Growing up in the Midwest, Cincinnati chili was always a staple at family gatherings. It’s a unique twist on traditional chili, with hints of cinnamon and chocolate that set it apart from any other. Whether you’re a Cincinnati native or trying it for the first time, this recipe will bring the authentic flavors of the Queen City right to your table. Perfect for a slow cooker or Instant Pot, it’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Steps
- Begin by browning two pounds of lean ground beef in a pot with about a quart of water. This helps to break down the beef and infuse it with moisture.
- Add finely chopped onions and garlic to the pot for a robust flavor profile. Stir in canned tomato sauce to create a rich base.
- Enhance the mixture with two tablespoons of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for added depth. Introduce unsweetened chocolate to enrich the flavor further.
- Season the chili with a blend of chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and a bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about three hours, stirring occasionally. This will meld the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Serve the Cincinnati chili over cooked spaghetti. For additional options, you can top it with shredded Cheddar cheese, diced onions, and red kidney beans, depending on your preference.
- For a lighter dish, consider refrigerating the cooked beef overnight. The next day, skim off any solidified fat from the top before reheating and serving.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 quart water
- Finely chopped onions
- Finely chopped garlic
- Canned tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Unsweetened chocolate
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Cumin
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
- Whole cloves
- Whole allspice berries
- Bay leaf
FAQ
- What distinguishes Cincinnati chili from traditional chili con carne?
- Cincinnati chili is a meat sauce with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, primarily used as a topping for spaghetti or hot dogs. Unlike chili con carne, which is typically eaten as a standalone dish, Cincinnati chili has a unique flavor and texture and is used mainly as a topping.
- What are the main ingredients in authentic Cincinnati chili?
- The key ingredients include lean ground beef, water, finely chopped onions and garlic, canned tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, unsweetened chocolate, and a blend of seasonings like chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and a bay leaf.
- What is the best way to serve Cincinnati chili?
- Cincinnati chili is often served using the “way” system, which indicates the toppings:
- 2-Way: Chili + spaghetti
- 3-Way: Chili + spaghetti + shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4-Way: Chili + spaghetti + diced onions + shredded Cheddar cheese
- 5-Way: Chili + spaghetti + red kidney beans + diced onions + shredded Cheddar cheese
- How should you store Cincinnati chili, and can it be frozen?
- Store Cincinnati chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
- What is a recommended tip for making Cincinnati chili healthier?
- After boiling the meat, let it cool and refrigerate overnight. The next day, skim off the solidified fat before reheating. This step not only makes it healthier but also improves the consistency of the chili.
Tips
- For a healthier and more authentic consistency, consider refrigerating the cooked beef overnight and skimming off the solidified fat before reheating.
- To enhance the flavor, try substituting homemade beef stock for water when boiling the meat.
- Allowing the finished chili to sit in the fridge for at least a day can help deepen the flavors, making it taste even more like the traditional Skyline chili.
- Cincinnati chili can be a versatile topping, so get creative by using it on chili fries or nachos for a delicious twist.
