Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati chili is a dish that’s both surprising and deeply comforting.

Unlike traditional chili, this version has a unique blend of spices and ingredients that make it one of a kind. If you’ve never tried Cincinnati chili, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this dish is approachable and rewarding to make.

What Makes This So Great?

Cincinnati chili isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a taste of history and culture that brings a bit of the Midwest into your kitchen. What sets it apart is its unique spice blend, which includes cinnamon, allspice, and even a hint of chocolate. These ingredients might sound unusual for a chili, but they work together to create a dish that’s rich, complex, and incredibly satisfying. The chili is typically served over spaghetti, making it more like a meat sauce than the chunky stew you might be used to. Topped with a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, hearty, and full of character.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing the flavors to meld together. A Dutch oven’s heavy material will help maintain a consistent temperature, which is crucial for this slow-simmered dish.
• Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring the ingredients as they cook.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision is key when dealing with the unique spices in this recipe, so having these on hand will ensure you get the perfect balance of flavors.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need these for chopping the onions and garlic.
• Large Pot: To cook the spaghetti that the chili will be served over.
• Serving Bowls: To pile on the chili and all the toppings.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this unique dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 medium white onions, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, cut into small pieces
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 1 – 2 lbs cooked spaghetti
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp red kidney beans

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness of the beef, the warmth of the spices, or the slight bitterness of the chocolate that adds depth to the sauce.

How To Make It

Now that you’ve got your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the steps to make Cincinnati chili.

1. Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and onions. Cook until the onions have softened and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into very small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is browned, and no pink remains.
3. Add the garlic and all of the spices (chili powder, oregano, allspice, ground cloves, and cinnamon). Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
4. Next, add in the tomato paste. Stir to combine it with the beef mixture, cooking for another minute. This helps to cook out the raw taste of the tomato paste and deepen the sauce’s complexity.
5. Add the chocolate, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Season again with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the chili to cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in texture.
7. Once the chili has thickened, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it needs a bit more salt, add it now.
8. Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti. This is the traditional way to enjoy Cincinnati chili. Add your desired toppings: a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

Cincinnati chili has an interesting history that dates back to the 1920s. The dish was created by Macedonian immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff, who owned a small restaurant called Empress Chili in Cincinnati. They wanted to create a dish that was different from the traditional American chili, something that would appeal to the locals while also incorporating flavors from their homeland.

The result was a chili that was thinner and more like a sauce, with a distinctive spice blend that included cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate. It was served over spaghetti, which was an unusual choice at the time but quickly became a signature aspect of the dish. Cincinnati chili soon became a local favorite, and today, it’s a beloved dish with a dedicated following.

Over the years, Cincinnati chili has inspired variations and spin-offs, but the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret at places like Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, two of the most famous Cincinnati chili parlors. Despite the variations, the dish has stayed true to its roots as a unique and comforting meal that’s full of history.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)?

If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy Cincinnati chili with a few modifications:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh as a protein source. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All the spices and other ingredients are naturally vegan, so you won’t need to make any changes there. For the cheese topping, opt for a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Cincinnati chili is mostly gluten-free as it is, but you’ll want to make sure that your Worcestershire sauce and any other pre-packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. For the spaghetti, use a gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or another gluten-free grain.
• Lower Carb: If you’re watching your carb intake, you can skip the spaghetti and serve the chili over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead. This will give you a similar texture and experience without the carbs from the pasta.

Alternative Names

Cincinnati chili might be known by a few different names depending on where you are or who you’re talking to. Some people might simply refer to it as “Cincy Chili” or “Five-Way Chili” (a reference to the way it’s often served—over spaghetti with cheese, onions, and beans). Despite the name changes, the dish remains the same, a comforting, spice-infused meal that’s as unique as the city it comes from.

Region or State

As its name suggests, Cincinnati chili is most closely associated with Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s a regional specialty that has become a point of pride for the city. While you can find versions of Cincinnati chili in other parts of the country, especially in the Midwest, it’s most commonly found in Ohio, where it remains a beloved local dish.

Similar Dishes

Cincinnati chili is often compared to other regional chilis, but it’s quite distinct from traditional Texan chili or New Mexican green chili. However, it does share some similarities with Greek-style meat sauces, which is likely a nod to the Macedonian origins of the dish. It’s also somewhat similar to Bolognese sauce in that it’s a meat-based sauce often served over pasta, but the spice profile of Cincinnati chili makes it stand out.

How Should I Store This?

Cincinnati chili stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Once the chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freeze: If you want to store the chili for longer, it freezes beautifully. Place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.