Cincinnati Chili(Makes 8 Servings)
Cincinnati chili offers a unique blend of spices with a rich, meaty flavor profile, perfect for hearty gatherings or weeknight dinners with customizable toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
- Cook over high heat, stirring to break up large pieces, until beef loses its pink color.
- Add chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cumin, dried oregano, tomato paste, water, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Discard bay leaves before serving.
- Serve over spaghetti and offer side dishes of beans, grated American cheese, and chopped green onions for customization.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Adjust the chili powder to your spice tolerance, and feel free to add some diced bell peppers for additional texture. This Cincinnati Chili is delicious served over spaghetti, but also pairs well with recipes like Chris' Chili for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cincinnati Chili over a bed of spaghetti for a classic presentation. Offer grated American cheese, chopped green onions, and beans on the side for guests to customize their bowls. For a complete meal, pair with a simple salad or garlic bread. This dish also works well with recipes like Easy Casserole For A Busy Day for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cincinnati Chili(Makes 8 Servings) contains roughly 1223 calories, with 35g protein, 272g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (516% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 585mg per serving (25% 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 a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Cincinnati Chili in a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off version.
What is the secret ingredient in Cincinnati Chili?
The unique blend of spices makes Cincinnati Chili special, particularly the addition of cinnamon and allspice, which gives it a distinct flavor. Some recipes might also include a hint of cocoa powder for depth. Experimenting with these spices can elevate your dish and make it more authentic.
How can I thicken my Cincinnati Chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the chili as it simmers to achieve your desired consistency.
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).