Description
Cincinnati Chili is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti and often topped with cheese, onions, and beans. It’s a regional specialty from Ohio with a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and heated (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine ground beef and water. Bring to a boil while breaking up the meat with a spoon. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, tomato sauce, vinegar, spices, chocolate, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Serve chili over spaghetti and top as desired with beans, cheese, and chopped onions.
Notes
- Chili can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to deepen.
- Traditionally served as 2-way (chili + spaghetti), 3-way (+ cheese), 4-way (+ onions or beans), or 5-way (+ onions and beans).
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg