Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Distinctive Flavor Profile: The combination of spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and cloves imparts a warm, aromatic depth to the chili, setting it apart from more conventional versions.
Versatile Serving Options: Cincinnati Chili can be enjoyed in various “ways,” allowing customization with toppings like cheese, onions, and beans to suit individual preferences.
Comforting and Hearty: Served over spaghetti and topped with melted cheese, this dish offers a satisfying and filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors of Cincinnati Chili develop beautifully over time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 quart water, or enough to cover
2 onions, finely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
¼ cup chili powder
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
5 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Meat Base:
- Place the ground beef in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring and breaking up the beef with a fork to achieve a fine texture. Continue boiling until the meat is thoroughly cooked, approximately 30 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
- To the cooked meat, add the finely chopped onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and unsweetened chocolate. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate the chili powder, salt, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground cayenne pepper into the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Place the whole cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf into a spice bag or tie them in a piece of cheesecloth for easy removal later. Add this to the pot.
Simmer the Chili:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently, uncovered, for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
Final Adjustments:
- After simmering, remove and discard the spice bag containing the cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf.
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed.
Serve:
- Traditionally, Cincinnati Chili is served over cooked spaghetti and can be customized with various toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Cincinnati Chili is traditionally ordered in specific combinations known as “ways”:

Two-Way: Chili served over spaghetti.
Three-Way: Chili and spaghetti topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
Four-Way: A Three-Way with the addition of diced onions or kidney beans.
Five-Way: A Three-Way with both diced onions and kidney beans.

Additionally, Cincinnati Chili is commonly used as a topping for hot dogs, known as “coneys,” which are typically garnished with mustard, chopped onions, and shredded cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled chili in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

FAQs

What makes Cincinnati Chili different from traditional chili?

Cincinnati Chili is distinct due to its unique blend of Mediterranean-inspired spices, such as cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, which give it a sweeter and more aromatic flavor compared to traditional chili. Additionally, it’s typically served over spaghetti and can be customized with various toppings, creating different “ways” to enjoy it.

Is chocolate a common ingredient in Cincinnati Chili?

While some recipes include unsweetened chocolate to add depth to the flavor, many traditional Cincinnati chili parlors do not use chocolate in their recipes. The inclusion of chocolate is a matter of personal preference and varies among different recipes.

Can I make Cincinnati Chili in advance?

Yes, Cincinnati Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and reheat it before serving.

Cincinnati Chili

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cincinnati Chili is a flavorful Ohio specialty featuring a spiced meat sauce with hints of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions, and beans, this unique chili is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Base:
- Place ground beef in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to break up the beef into fine pieces. Boil until the beef is cooked, about 30 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
- Add chopped onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and chocolate. Stir well.
- Mix in chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Place cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf in a spice bag or cheesecloth and add to the pot.
Simmer the Chili:
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Finalize and Serve:
- Remove and discard the spice bag.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and customize with toppings (cheese, onions, or beans).

Notes

Recipe Schema for SEO

SEO Optimized Description:
Cincinnati Chili is a flavorful Ohio specialty featuring a spiced meat sauce with hints of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions, and beans, this unique chili is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 quart water (or enough to cover)
2 onions, finely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
¼ cup chili powder
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
5 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Base:
- Place ground beef in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to break up the beef into fine pieces. Boil until the beef is cooked, about 30 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
- Add chopped onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and chocolate. Stir well.
- Mix in chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Place cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf in a spice bag or cheesecloth and add to the pot.
Simmer the Chili:
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Finalize and Serve:
- Remove and discard the spice bag.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and customize with toppings (cheese, onions, or beans).

Notes:

Traditional “Ways” to Serve Cincinnati Chili:
- Two-Way: Chili over spaghetti.
- Three-Way: Chili and spaghetti topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Four-Way: Add diced onions or kidney beans.
- Five-Way: Add both diced onions and kidney beans.
Use it as a topping for hot dogs (coneys) with mustard, chopped onions, and cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American (Ohio Specialty)