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

Scale

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