Gold Star Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili is a unique and beloved Midwestern dish that stands apart from traditional chili recipes. Instead of being served in a bowl on its own, this flavorful meat sauce is typically ladled over spaghetti noodles or hot dogs and topped with a variety of ingredients such as beans, onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. The recipe is known for its rich and aromatic spice blend, which includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and even dark chocolate, creating a distinctive sweet and savory flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 4 cups water (or 2 cups water and 2 cups beef broth)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 ounce dark chocolate or 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 bay leaf

Toppings

• Cooked spaghetti noodles
• Hot dogs
• Beans
• Diced onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Oyster crackers

Instructions

• In a large Dutch oven, whisk together the water and tomato paste until fully combined.
• Add the ground beef to the pot, crumbling it with your fingers so it breaks into very small pieces.
• Stir in the diced onion, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, dark chocolate, and bay leaf.
• Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Once it begins simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
• Allow the chili to cook slowly for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Skim off excess grease that rises to the surface during cooking.
• Remove the pot from heat and allow the chili to cool to room temperature.
• Cover the pot and refrigerate the chili overnight so the flavors can develop.
• The next day, use a spoon to remove the solidified grease from the top.
• Reheat the chili over medium heat until hot.
• Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles or hot dogs and add desired toppings such as beans, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and oyster crackers.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Cincinnati Chili hot over freshly cooked spaghetti noodles for the classic presentation. You can also serve it over hot dogs for a traditional “Coney” style meal. Offer toppings like beans, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and oyster crackers so everyone can customize their bowl. For the best flavor, allow the chili to chill overnight before serving because this resting time helps the spices fully develop. Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth while reheating. Cincinnati Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

1. Turkey Cincinnati Chili
   Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version that still keeps the classic spices and flavors.
2. Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili
   Use lentils, plant-based crumbles, or finely chopped mushrooms instead of beef while keeping the same spice blend.
3. Spicy Cincinnati Chili
   Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for extra heat.
4. Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
   Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for an easy hands-off method.
5. Cincinnati Chili with Black Beans
   Stir cooked black beans into the chili for added protein and texture.
6. Cincinnati Chili Mac and Cheese
   Serve the chili over creamy macaroni and cheese instead of spaghetti for a rich comfort dish.
7. Cincinnati Chili Stuffed Peppers
   Fill roasted bell peppers with spaghetti and Cincinnati chili, then top with cheese and bake.
8. Cincinnati Chili Baked Potato
   Serve the chili over baked potatoes and top with cheese and onions.
9. Cincinnati Chili Nachos
   Pour warm chili over tortilla chips and top with cheese, onions, and beans.
10. Cincinnati Chili Sliders
    Use the chili as a topping for mini burgers or sliders.
11. Cincinnati Chili Casserole
    Layer spaghetti, chili, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.
12. Low Carb Cincinnati Chili
    Serve the chili over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of spaghetti.
13. Extra Chocolate Cincinnati Chili
    Add an extra square of dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
14. Garlic Lover’s Cincinnati Chili
    Add several cloves of minced garlic while simmering.
15. Cheesy Cincinnati Chili Bake
    Top the chili with a thick layer of cheddar cheese and broil briefly until melted and bubbly.

FAQs

1. What makes Cincinnati Chili different from regular chili?
Cincinnati Chili is thinner and more like a meat sauce. It includes warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves and is typically served over spaghetti.

2. Why is chocolate added to Cincinnati Chili?
Chocolate enhances the depth of flavor and balances the spices without making the dish taste sweet.

3. Do I have to refrigerate the chili overnight?
It is recommended because it improves the flavor and allows you to easily remove excess fat.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Cincinnati Chili is perfect for making a day ahead since the flavor improves after resting.

5. What is the traditional way to serve Cincinnati Chili?
It is usually served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, beans, and onions.

6. Can I freeze Cincinnati Chili?
Yes, it freezes very well for up to three months in airtight containers.

7. What type of cheese works best?
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional topping.

8. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken works well and creates a lighter version of the dish.

9. How can I thicken the chili if needed?
Simmer it uncovered for a bit longer or add a small amount of tomato paste.

10. Is Cincinnati Chili spicy?
It is usually mild and aromatic rather than spicy, but you can add heat if desired.

Cincinnati Chili is a distinctive and comforting dish that combines warm spices, tender ground beef, and a rich tomato base to create a one-of-a-kind flavor. Served over spaghetti or hot dogs and topped with cheese, beans, and onions, it offers a delicious combination of textures and tastes.

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