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Cincinnati Chili Recipe
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4.87 from 29 votes

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati chili is a chili unlike any other, filled with a beguiling mix of unique spices and served over hot spaghetti, a beloved regional favorite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 372kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 4 cups water (or use tomato juice)
  • 1 can tomato sauce canned (15 ounces)
  • 4 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup chili powder more or less as desired
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground all spice
  • 1 teaspoon milled black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 5 whole bay leaves
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
  • 1.5 teaspoons vinegar I used red wine vinegar
  • 2 large dashes Worcestershire sauce

FOR SERVING

  • Cooked spaghetti noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, kidney beans, chopped onions, oyster crackers.

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  • Break up the uncooked beef as fine as you can with a wooden spoon, or use a potato masher.
  • Cook on medium-low heat, uncovered, for two hours, stirring every 20 mins.
  • Serve with your favorite fixins! See the recipe notes for the traditional "ways" to serve Cincinnati Chili.

Notes

Ways to Serve Cincinnati Chili
  • 2-Way - Over spaghetti
  • 3-Way - Over spaghetti with cheddar cheese
  • 4-Way - Over spaghetti with cheddar cheese, with either diced onions OR beans
  • 5-Way - Over spaghetti, with both diced onions AND beans
Or, serve it over a hot dog with mustard, onions and shredded cheddar cheese.
Heat Factor: Mild
Nutritional information estimated without spaghetti noodles or other toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1596mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2807IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 6mg