Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful take on chili, blending spices like cinnamon and allspice with traditional ingredients for a rich, savory dish. Its distinctive taste pairs perfectly with spaghetti and shredded cheese, making it a comforting meal ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 6 servings hot cooked spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped onions, and water in a saucepan.
- Simmer until the beef turns brown.
- Add tomatoes with liquid, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, ground allspice, salt, cayenne, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer for 3 hours.
- Fat will float to the top during cooking.
- If desired, chill the chili and lift off the fat layer or spoon off the fat before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked spaghetti and top with shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, let the chili simmer longer than three hours; just keep an eye on the liquid level. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or add a tablespoon of tomato paste. This Cincinnati Chili pairs beautifully with Skillet Spaghetti for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cincinnati Chili hot over a bed of spaghetti, then top with shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped onions for added crunch. A side of cornbread or a simple green salad complements the dish well. This comfort food is perfect for gatherings and pairs wonderfully with other American recipes for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cincinnati Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cincinnati Chili contains roughly 1496 calories, with 54g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (403% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1839mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cincinnati Chili in advance?
Yes, Cincinnati Chili can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat as mentioned above for the best results.
Is Cincinnati Chili spicy?
The spiciness of Cincinnati Chili can vary based on the amount of cayenne pepper you use. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne to half a teaspoon or omit it altogether. The other spices give it a unique flavor without overwhelming heat.
What should I serve with Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati Chili is traditionally served over spaghetti, but it can also be enjoyed with rice or as a topping for baked potatoes. For added texture, consider serving it with oyster crackers or cornbread, which complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).