Authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipe: A Cozy, Flavorful Comfort Food Experience
Experience the true taste of Ohio with this incredible Cincinnati Chili recipe! This beloved regional specialty is the ultimate comfort food, celebrated for its rich, aromatic ground beef sauce, unique blend of warming spices, and its satisfying combination with spaghetti and generous toppings of cheddar cheese. It’s a remarkably easy recipe to prepare, promising a hearty and flavorful meal that your entire family will absolutely adore.
Serving this distinctive chili is an experience in itself, often customized with various toppings. For a complete and delightful meal, I love to serve it alongside a crisp side salad to balance the richness, and a generous portion of cheesy garlic bread for that extra layer of indulgence. This combination creates a truly memorable dinner that evokes warmth and satisfaction.
What is Cincinnati Chili? Unpacking a Unique American Classic
Cincinnati Chili stands apart from typical American chili. Originating in Cincinnati, Ohio, this iconic dish is a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage, heavily influenced by Macedonian immigrant restaurateurs in the early 20th century. Unlike the chunky, tomato-heavy chilis often associated with Texas or the Southwest, Cincinnati chili features a very fine-grained, meat-based sauce, often simmered for hours to develop its distinct, complex flavor profile.
The true magic lies in its unexpected, yet harmonious, spice blend. Beyond traditional chili spices, you’ll find notes of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and even a hint of unsweetened chocolate or cocoa powder. These ingredients don’t make the chili sweet; instead, they add an incredible depth and warmth, creating a savory richness that is utterly addictive. This unique combination results in a smoother, more liquid consistency, perfectly designed to be served over a bed of spaghetti.
It’s not just a dish; it’s a cultural phenomenon in Cincinnati, with specific “ways” of serving that are integral to the experience. Whether you prefer it simple or fully loaded, this chili offers a customizable feast. My family and I have fallen in love with its comforting embrace and distinctive taste, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your home too!
If you’re a fan of satisfying spaghetti dishes, don’t miss out on exploring other delicious creations like this hearty cowboy spaghetti and the comforting layers of baked spaghetti.
Why You’ll Love This Cincinnati Chili Recipe
- Uniquely Flavorful: Discover a depth of flavor unlike any other chili, thanks to its signature spice blend including cinnamon and cocoa.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and satisfying, it’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or whenever you crave a comforting dish.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies even picky eaters, especially when customized with their favorite toppings.
- Surprisingly Easy: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe is straightforward to follow and mostly hands-off once simmering.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it “your way,” from a simple chili-topped spaghetti to a fully loaded 5-way masterpiece.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for the Perfect Chili
To achieve the most authentic and delicious Cincinnati Chili, paying attention to the quality and preparation of your ingredients is key. Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and complete instructions.
- Ground Beef – I prefer using 90/10 lean ground beef for this recipe. Its lower fat content means less grease to drain, resulting in a cleaner, richer chili. However, feel free to use 80/20 ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor, just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning. For a lighter version, ground turkey or ground chicken can be excellent substitutes. If using poultry, you might need to add a touch more oil when browning to prevent sticking and ensure good flavor development.
- Cheese – The quintessential topping for Cincinnati Chili is finely shredded yellow cheddar cheese. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference freshly grated cheese makes! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly. Grating your own ensures a creamy, gooey melt that truly elevates the dish.
- Water – This recipe requires a good amount of liquid to achieve that characteristic thin, saucy consistency of Cincinnati Chili. Omitting the water will result in a much drier, more traditional chili texture, which isn’t what we’re aiming for here. While water is perfectly fine, using chicken stock or beef broth can add an extra layer of savory depth to your chili base.
- Pasta – While spaghetti is the traditional and most common pasta used for Cincinnati Chili, don’t hesitate to experiment! Any long, thin pasta like linguine or bucatini would work wonderfully. If you only have shorter pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne on hand, they will still provide a delicious base for the chili, offering a slightly different textural experience.
- Cinnamon – This is a non-negotiable ingredient that defines Cincinnati Chili! It adds a warm, sweet, yet entirely savory depth that distinguishes it from other chilis. Do not omit it, as it’s crucial for the authentic flavor profile. The subtle notes blend beautifully with the other spices, creating a complex aroma that is truly unique.
- Unsweetened Chocolate/Cocoa Powder – Just like cinnamon, chocolate is a surprising but essential ingredient. Make sure it’s unsweetened cocoa powder or unsweetened baking chocolate. This isn’t for sweetness; rather, it deepens the color of the chili and adds an incredible richness and complexity to the overall flavor, enhancing the savory notes without making the dish taste like dessert. Any good quality unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate will work perfectly.
- Onion & Garlic: Finely dicing the onion allows it to meld seamlessly into the chili sauce as it simmers, contributing sweetness and aromatic depth without creating large, noticeable chunks. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory base.
- Vinegar: A splash of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works well) is key to brightening the flavors and adding a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the meat and spices. It’s a subtle but important balancing act.
- Chili Powder: The backbone of any chili, providing that classic warmth and a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference – for more spice, you can always add a bit extra.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, herbaceous note that infuses the chili with a deeper, more rounded flavor during the long simmer. Remember to remove it before serving!
Top Tips for the Best Cincinnati Chili
- Finely Brown the Meat: For the classic Cincinnati chili texture, you want the ground beef to be very finely crumbled and browned. Use a sturdy spatula or meat masher to break up the meat into tiny pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy chili.
- Simmer for Flavor Development: The long simmering time (at least an hour) is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen. Don’t rush this step. The longer it simmers on low heat, the more complex and authentic your chili will taste.
- Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water: If your chili sauce becomes too thick during simmering, don’t worry! Gradually add some of the starchy pasta water (reserved from cooking your spaghetti) to thin it out to your desired consistency. Simmer for a few extra minutes after adding to ensure it’s fully incorporated and heated through.
- Generous Seasoning is Key: Once the chili has finished cooking, taste it and season generously with salt and pepper. The spices will have deepened, and a final adjustment will bring all the flavors into perfect harmony. Don’t be shy – this dish benefits from well-balanced seasoning.
- Al Dente Spaghetti: For the best eating experience, cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This ensures it holds up well under the rich chili sauce and provides a satisfying texture contrast. Overcooked, mushy spaghetti will detract from the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Chocolate & Cinnamon: These unique spices are what make Cincinnati chili distinctive. They provide warmth and depth, not sweetness, elevating the savory profile.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated cheddar cheese over pre-shredded. It melts smoother and offers a superior taste and texture.
How to Serve Cincinnati Chili: The “Ways” Explained
Part of the charm and tradition of Cincinnati Chili lies in its unique serving styles, known as “ways.” These different combinations of toppings allow for a personalized and delightful culinary experience. Here’s a breakdown:
- 2-Way: Chili-Topped Spaghetti
This is the simplest way to enjoy Cincinnati Chili. A generous mound of perfectly cooked spaghetti is covered with the rich, aromatic chili sauce. It’s perfect for purists who want to savor the chili and pasta combination without any distractions. The warmth of the chili infused with its unique spices pairs wonderfully with the al dente pasta.
- 3-Way: Chili, Cheese, and Spaghetti
The most popular way to enjoy Cincinnati Chili, the 3-Way adds a mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili-topped spaghetti. As the hot chili melts the cheese, it creates a gooey, savory layer that adds incredible richness and a creamy texture to every bite. This is often the gateway for newcomers to fall in love with Cincinnati Chili.
- 4-Way Onion: Chili, Cheese, Onions, and Spaghetti
For those who appreciate a refreshing bite and a textural contrast, the 4-Way Onion adds a sprinkle of finely chopped raw onions over the 3-Way. The sharpness and crunch of the fresh onions cut through the richness of the chili and cheese, offering a vibrant counterpoint that elevates the entire dish. It’s a favorite for its balanced complexity.
- 4-Way Bean: Chili, Cheese, Beans, and Spaghetti
If you prefer a heartier, more substantial meal, the 4-Way Bean swaps the onions for kidney or chili beans. These beans add another layer of texture and earthiness, soaking up the chili’s flavors beautifully. It’s a comforting and robust option that makes the meal even more filling.
- 5-Way: The Works! Chili, Cheese, Onions, Beans, and Spaghetti
This is the ultimate Cincinnati Chili experience – a combination of all the classic toppings. You get the chili-topped spaghetti, smothered in shredded cheddar cheese, then piled high with both chopped raw onions and kidney or chili beans. The 5-Way offers a symphony of flavors and textures in every forkful: rich chili, creamy cheese, crunchy onions, and tender beans. It’s a true feast for the senses and the best way to fully appreciate the classic offering!
No matter which “way” you choose, ensure your spaghetti is perfectly al dente and your toppings are fresh for the best experience. Consider adding a side of oyster crackers, another traditional accompaniment, for extra crunch!
Leftovers and Storage
Cincinnati Chili makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. To store, simply place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, the chili (without spaghetti or toppings) freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it has thickened. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cook fresh spaghetti and add your favorite toppings just before serving for the best experience.
Tried this incredibly unique and satisfying recipe? Please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts with a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is invaluable! And don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook or Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!
Cincinnati Chili
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper to taste , season generously
- Cheddar cheese, for serving
- Raw onions, for serving
- kidney beans or chili beans, for serving
Instructions
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Break it up into very small pieces using a wooden spoon or meat masher. Cook over medium-high heat until it is completely browned and no pink remains, which typically takes about 5-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy chili.
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Stir in the finely diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and become fragrant.
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Add the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, vinegar, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated garlic, oregano, ground cinnamon, chili powder, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This long simmer allows the unique flavors to develop fully.
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Once the hour is up, remove the bay leaf. Taste the chili and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. The spices will have deepened, and a final adjustment will bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
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Serve the hot chili over a bed of al dente spaghetti. Customize it with your preferred “way” by topping it off with plenty of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped raw onions, and/or kidney or chili beans. Enjoy this authentic taste of Cincinnati!
Notes
- If your chili thickens too much during simmering, you can add some of the starchy pasta water (reserved from cooking your spaghetti) or a bit of extra broth/water to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer for a few extra minutes after adding to ensure it’s fully incorporated.
- Always make sure to season the chili generously with salt and pepper once it’s done cooking. Tasting and adjusting at the end is crucial for balancing the flavors.
- For those who enjoy an extra kick, feel free to add more chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chili while it simmers.
- Cooking the spaghetti until it’s al dente is highly recommended. This ensures the pasta retains a pleasant chew and doesn’t become mushy under the chili sauce.
- For the most authentic flavor, ensure you use unsweetened cocoa powder or baking chocolate, not sweetened varieties.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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