Cincinnati Chili Recipe for Classic Comfort

Midwestern comfort shines through this cincinnati chili recipe that sparks memories of cozy family gatherings.

Hearty flavors dance across your plate with unexpected spice combinations.

Chili veterans and newcomers alike will find something special in this unique dish.

Layered over spaghetti, the savory blend tells a story of regional culinary creativity.

Warm notes of cinnamon and chocolate create a surprising depth that sets this recipe apart.

Fragrant spices whisper tales of Cincinnati’s rich culinary heritage.

Dig into a bowl that promises both comfort and adventure.

Why Cincinnati Chili Has Its Own Following

• The unique blend of spices and ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste profile that transforms ordinary ground beef into an extraordinary meal experience.
• Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner or feeding a hungry group of friends, this Cincinnati chili adapts effortlessly to various dining occasions and hunger levels.

Cincinnati Chili Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Hearty base protein with rich beef flavor, choose lean or medium fat content for better texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown meat evenly and prevent sticking, neutral cooking oil with healthy benefits.

• Beef Broth: Adds deep meaty flavor and moisture to the chili, low-sodium options work best.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides smooth, rich base and slight tangy undertone.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Vinegar: Adds subtle tang and helps balance flavors, apple cider vinegar recommended.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex umami depth to the chili.

• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds slight sweetness, helps round out flavor profile.
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle herbal background note, remove before serving.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor, fresh bulbs preferred.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, classic topping that melts beautifully.
• Kidney Beans: Optional protein addition with creamy texture.
• Oyster Crackers: Crunchy optional garnish.
• Spaghetti: Traditional base for serving Cincinnati-style chili.

Steps to Cook Cincinnati Chili Easily

Step 1: Sizzle The Meat

In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until completely browned. If using olive oil, first sauté the onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Base

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Bay leaf
• All spices

Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare The Pasta Foundation

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Choose your preferred chili style:

1-Way: Plain chili in a bowl

2-Way: Chili over spaghetti

3-Way: Chili, spaghetti, shredded cheddar cheese

4-Way: Add diced onions or kidney beans

5-Way: Complete version with chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans

Step 5: Final Touches

Sprinkle oyster crackers on top if desired. Serve hot and savor the complex flavors of Cincinnati’s famous chili.

Smart Tips for Serving Cincinnati Chili

• Customize Your Chili: Choose different ground meats like turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier twist.
• Perfect Simmer Technique: Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent burning and develop rich, deep flavors.
• Spice Smart: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy weeks.

How to Reheat and Store Cincinnati Chili

• Store leftover Cincinnati chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

Cincinnati Chili Pairings That Work

• Soft, buttery garlic bread complements the rich, spicy chili perfectly, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
• Select a hoppy American pale ale or amber beer that cuts through the chili's intensity, refreshing the palate with crisp, malty undertones.
• Prepare a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty chili, adding fresh brightness to the meal.
• Enjoy an ice-cold root beer or cola, which provides a sweet counterpoint to the savory, spiced chili and cleanses your taste buds between bites.

Variations for Cincinnati Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile and cooking method for a protein-rich meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat pasta, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Cincinnati Style: Swap spaghetti with spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice, keeping the signature spiced chili sauce intact.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat, cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach with deep, developed flavors.

Curious About Cincinnati Chili? Read On

• What makes Cincinnati chili different from traditional chili?

Cincinnati chili is a unique regional dish originated in Ohio, featuring a Mediterranean-inspired sauce with warm spices like cinnamon and chocolate, served over spaghetti instead of being eaten as a standalone stew.

• Is Cincinnati chili spicy?

Cincinnati chili is typically mild and more savory than spicy, with complex flavors from multiple spices like cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon creating a distinctive taste profile rather than intense heat.

• Why do people serve Cincinnati chili over spaghetti?

Serving chili over spaghetti is a local tradition that began with Greek immigrants in Cincinnati, creating a hearty, filling meal that combines pasta and meat sauce in a unique “ways” system ranging from 1-Way to 5-Way.

• Can I make Cincinnati chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or use lentils and beans to create a vegetarian version while maintaining the signature spice blend and serving style.

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cincinnati chili blends Mediterranean spices with Midwestern comfort, creating a unique pasta-topped dish that defies culinary boundaries. Hearty meat sauce layered over spaghetti offers a rich, unexpected flavor journey you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) cooked spaghetti
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, warmed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

Liquid and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water (if needed for thinning)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Oyster crackers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a spacious pot or Dutch oven and thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium temperature, ensuring complete meat separation and caramelization.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, tangy vinegar, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, an array of complex spices, subtle brown sugar, and a solitary bay leaf into the meat mixture.
4. Vigorously stir the ingredients to create a harmonious blend, then elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the chili to develop deep, intricate flavors. Leave the pot uncovered and periodically stir, permitting liquid reduction and thickness development for approximately 60-90 minutes.
6. While the chili transforms, prepare spaghetti according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
7. Construct your preferred Cincinnati chili experience: from basic chili in a bowl to the classic 5-way presentation featuring chili, spaghetti, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans.
8. Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of oyster crackers for added crunch and textural contrast.
9. Serve immediately, inviting diners to explore the layered, intricate flavor profile of this iconic Midwestern culinary creation.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier protein option that maintains the recipe’s classic taste profile.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon to create a personalized heat and depth that suits individual preferences.
• Allow the chili to simmer longer for more intense flavors, ensuring the liquid reduces and creates a rich, thick consistency that clings perfectly to spaghetti.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg