Description
Cincinnati Chili is a flavorful meat sauce made with Mediterranean spices like cinnamon and allspice. It’s thin, sweet-savory, and traditionally served over spaghetti or on hot dogs. This unique dish is a beloved comfort food and a cultural icon of Cincinnati.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb ground beef
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 oz unsweetened chocolate, grated
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1 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp ground allspice
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½ tsp ground cloves
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Cooked spaghetti (for serving)
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Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
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Optional: diced onions and kidney beans
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
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Add ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly.
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Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chocolate.
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Add all spices: chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, paprika, and cayenne.
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Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
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Simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add water if it gets too thick.
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While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti.
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Serve chili over spaghetti and top with cheddar cheese. Add onions or beans if desired.
Notes
Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
Add more cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.
This chili tastes even better the next day.
Try it on hot dogs with cheese for a “Coney” version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Midwestern)