If you have a soft spot for bold, aromatic flavors paired with a comforting, hearty meal, you are going to absolutely adore this Cincinnati Chili Recipe. This dish takes traditional chili to an exciting new level by incorporating a unique blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and even a hint of cocoa powder, simmered low and slow with tender ground chuck. The result is a vibrant and savory sauce that hugs perfectly cooked spaghetti, topped with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese and classic garnishes that bring every bite to life. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm, nostalgic experience that has been a beloved staple in Cincinnati homes and beyond for decades.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating an unforgettable Cincinnati Chili Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, combining to provide a rich balance of flavors, appealing colors, and the right texture to achieve that signature taste.
- 3 pounds boiled ground chuck: The hearty base providing a tender, meaty texture that carries all the spice beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sauté onions and garlic while adding subtle richness.
- 1½ cups diced onions: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 teaspoon diced garlic: Brings warm, aromatic undertones to the chili.
- 1 quart water: Essential for simmering the chili to perfect sauciness.
- 6 ounces tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for a robust, tangy base.
- 1½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers savory depth and umami complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A surprising hint of warmth and subtle pepperiness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Foundation spice for classic chili flavor.
- 0.56 ounces Williams Chicken Chili Seasoning: Infuses the chili with specialized seasoning for authentic flavor.
- 0.5 ounces Williams Original Chili Seasoning: Complements the chicken seasoning with a rich blend of herbs and spices.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar dissolved in ¼ cup hot water: Balances acidity and enhances flavor layers.
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Signature spice that sets Cincinnati chili apart with cozy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice: Deepens the flavor with hints of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder or 1-ounce square unsweetened chocolate: Adds silky richness and subtle earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses: Brings natural sweetness and complexity.
- 1 pound dry spaghetti: The perfect carb canvas for this chili masterpiece.
- 2-4 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy sharpness.
- 15 ounces canned black beans (drained and rinsed): Adds texture and mild earthiness to your bowl.
- 15 ounces canned red beans (drained and rinsed): Provides additional hearty bites and visual contrast.
- 1 onion (diced, raw): Offers crisp freshness as a topping.
- 9 ounces oyster crackers: Classic crunchy garnish to sprinkle over the finished dish.
How to Make Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Ground Chuck
Start by boiling the ground chuck to drain the excess fat, ensuring your chili isn’t greasy but still perfectly tender. This foundational step prepares your meat so it absorbs all those fantastic spices without being heavy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they turn translucent, about five minutes. Toss in the diced garlic in the last minute to release its fragrance without browning it, setting the stage for a flavorful base.
Step 3: Combine Chili Ingredients
Into the pot goes everything else—the simmered beef, tomato paste, seasonings, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and all those special spices that make this a true Cincinnati Chili Recipe. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce your heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least two hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken. If it looks too thick, simply add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While your chili finishes simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once tender, drain it thoroughly so it’s ready to serve as the perfect base for your flavorful chili.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Plate a generous serving of spaghetti, ladle the steaming chili over the top, then pile on shredded cheddar cheese, beans, diced raw onion, and a handful of oyster crackers. Every forkful combines textures and flavors that make Cincinnati chili such a cherished comfort food.
How to Serve Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes for Cincinnati chili add crunch, creaminess, and a fresh bite. Think shredded cheddar cheese melting atop the chili, crisp diced onions, plump red and black beans enhancing texture, and oyster crackers providing a satisfying snap with every bite. These toppings aren’t just decorations—they elevate the whole experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cincinnati Chili Recipe with simple, complementary sides like a fresh green salad dressed lightly to offset the rich chili, buttery corn muffins to soak up every delicious drop, or even some tangy pickled vegetables to refresh the palate. These sides balance the bold flavors perfectly without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Try serving your Cincinnati chili over baked potatoes for a hearty twist, layer it in a chili pie for a fun casserole, or even spoon it onto nachos topped with cheese and jalapeños. The adaptable nature of this classic allows for playful serving styles that keep it exciting for family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your original batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The chili’s flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delightful—if not more so—when reheated.
Freezing
Cincinnati chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your chili gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent scorching, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through. Serve over freshly cooked spaghetti for the best experience.
FAQs
What makes Cincinnati chili different from regular chili?
Cincinnati chili showcases a unique blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, which are not typical in traditional chili. It’s also served over spaghetti and topped with ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese and oyster crackers, creating a distinctive layered flavor and texture profile.
Can I use other meats instead of ground chuck?
Absolutely! While ground chuck offers great flavor and texture, you can experiment with ground beef blends, turkey, or even ground chicken. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure tenderness and proper flavor absorption.
Is Cincinnati chili spicy?
This chili strikes a balance; it has mild heat from cayenne or red pepper flakes but focuses more on warm spices and deep savory notes than on intense spiciness. You can easily adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your heat preference.
What toppings are traditional for Cincinnati chili?
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, diced raw onions, kidney or black beans, and oyster crackers. These components add texture and contrast to the rich, spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti noodles.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta of your choice and check that your chili seasonings and oyster crackers are gluten-free or replace them with a suitable alternative. The chili itself is naturally gluten-free aside from those ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Cincinnati Chili Recipe is truly a soul-satisfying dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a burst of flavor to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a special weeknight dinner, it’s a wonderful way to experience a cherished regional classic. Give it a try and discover why Cincinnati chili holds such a special place in food lovers’ hearts far beyond Ohio.
