney beans

Enjoy this Cincinnati classic that blends sweet, savory, and spicy elements into one comforting dish.

Good Tips for Cincinnati Chili Prep

• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deeper, richer taste by ensuring no pink remains and creating delicious caramelized edges.
• Balance Spice Complexity: Use high-quality chili powder and ground cinnamon for authentic Cincinnati-style flavor profile that distinguishes this regional chili variation.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Simmer uncovered to naturally reduce sauce and concentrate flavors, allowing chili to thicken without becoming too dry or soupy.
• Enhance Texture Variation
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chili a day before serving to allow spices to meld and intensify, creating even more robust and complex flavor throughout the dish.

Keeping Cincinnati Chili Flavorful The Next Day

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the chili cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Sides to Serve with Cincinnati Chili

• Pair Zesty Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the rich, spicy Cincinnati chili flavors, enhancing the dish's complex spice profile.
• Match Crisp Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the chili's intense and hearty characteristics, providing a light counterpoint.
• Complement Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah with enough structure to stand up to the chili's robust meat and spice elements, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Enhance with Cornbread: Serve a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread to soak up the chili's sauce and add a complementary texture that rounds out the meal's overall flavor profile.

Unique Ways to Serve Cincinnati Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a protein-rich meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free spaghetti or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Chili Option: Skip spaghetti completely and serve over cauliflower rice or directly in a bowl, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Heat Boost: Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for those wanting more intense heat, creating a bolder and more fiery Cincinnati chili experience.

FAQs

• What makes Cincinnati chili different from traditional chili?

Cincinnati chili is a unique regional dish with Mediterranean-inspired spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, creating a sweeter, more complex flavor profile compared to traditional Texas-style chili.

• Is Cincinnati chili spicy?

Cincinnati chili is typically mild and more aromatic than spicy. The blend of warm spices like cinnamon and chocolate provides depth without intense heat, making it mild and flavorful for most palates.

• Why is Cincinnati chili served over spaghetti?

This style originated from Greek immigrants in Cincinnati who adapted their Mediterranean meat sauce to local tastes, creating a unique “two-way” or “three-way” dish combining chili and pasta as a hearty, comforting meal.

• Can I make Cincinnati chili without meat?

While traditional Cincinnati chili is made with ground beef, you can create a vegetarian version using plant-based ground meat alternatives or lentils to maintain the signature spice blend and texture.

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cincinnati Chili brings Mediterranean spices and Midwestern comfort together in a soulful dish that simmers with complex flavors. Served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar, you’ll savor this unique culinary tradition that celebrates Cincinnati’s rich cultural heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• Kidney beans (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup grated dark chocolate (optional)

Liquids and Aromatics:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Garnishes and Serving:

• Cooked spaghetti
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced onions

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in hot oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence in the pot.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into fine crumbles while browning thoroughly over heightened heat.
3. Pour in savory beef broth, tangy tomato sauce, and zesty apple cider vinegar, creating a rich liquid base.
4. Sprinkle an intricate blend of warming spices into the mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the protein.
5. Reduce heat and allow the concoction to gently simmer, developing deep, complex flavors while occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
6. After approximately 75-90 minutes of slow cooking, integrate unsweetened cocoa powder to amplify the chili’s mysterious depth.
7. Optional: Fold in a touch of dark chocolate for an enhanced, velvety undertone that elevates the overall complexity.
8. Plate the robust chili atop a bed of tender spaghetti, creating Cincinnati’s signature layered presentation.
9. Garnish with sharp shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped raw onions, and optional kidney beans for textural contrast and traditional accompaniment.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cayenne for personal heat preference.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Consider vegetarian alternative by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for protein-packed version.
• Make larger batch and freeze portions for convenient future meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg