Dixie Chili (Cincinnati Style)
A hearty Cincinnati-style chili with rich spices and a unique blend of flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting family dinners, served over various ways.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. ice water ⓘ
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 large bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ground beef (do not brown) and remaining ingredients in ice water in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours or longer.
- Serve over spaghetti and top with grated Cheddar cheese for a 3-way.
- Add onions for a 4-way.
- Serve over a hot dog topped with Cheddar cheese for a Coney Island.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef before adding it to the ice water. If you're short on time, you can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference, and for a twist, try adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce. This Dixie Chili pairs beautifully with Special Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili over spaghetti for a classic 3-way, topped with grated Cheddar cheese. For a 4-way, add diced onions, or enjoy it as a Coney Island by spooning it over a hot dog and topping with cheese. A side of cornbread or a fresh salad complements this dish perfectly, creating a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dixie Chili (Cincinnati Style) contains roughly 1649 calories, with 64g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1428mg per serving (62% 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 use different types of meat in this chili?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats for different flavors. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat's fat content and cooking method.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans such as black beans, kidney beans, and lentils. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and consider adding additional vegetables or meat substitutes for texture.
What can I serve with Dixie Chili?
Dixie Chili is versatile and can be served with spaghetti, hot dogs, or even on its own. For sides, consider cornbread, a fresh garden salad, or tortilla chips for dipping. Pair it with a cold beverage for a satisfying meal.
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).