Cincinnati Chili

Name: Cincinnati Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean); 2 onion, finely diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz cans); 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups water; 1 lb spaghetti; 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz cans, drained); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded; 1 white onion, finely diced; 2 cups oyster crackers

A unique Ohio specialty featuring Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti with various toppings in a distinctive "way" system. Known for its cinnamon, chocolate, and allspice flavors, this chili is thinner than traditional versions and served as a topping rather than a stew.

135 minMediumServes 6450 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerStovetopStandardHigh FiberHigh ProteinLow CarbLow-SodiumCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
2 onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz cans)
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups water
1 lb spaghetti
2 cans kidney beans (15 oz cans, drained)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 white onion, finely diced
2 cups oyster crackers

Instructions

1

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean) and 1 cup of water. Break up the meat with a spoon until it's very finely crumbled. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2

Add 2 finely diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
3

Add the remaining 2 cups water, 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz cans), 2 cups beef broth, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
4

Add 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened slightly but is still somewhat soupy. The texture should be thinner than traditional chili. Remove bay leaves before serving.
6

About 15 minutes before the chili is done, cook the 1 lb spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
7

To serve "2-Way" Cincinnati Chili: Place a portion of spaghetti on a plate and top with chili.
8

For "3-Way": Add a generous amount of 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the chili.
9

For "4-Way": Add either 1 finely diced white onion OR 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz cans, drained) on top of the cheese.
10

For "5-Way": Add both white onion AND kidney beans (15 oz cans, drained) on top of the cheese.
11

Serve with 2 cups oyster crackers on the side.

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Questions

What is Cincinnati Chili?

How long does Cincinnati Chili take?

As written, 135 minutes: 15 of prep and 120 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (2 hours): "Simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened slightly but is still somewhat soupy."

Is there a substitute for allspice in Cincinnati Chili?

The entry for Cincinnati Chili calls for 1/2 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 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean).

How hot is Cincinnati Chili?

Only mildly. 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. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Cincinnati Chili gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Cincinnati Chili is 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 lb spaghetti, 2 cups oyster crackers. 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; the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Cincinnati Chili contain shellfish?

Yes: 2 cups oyster crackers. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy, shellfish and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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