Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 onion, diced

4 cups water

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

1/4 cup chili powder

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon cloves

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar

Toppings and serving suggestions: Grated cheddar cheese (a must), chopped onions, kidney beans, oyster crackers, hot chili sauce. Serve over spaghetti noodles, on a hot dog, or in a bowl. A traditional Greek salad makes a great side.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, whisk together the water and tomato paste over medium-high heat until smooth.

Step 2: Add the raw ground beef to the mixture, breaking it apart and crumbling it with your fingers as you stir.

Step 3: Stir in the salt, black pepper, diced onion, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, allspice, cloves, minced garlic, bay leaf, and sugar until well combined.

Step 4: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Remove from heat and let the chili cool. Cover the pot and refrigerate overnight to develop the flavors.

Step 6: The next day, skim off any grease from the top before reheating the chili to serve. Enjoy with your favorite toppings and sides.

Tips & Variations

Simmering the chili overnight really deepens the flavors, so don’t skip chilling it before serving.

Add a splash of beef broth instead of water for a richer taste.

For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper sweetness.

Serve Cincinnati Chili over spaghetti noodles with shredded cheddar cheese for the traditional experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for Cincinnati Chili?

Yes, although lean ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.

What makes Cincinnati Chili different from other chili recipes?

Cincinnati Chili is unique due to its blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cocoa powder, giving it a sweeter and aromatic flavor profile. It’s typically served over spaghetti or on hot dogs rather than eaten as a thick stew.