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Cincinnati Chili

A comforting dish with a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, Cincinnati Chili is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, served traditionally over spaghetti.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base
  • 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs ground beef Can be substituted with turkey or plant-based alternatives
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
Spices
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Other Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar Can adjust based on taste
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces spaghetti (cooked according to package instructions)
  • Shredded cheddar (optional) For serving
  • Finely chopped onions (optional) For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, stirring frequently.
  2. Once the onions are translucent, reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Use a spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, which will take about 20 to 30 minutes. Skim off any fat that floats to the top.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, allspice, cloves, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
  2. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours to develop rich and complex flavors. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Serving
  1. Serve the Cincinnati Chili over the cooked spaghetti, topping it with shredded cheddar and finely chopped onions if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, let the chili sit in the fridge overnight before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Adjust spices according to heat preference.