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Cincinnati Chili

A Mediterranean spiced ground beef chili simmered with cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder. Served over a bed of spaghetti and piled high with shredded cheddar cheese.

40 minEasyServes 4620 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerStovetopStandardNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 3 cups water
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, combine 3 cups water and raw 1.5 lbs lean ground beef, mashing with a whisk until fine.

  2. 2

    Stir in 15 oz canned tomato sauce, 1 finely diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 0.5 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until thickened and beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

  4. 4

    Boil 12 oz spaghetti in salted water according to package directions and drain well.

  5. 5

    Ladle warm meat sauce over spaghetti and top generously with 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

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Questions

What is Cincinnati Chili?

A Mediterranean spiced ground beef chili simmered with cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder. Served over a bed of spaghetti and piled high with shredded cheddar cheese. This reference files it under American dinner: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Cincinnati Chili reach?

For Cincinnati Chili, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know the sauce has reduced enough in Cincinnati Chili?

Step 3 reads: "Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until thickened and beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F." Go by step 3, and note that a wider pan gets there faster. The usual test is that the sauce coats the back of a spoon and a finger drawn through it leaves a clean line.

What can I use instead of allspice in Cincinnati Chili?

The entry for Cincinnati Chili calls for 0.5 tsp ground allspice. In its place: Equal parts ground cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Cincinnati Chili?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Cincinnati Chili uses 1.5 lbs lean ground beef.

Can I make Cincinnati Chili less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Cincinnati Chili comes from 2 tbsp chili powder. For a milder plate, halve the chili powder; nothing else in the method changes.

Does Cincinnati Chili contain fish?

Yes: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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