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