Easy Cincinnati Style Chili Over Spaghetti
This Cincinnati-style chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes, combining savory ground beef with aromatic spices and served over a bed of tender spaghetti. It's a family-favorite that is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. The addition of cinnamon gives this chili a unique taste that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions for an irresistible meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (crumble and brown)
mild chili seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (use as is)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (use as is)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (use as is)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
cooked spaghetti
8 ounces (about 4 cups, cooked according to package instructions)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (for topping)
chopped onion
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, cook the crumbled ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
2
Stir in the chili seasoning mix, ground cinnamon, drained kidney beans, and tomato sauce.
3
Add enough water to reach your desired chili consistency, and stir well to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6
To serve, place a generous portion of spaghetti in each bowl and ladle the chili over the top.
7
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions as desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cincinnati Style Chili?
It is a savory ground beef chili with aromatic spices like cinnamon, served over a bed of tender spaghetti rather than in a bowl alone.
What makes this chili unique compared to traditional recipes?
The unique flavor comes from the addition of ground cinnamon and the specific presentation of serving the meat sauce over pasta.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This is a quick recipe that only requires about 10 minutes of simmering once the beef is browned and the ingredients are combined.
What are the main ingredients needed?
You will need ground beef, mild chili seasoning, ground cinnamon, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and spaghetti.
How do I serve Cincinnati Style Chili?
Place a generous portion of cooked spaghetti in a bowl, ladle the chili over the top, and add cheese and onions as desired.
Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Is cinnamon a standard ingredient in this dish?
Yes, cinnamon is a hallmark of Cincinnati-style chili and provides its signature aromatic profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the recommended toppings?
The most popular toppings for this dish are shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chopped onions.
How should the spaghetti be prepared?
The spaghetti should be cooked according to the package instructions until tender and then drained.
Can I adjust the consistency of the chili?
Yes, you can add water until you reach your desired chili thickness before bringing it to a boil.
How long should the mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this Cincinnati chili recipe spicy?
It uses a mild chili seasoning mix, making it flavorful and family-friendly without being overly spicy.
What kind of beans are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
Can I omit the kidney beans?
Yes, if you prefer a meat-only sauce, you can leave out the kidney beans.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20g of protein.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 300 calories per serving in this recipe.
What type of cheese is best for this chili?
Shredded cheddar cheese is the traditional and most recommended choice.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, the flavors often improve the next day, making it a great meal-prep option.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Crumble the beef into a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until browned, then drain the excess fat.
Are the onions cooked in the chili?
No, the chopped onions are added as a fresh topping just before serving.
What size of tomato sauce is needed?
You will need one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is the classic choice for this style, you can use any pasta you have on hand.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and is a hearty, satisfying family meal.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the nutritional information provided, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is there fiber in this dish?
Yes, there are 3g of fiber per serving, primarily from the kidney beans.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely, the ingredients can easily be doubled to serve 8 people.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, because it is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients, it is perfect for weeknight dinners.