Classic Cincinnati Chili Delight
Experience the unique flavors of Cincinnati Chili with this delightful recipe that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. This rich, savory chili is a perfect blend of ground beef complemented by a medley of aromatic spices, chopped veggies, and a touch of sweetness. Serve it three ways with spaghetti and cheese, elevate it to four ways by adding your choice of beans or onions, or indulge in the full five-way experience. This versatile dish is not just a meal but a culinary experience you can share with family and friends. Serve over al dente spaghetti or enjoy with a variety of toppings to create your own twist on this classic dish!
6-8
Servings
350
Calories
27
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
2 lbs (N/A)
Onion
1, chopped fine (Chop finely)
Celery rib
1, chopped fine (Chop finely)
Red bell pepper
1/2, chopped fine (Chop finely)
Garlic
6 cloves, minced (Mince)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Mild paprika
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Cocoa powder
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Ground allspice
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (N/A)
Tomato puree
1 (10 ounce) can (N/A)
Water
1 1/2 cups (more or less) (N/A)
Thin spaghetti or spaghettini
16 ounces, cooked al dente (Cook al dente)
Dark red kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) can, rinsed and drained (Rinse and drain)
Sweet onion
1 large, finely chopped (Chop finely)
Sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces, finely shredded (Shred)
Oyster crackers
to taste (Optional)
Hot pepper sauce (Frank's or Crystal preferred)
to taste (Optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks. Add the chopped onion, celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the vegetables are softened.
2
Drain any excess fat from the pan to reduce greasiness.
3
Stir in the chili powder, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, granulated sugar, paprika, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt, black pepper, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper, mixing until well combined.
4
Add the tomato sauce, tomato puree, and 1 1/2 cups of water to the pan. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, adding more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
6
To serve, prepare your spaghetti according to the package instructions and drain it. Serve the chili over spaghetti and sprinkle with finely shredded cheddar cheese.
7
Offer optional toppings such as chopped sweet onion, kidney beans, oyster crackers, and hot pepper sauce to enhance your meal experience.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
25g
Carbs
26.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Cincinnati Chili Delight?
It is a unique, savory beef chili flavored with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness, traditionally served over spaghetti.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
What makes Cincinnati chili different from traditional chili?
It features unique ingredients like cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, and is served over spaghetti.
What are the three ways to serve this chili?
The three-way style involves serving the chili over spaghetti and topping it with finely shredded cheddar cheese.
How do I make it a four-way or five-way chili?
Add beans or onions for a four-way, and include both for the full five-way experience.
Does this recipe contain chocolate?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder to add depth to the flavor profile.
What spices are included in the spice blend?
The blend includes chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
The recipe uses onion, celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 26.25g of protein.
What type of pasta should I use?
Thin spaghetti or spaghettini cooked al dente is recommended.
What kind of cheese is best for topping?
Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice.
Are beans cooked inside the chili?
No, dark red kidney beans are typically added as a topping for a 4-way or 5-way serving.
What is the purpose of cider vinegar in the recipe?
Cider vinegar adds a necessary tang that balances the richness of the meat and spices.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 6 cloves of minced garlic.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining excess fat after browning the meat and vegetables to reduce greasiness.
What tomato products are used in this chili?
It uses a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and a 10-ounce can of tomato puree.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains chili powder and cayenne pepper, but the spice level can be adjusted to your preference.
How much water should I add?
Start with 1 1/2 cups of water and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
What crackers are traditionally served with this dish?
Oyster crackers are the standard accompaniment for Cincinnati chili.
Can I add hot sauce?
Yes, hot pepper sauce like Frank's or Crystal is recommended as an optional topping.
What type of onion is suggested for the topping?
A large sweet onion, finely chopped, is suggested for the topping.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar is added to balance the savory and acidic flavors.
How much fat is in a serving?
One serving contains approximately 18.75g of fat.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery rib should be chopped fine before being cooked with the meat.
Should the spaghetti be cooked in the chili?
No, the spaghetti should be prepared separately according to package instructions and the chili served over it.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 27 ingredients in total, including optional toppings.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
While the chili is made in one pan, the pasta is typically boiled in a separate pot.