Classic Cincinnati Chili Recipe
A rich and flavorful Cincinnati-style chili, perfect served over spaghetti with cheese and toppings. This hearty dish combines spices and savory ingredients for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat and liquids
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 3 large bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Crumble and boil the ground beef in water until browned, then strain and set aside.
- Wipe the pot, heat oil, and cook beef with garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, vinegar, tomato sauce, and broth; stir well.
- Stir in seasonings (except cocoa, salt, pepper), simmer until thickened (~30 min).
- Mix in cocoa powder, cook for 1 minute, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
This chili is best served over spaghetti with shredded cheese and toppings.