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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

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.

Questions

Can I make Cincinnati Chili dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Cincinnati Chili gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 12 oz spaghetti. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos; the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Cincinnati Chili keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Cincinnati Chili?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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