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Classic Cincinnati Chili

Classic Cincinnati Chili
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Classic Cincinnati Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish distinguished by its unique blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. This regional specialty offers versatile serving options—from spaghetti bowls to hot dog toppings—delivering a comforting and mildly spiced meal that is simple to prepare and beloved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion, finely diced
  • 2–3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup Beef Broth or Water
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dark Chocolate or 1 tbsp Cocoa Powder (optional)

Spices

  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Allspice
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, creating the flavor foundation for the chili.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until evenly browned and no longer pink.
  3. Add the Spices: Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, chili powder, and bay leaves. Mix thoroughly so the ground beef absorbs the complex spice blend.
  4. Stir in Tomato Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water). Add Worcestershire sauce and the optional dark chocolate or cocoa powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Simmer for Flavor: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for at least one hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking melds the flavors and tenderizes the meat, developing the signature richness.
  6. Season to Taste and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve over spaghetti, hot dogs, or enjoy directly from the bowl with your preferred garnishes.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for a more vibrant and aromatic chili.
  • Simmer low and slow for best flavor development and tender meat.
  • Adding unsweetened dark chocolate or cocoa powder deepens the chili’s richness.
  • Do not omit Worcestershire sauce, as it adds essential umami depth.
  • Adjust consistency before serving by adding broth or water if chili thickens too much.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently, adding broth or water as needed to maintain sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cincinnati chili, classic chili recipe, regional chili, comfort food, spicy chili, spaghetti chili, coney chili

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/classic-cincinnati-chili/