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Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Comforting Cincinnati Chili for Cozy Gatherings

Cincinnati Chili is a comforting, spice-infused dish that brings warmth to your holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Meat and Base
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Group: Spices
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Group: To Serve
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
  • Diced onions, for garnish
  • Kidney beans (optional)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy pot

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring frequently to break it apart.
  2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let the flavors meld.
  4. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cocoa powder, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for at least an hour, allowing flavors to develop.
  6. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Preferably al dente.
  7. To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate, ladle the Cincinnati Chili over the top, and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.

Notes

This Cincinnati Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. It’s a great make-ahead dish!