Classic Cincinnati Chili
Classic Cincinnati Chili is a rich, bold, and uniquely spiced chili featuring a tomato-beef base simmered to perfection. Known for its warm cinnamon and allspice notes, this hearty comfort dish is versatile enough to serve over spaghetti, on hot dogs, or on its own, delivering a complex flavor profile that chili lovers cherish.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Regional Cincinnati
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles to develop depth and texture.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Push the beef to one side of the pan, add diced onions to the empty side, and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to build the aromatic base.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Mix in chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to roast slightly in the pan to deepen flavor intensity.
- Pour in Liquids and Simmer: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for at least one hour, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve the chili over spaghetti, on hot dogs, or as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder and freshly ground spices for best flavor.
- Make sure to brown the meat well to build a savory foundation.
- Simmer the chili low and slow to deepen the flavors and tenderize the beef.
- Add spices gradually in stages to layer the flavors.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cincinnati chili, Cincinnati classic chili, chili recipe, Cincinnati style chili, classic chili, comfort food, spaghetti chili, chili cheese coney