Cincinnati Chili(Served Over Thin Spaghetti.)
A hearty Cincinnati chili served over spaghetti, blending savory beef with warming spices and a touch of chocolate for a rich, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. beef broth ⓘ
- 2 lb. very lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. onion flakes
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 oz. unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pan, bring beef broth to a boil.
- Gradually add ground beef to the broth, separating the meat into small pieces.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Mix in the rest of the ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Refrigerate overnight and skim off fat.
- Reheat slowly and serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. When simmering, ensure the spices are well-blended for optimal flavor. This Cincinnati Chili can also be served over hot dogs for a fun twist, similar to American recipes featuring chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cincinnati Chili over a bed of thin spaghetti, and top with shredded cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans for a classic presentation. A side of garlic bread complements the meal beautifully. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside a bowl of 'Home For Christmas' Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cincinnati Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cincinnati Chili(Served Over Thin Spaghetti.) contains roughly 1299 calories, with 52g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2914mg per serving (127% 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 tastes even better after resting for a day. Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate overnight, and skim off fat before reheating. The flavors meld beautifully, providing a delicious meal when you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or a vegetable broth as a substitute. For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami richness of the dish.
Is Cincinnati Chili gluten-free?
Cincinnati Chili is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain wheat-based ingredients. However, ensure that the beef broth and any additional toppings you use, like cheese or pasta, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
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).