Cincinnati-Style Chili Spaghetti
This Cincinnati-Style Chili Spaghetti is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, inspired by a cherished recipe shared by a college friend from the heart of Cincinnati. This dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with the heartiness of kidney beans, complemented by the sweetness of onions and garlic. The unique spice blend, including cumin, cinnamon, and allspice, lends an unexpected depth to every bite. Serve it generously over a bed of tender spaghetti and top with melty shredded cheddar cheese for a comforting meal that's both hearty and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; feel free to adjust the spices to your preferred heat level and add colorful bell peppers for a fresh touch. It also freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights. Enjoy a taste of Cincinnati right in your own home with this warm and inviting dish.
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
1 quart (none)
Raw ground beef
1 lb (crumbled)
Kidney beans
2 (14.5 ounce) cans (undrained)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
Cider vinegar
1.5 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1.5 teaspoons (none)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Bay leaves
3 (none)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Allspice
0.5 teaspoon (can use up to 1 tsp.)
Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
Cooked spaghetti
as needed (drained)
Shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large 5-quart pot, pour in 1 quart of water.
2
Crumble 1 lb of raw ground beef directly into the water to ensure it retains a desirable texture as it cooks.
3
Add 2 cans of undrained kidney beans, the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices including salt and pepper into the pot.
4
Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the meat to cook and the chili to thicken to your liking.
6
While the chili is simmering, prepare cooked spaghetti according to the package instructions, using enough for serving size.
7
Once the chili is prepared and thickened, drain the spaghetti and plate it.
8
Ladle the chili generously over each plate of spaghetti and finish with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
30g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cincinnati-Style Chili Spaghetti?
It is a unique twist on traditional chili that combines seasoned ground beef and kidney beans with a warm spice blend, served over spaghetti and topped with cheese.
What makes the spice blend unique in this Cincinnati chili?
The recipe uses an unexpected combination of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice to provide a deep, sweet, and savory flavor profile.
How should I prepare the ground beef for this recipe?
Instead of browning, you crumble 1 lb of raw ground beef directly into 1 quart of water to achieve the traditional fine texture of Cincinnati chili.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken.
Can I freeze Cincinnati-Style Chili Spaghetti?
Yes, this chili recipe freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 14.5-ounce cans of kidney beans.
Should I drain the kidney beans before adding them?
No, the kidney beans should be added to the pot undrained to contribute to the sauce's consistency.
What are the recommended toppings for this dish?
The dish is traditionally topped with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this Cincinnati-Style Chili Spaghetti contains approximately 320 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this chili spaghetti?
The recipe contains 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add colorful bell peppers for a fresh touch and additional texture.
How much water is required for the base?
You will need 1 quart of water poured into a 5-quart pot.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of cider vinegar for a subtle tang.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is there a specific way to serve the spaghetti?
Plate the cooked and drained spaghetti first, then ladle the chili generously over it.
Can I adjust the amount of allspice used?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 0.5 teaspoon, you can use up to 1 teaspoon depending on your preference.
What size pot is recommended for cooking?
A large 5-quart pot is recommended to accommodate all ingredients.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
How many bay leaves are needed?
You should add 3 bay leaves to the mixture while it simmers.
Is Worcestershire sauce included in the recipe?
Yes, add 1.5 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for added savory depth.
How much cinnamon is in the dish?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What kind of tomato product is used?
A 6-ounce can of tomato paste is used to thicken and flavor the chili.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to reach your preferred heat level.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe uses 1 medium chopped onion.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the serving size for the spaghetti?
The spaghetti amount should be prepared according to your desired serving size needs.
Are there crushed red pepper flakes in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is included for a bit of heat.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cumin.