Cincinnati Chili(Student Favorite)
Cincinnati Chili offers a rich, spiced meat sauce with unique flavors like cinnamon and allspice, perfect for hearty bowls or hot dogs, appealing to comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. very lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, stir together the ground beef and water so that the beef separates to a very fine texture.
- Mix in all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- During the last hour, the pan may be covered upon reaching the desired consistency.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve in bowls with spaghetti, red beans, chopped onions, and grated cheese or any combination.
- Chili can also be used to make delicious Coney Island hot dogs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or beef broth to the mix. If you're short on time, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time while maintaining tenderness. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version. Adjust the spices to your preference for a milder or spicier chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cincinnati Chili over spaghetti for a classic presentation, or offer it with side dishes like cornbread or garlic bread. For a fun twist, try topping it with Frosted Dill Pickles for a crunchy contrast. It also makes a great filling for Coney Island hot dogs, allowing your guests to customize their meals.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cincinnati Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cincinnati Chili(Student Favorite) contains roughly 987 calories, with 36g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (140% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2215mg per serving (96% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cincinnati Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and consider making extra to freeze for quick meals later.
What are some variations I can try with this chili?
Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like black beans for extra protein or diced bell peppers for added sweetness. You can also try different spices, such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper, to give it a unique twist based on your taste preferences.
Is Cincinnati Chili typically served spicy?
Cincinnati Chili is known for its unique blend of spices, which can include a hint of heat from crushed red pepper. However, it's generally not overly spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder and crushed red pepper to suit your taste.
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).