Introduction

Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful take on a classic dish, perfect for a comforting meal. Slow cooking the chili allows the spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully for a rich, hearty sauce. Serve it over spaghetti for an authentic experience with your favorite toppings.

A white plate holds a layered dish beginning with a base of yellowish spaghetti noodles that are slightly shiny and tangled. On top of the noodles sits a thick layer of dark brown ground meat sauce with a rich, crumbly texture. Scattered within the meat are small red kidney beans, adding a deep red color. The upper layer is bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese mixed with small white onion chunks. A fork is stuck into the meat sauce, lifting some of it along with a few noodles. The background shows a soft green blur of leafy greens on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs. 80/20 ground beef (browned and drained)
1 large white onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4.5 oz. tomato paste
15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. dark chili powder
¼ tsp. cloves
¼ tsp. allspice
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 cups beef stock
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Cooked spaghetti noodles (for serving)
Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Diced white onion (for topping)
Canned kidney beans (drained, rinsed, and warmed, optional for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, cloves, allspice, cayenne, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Serve the chili hot, either on its own or poured over cooked spaghetti noodles. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced white onion, and warmed kidney beans if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Adding a splash of beer or a bit more Worcestershire sauce can enhance depth of flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner variation.
Beans are optional in Cincinnati-style chili but add extra texture and heartiness if you like.
Allow the chili to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld even more.

Storage

Store leftover Cincinnati chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with three layers: the bottom layer is light yellow cooked spaghetti noodles, the middle layer is dark brown ground meat sauce mixed with red kidney beans and bits of tomato, and the top layer is grated bright yellow cheddar cheese sprinkled with small pieces of chopped white onion. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a silver fork resting on the right side. In the background, there is a small white bowl with more grated cheddar and some green parsley scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chili on the stove over low heat for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors are well blended and the sauce thickens.

What makes Cincinnati chili different from other chili recipes?

Cincinnati chili features a unique blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa powder, and is often served over spaghetti with toppings like shredded cheese and diced onions, setting it apart from traditional chili con carne.