Cincinnati Chili
Savory, spiced chili served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans for a unique twist. A comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: 1 small piece dark chocolate for added depth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up finely. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cocoa powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, tomato sauce, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Optional: Stir in dark chocolate at the end and let it melt fully into the chili.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or hot dogs. Build it “5-way” style if desired:
- 1-Way: Just chili
- 2-Way: Chili + Spaghetti
- 3-Way: + Shredded cheese
- 4-Way: + Diced onions
- 5-Way: + Kidney beans