Authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipe

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4.40 (13)
Authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
120 mins
Total Time:
140mins
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 30, 2023

Learn how to make authentic Cincinnati chili, a delicious and unique dish that originated in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. This chili is a thin and savory sauce typically served over spaghetti and topped with a variety of delicious toppings, such as shredded cheese, onions, and beans. It is a comfort food staple in the Midwest and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Follow this recipe to recreate the flavors of Cincinnati in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked spaghetti, for serving
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
  • Chopped onions, for topping
  • Red kidney beans, for topping
  • Oyster crackers, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. To serve, place a serving of cooked spaghetti in a bowl. Ladle the chili over the spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and red kidney beans. Serve with oyster crackers on the side.
  7. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Cincinnati chili is also known as 'skyline chili' due to the popularity of the Skyline Chili restaurant chain in Cincinnati.
  • The unique flavor of Cincinnati chili comes from a blend of spices, such as cinnamon, cocoa powder, and allspice, which sets it apart from traditional chili recipes.
  • Cincinnati chili is traditionally served in five ways: two-way (chili over spaghetti), three-way (chili, spaghetti, and cheese), four-way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions), and five-way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans).
  • This recipe can be customized with additional toppings such as hot sauce, sour cream, or jalapenos, according to personal preference.