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Plates of Cincinnati Chili on a wooden table close up.
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5 from 1 vote

Cincinnati Chili

Experience the taste of Cincinnati chili: a blend of sweet and savory flavors with warm spices and a sauce-like consistency. Perfect over spaghetti or on a hot dog!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time3 hours 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Keyword: Cincinnati Chili
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 155kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iamhomesteader.com

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cups water, plus more as needed
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ ounce (half of a 1-ounce square) unsweetened chocolate, optional
  • ¼ cup (32 g) chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

For Serving

  • spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • white onions, diced
  • kidney beans, cooked
  • oyster crackers

Instructions

  • Place the ground beef in a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven. Pour about 2 cups of cold water over the beef, ensuring it is fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently and breaking up the beef with a fork into very fine crumbles. Continue boiling gently until the beef is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  • Add the chopped onions, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and chocolate (if using) to the pot with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine.
  • Add the chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, allspice, and cloves. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape. Cook the chili for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water, a few tablespoons at a time, if the chili becomes too thick or begins to stick to the bottom of the pot.
  • Once the chili has cooked for 3 hours, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Serve hot over cooked spaghetti. Add optional garnishes like shredded cheese, diced onions, cooked kidney beans, and oyster crackers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion (chili only) | Calories: 155kcal