Lynne'S Cincinnati Chili
Lynne's Cincinnati Chili offers a rich, spiced beef chili with a hint of cinnamon and chocolate, perfect for hearty bowls topped with cheese and onions, ideal for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 dried red chili pepper ⓘ
- 2 pounds lean ground beef ⓘ
- hot cooked spaghetti ⓘ
- chopped onion ⓘ
- shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart oven or pot, combine water, tomato sauce, chopped onions, chili powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, salt, cumin, allspice, cloves, garlic powder, unsweetened chocolate, bay leaf, and dried red chili pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Crumble the ground beef and slowly add it to the boiling liquid while stirring.
- Return the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, until thickened as desired.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf and chili pepper.
- Serve hot over cooked spaghetti, topped with chopped onions, shredded cheese, and optionally kidney beans.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cincinnati Chili, consider browning the ground beef separately before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the unsweetened chocolate with cocoa powder if needed, but adjust the amount as cocoa is more concentrated. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more dried chili peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cincinnati Chili hot over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a classic presentation. Top it with chopped onions, shredded cheese, and if you like, kidney beans for extra texture. It pairs beautifully with sides like cornbread or a simple green salad. For a twist, try it with the flavors from Ann Street'S Homemade Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cincinnati Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simmer it gently on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lynne'S Cincinnati Chili contains roughly 331 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1934mg per serving (84% 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. Simply prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
What type of spaghetti should I use?
Any type of spaghetti works well, but traditional thin spaghetti is preferred for the classic Cincinnati experience. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can also be a great choice.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker! After combining all the ingredients, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully and makes for an easy dinner option.
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).