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+ servings
Cincinnati Chili on top of spaghetti noodles on two plates.
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5 from 5 votes

Cincinnati Chili

Ground Beef and tomatoes are simmered together with a unique blend of spices to create the iconic Cincinnati Chili recipe.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time5 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 288kcal
Author: Rachel

Ingredients

Chili

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 2 cups Water
  • 28 oz Canned Whole Tomatoes broken up slightly (they will break up more during cooking)
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup Chili Powder
  • 2 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

5 Way Toppings

  • Spaghetti Noodles cooked
  • 1 can Dark kidney beans
  • 1 cup Yellow Onion diced
  • 6 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • oyster Crackers

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Cut into small pieces as you cook. Drain.
  • Add water and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients. Taste test Simmer on low, uncovered, for 1-1.5 hours. Add water if the chili becomes too thick.
  • Serve over spaghetti noodles piled high with cheddar cheese or over hotdogs. Additional serving ideas and "ways" are included in the notes below.

Notes

My family recipe variation: I add 1 cup of diced yellow onions with the ground beef and cook until translucent and the beef is browned. I also add1 14.5oz can of dark red kidney beans and the liquid into the pot about 15-30 minutes before it is finished cooking. 
How To Serve
  • 3-Way. Serve chili over spaghetti noodles and top with mounded shredded cheddar cheese.
  • 4-Way. A 3-way plus diced yellow onions.
  • 5-Way. A 3-way plus diced yellow onions and dark red kidney beans.
  • In a bowl. Add oyster crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, and onions or additional dark red kidney beans.
  • Coneys. MY FAVORITE! Serve a warm hot dog in a bun smothered with chili. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and/or dark red kidney beans if desired.
  • A burrito. Rolled soft tortilla filled with chili, tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.4g | Protein: 38.4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2.9g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 6.3g | Sugar: 8.6g | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 24.1mg