Description
Cincinnati Chili is a unique, flavorful chili served over spaghetti, topped with a variety of delicious fixings. This iconic regional dish has a savory-sweet flavor profile, typically made with ground beef, aromatic spices, and a touch of chocolate and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Diced onions (for topping)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Kidney beans (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and develop a rich flavor.
- While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chili is done, serve it over a bed of spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and any other desired toppings like beans or chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy this Cincinnati classic!
Notes
- Cincinnati Chili is traditionally served over spaghetti, but it can also be enjoyed over hot dogs (as a ‘coney’) or as a chili dip.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a bit of dark chocolate or a square of unsweetened chocolate to the chili.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg