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A delicious plate of Cincinnati Chili served over spaghetti with cheese and onions.

Cincinnati Chili

A warm and cozy dish of finely textured chili served over spaghetti, featuring unique spices like cinnamon and allspice for a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Regional
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chili
  • 2 pounds Ground beef Lean, but any type works
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces Tomato paste
  • 1 can Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 cups Beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Allspice
  • 1 pinch Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional, but recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar or Worcestershire sauce For tanginess
For serving
  • 1 pound Spaghetti Cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups Finely shredded cheddar Classic topping
  • 1 can Kidney beans Optional
  • 1 large Chopped onion Optional topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, combine ground beef and either water or broth, breaking up the meat as you add it.
  2. Once the meat is no longer pink, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let it simmer together.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and all the spices. Maintain low heat and let simmer for at least 45 minutes to an hour.
  2. If the chili gets too thick, add a little more water. Adjust flavor with a tiny splash of vinegar and pinch of salt if necessary.
Serving
  1. Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti and allow guests to add toppings like shredded cheddar, chopped onions, and kidney beans.
  2. Encourage a build-your-own chili bowl experience with optional toppings like hot sauce.

Notes

Cincinnati Chili is often referred to as 'ways' depending on the toppings: Two way (spaghetti + chili), Three way (spaghetti + chili + cheese), Four way (spaghetti + chili + cheese + onions or beans), Five way (spaghetti + chili + cheese + beans + onions). It is better the next day, and leftovers can be frozen for later use.