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Classic Cincinnati Chili

Classic Cincinnati Chili
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Classic Cincinnati Chili is a distinctive regional dish known for its rich, aromatic spice blend featuring cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa, simmered with tender ground beef to create a savory and comforting sauce. Traditionally served over spaghetti or as a topping on hot dogs, this versatile chili offers a unique, layered flavor profile that invites creative serving options while delivering authentic Midwest comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder blend (including cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup kidney beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, building a sweet and savory base perfect for the chili sauce.
  3. Combine Spices and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the chili powder blend, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Simmer Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking melds the flavors and thickens the sauce to the ideal consistency.
  5. Prepare Spaghetti: While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside as the classic base for your chili.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the warm Cincinnati chili over the spaghetti. Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans to create traditional ‘ways’ of serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly measured spices for authentic Cincinnati chili flavor.
  • Simmer gently instead of boiling to preserve tender meat and blend flavors.
  • Adjust heat by starting mild and adding chili flakes or cayenne to taste.
  • Don’t skip Worcestershire sauce as it provides essential umami depth.
  • Allow chili to rest after cooking to intensify the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Classic Cincinnati Chili, Cincinnati chili recipe, chili over spaghetti, Midwest chili, Cincinnati five-way, comfort food chili, unique chili spice blend

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/classic-cincinnati-chili/