Description
Cincinnati Chili is a flavorful, unique take on traditional chili, served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and optional kidney beans. This recipe combines aromatic spices like cinnamon and cocoa powder with classic chili ingredients, resulting in a rich, comforting dish perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For Serving:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Chopped onions (for topping)
- Kidney beans (optional, for topping)
- Hot sauce (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Simmer the Chili: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then add 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer on Low Heat: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more water if chili becomes too thick, adjusting to your desired consistency.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the chili simmers, prepare spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble and Serve: Place cooked spaghetti on plates, ladle Cincinnati chili over the top, and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans if desired. Add hot sauce for extra heat.
Notes
- For a leaner chili, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- The cocoa powder adds depth and richness but is subtle; do not omit if aiming for authentic flavor.
- Adjust water quantity to achieve your preferred chili thickness.
- Kidney beans are optional but add texture and more protein.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
