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 mins
Cook Time2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 372kcal
- 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.
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.
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.
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