Description

This Easy Cincinnati Chili recipe offers a unique take on traditional chili with its distinctive blend of warm spices and a slightly sweet tomato base. Simmered gently without browning the beef first, it develops rich, complex flavors perfect for serving over spaghetti with various classic toppings like shredded cheddar, onions, and kidney beans. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's simple to prepare and serves a crowd.

Ingredients

Chili Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Toppings (for serving)

Cooked spaghetti
Chopped raw onion
Red kidney beans
Shredded cheddar cheese
Oyster crackers (optional)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add all chili ingredients, except for the toppings, into a large pot or Dutch oven. Stir thoroughly to mix the ground beef, onion, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices evenly without browning the beef first.
Simmer Chili: Place the pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Let the chili simmer gently with the lid slightly open for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check to ensure there's enough liquid to prevent burning on the bottom. The slow simmer will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Prepare to Serve: Once the chili is ready, serve it over cooked spaghetti and prepare toppings as desired. Common serving styles include 2-Way (chili + spaghetti), 3-Way (chili + spaghetti + cheddar), 4-Way (chili + spaghetti + cheddar + onions), and 5-Way (chili + spaghetti + cheddar + onions + kidney beans). Optionally, add oyster crackers on the side for a classic touch.

Notes

Do not brown the beef before adding all ingredients to the pot; Cincinnati chili is traditionally made with raw ground beef simmered to tender perfection.
Keep the heat low to medium-low to avoid burning the chili and maintain a gentle simmer for better flavor development.
If the chili gets too thick during simmering, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
This recipe serves about 10, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
For authentic Cincinnati chili experience, serve with traditional toppings and homemade spaghetti.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American (Cincinnati)