Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Introduction
Cincinnati chili is a flavorful twist on classic chili, featuring warm spices like cinnamon and a hint of cocoa. This hearty dish is traditionally served over spaghetti or hot dogs, making it a comforting and unique meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Step 2: Brown the ground beef in the pot for about five minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and mix well.
- Step 4: Add chili powder, cinnamon, cocoa powder (if using), salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and allow chili to simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve over spaghetti or hot dogs, garnished with shredded cheese and diced onions.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper flavor, let the chili simmer longer, up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon.
Storage
Store leftover Cincinnati chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if it has thickened too much. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What makes Cincinnati chili different from regular chili?
Cincinnati chili is unique because it includes warm spices like cinnamon and sometimes cocoa powder, giving it a slightly sweet, complex flavor. Unlike traditional chili, it’s often served over spaghetti or hot dogs rather than eaten alone.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours for best results.
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Cincinnati Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful chili recipe known for its distinctive blend of spices including cinnamon and cocoa powder. This hearty dish features ground beef simmered in a tomato base with aromatic seasonings, creating a rich and mildly spiced chili perfect for serving over spaghetti or hot dogs, topped with shredded cheese and diced onions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing (approx. 1-2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes thoroughly with the browned beef and onions.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, ground cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot over cooked spaghetti or hot dogs. Garnish with shredded cheese and diced onions for a traditional Cincinnati-style experience.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, let the chili simmer longer, up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- The cocoa powder is optional but adds a subtle richness and complexity to the chili.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the chili healthier.
- This chili is traditionally served over spaghetti, called a “3-way” when topped with cheese.
- Adjust chili powder and cinnamon levels to taste depending on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cincinnati chili, chili recipe, ground beef chili, Cincinnati style, chili with cinnamon, chili with cocoa powder
