Description
Hearty Cincinnati chili delights palates with its unique blend of Mediterranean spices and Midwestern comfort. Savory meat sauce draped over spaghetti creates a memorable meal that brings Cincinnati’s culinary passion straight to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450 g) cooked spaghetti
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 bay leaf
Liquid and Vegetable Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- Commence the culinary journey by transforming ground beef in a expansive cooking vessel. Apply medium thermal intensity to fragment the protein into delicate morsels. Consider the immersion technique of water-based preparation to achieve an exceptionally fine texture.
- Incorporate aromatic vegetable companions – finely diced onions and minced garlic – allowing them to soften and release their essence within the meat ecosystem.
- Orchestrate a symphony of spices by introducing a complex blend: chili powder, rich cocoa, warming cinnamon, nuanced allspice, earthy cumin, fragrant cloves, mineral salt, and pungent pepper. Massage these aromatics thoroughly into the meat landscape.
- Elevate the flavor profile by cascading liquid enhancers: robust beef broth, concentrated tomato sauce, intense tomato paste, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, tangy apple cider vinegar, and optional crystalline sweetener.
- Nestle a singular bay leaf into the mixture, stirring with deliberate circular motions to marry all components harmoniously.
- Initiate a gentle thermal transformation by bringing the concoction to a vigorous bubble, then retreat to a whisper-soft simmer. Allow the mixture to concentrate and develop depth, periodically rotating and monitoring consistency.
- After a patient 1-2 hour metamorphosis, extract the bay leaf sentinel, signaling the chili’s readiness.
- Present the Cincinnati classic through progressive layering: Begin with tender spaghetti as the foundation, cascade the spiced meat mixture, crown with shredded cheese, and optionally embellish with crisp onions or creamy beans.
- Conclude by scattering oyster crackers atop this multi-dimensional culinary creation, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of Cincinnati Chili that’s perfect for those watching calories.
- Experiment with homemade vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make the recipe completely vegetarian while maintaining deep, rich flavor profiles.
- Use gluten-free pasta as a base for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic Midwestern comfort dish without dietary restrictions.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt content during cooking, making this recipe heart-friendly and adaptable for those monitoring salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg