Cincinnati Chili
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.
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
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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.
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2
Add 2 finely diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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6
About 15 minutes before the chili is done, cook the 1 lb spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
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7
To serve "2-Way" Cincinnati Chili: Place a portion of spaghetti on a plate and top with chili.
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8
For "3-Way": Add a generous amount of 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the chili.
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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.
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10
For "5-Way": Add both white onion AND kidney beans (15 oz cans, drained) on top of the cheese.
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11
Serve with 2 cups oyster crackers on the side.