Best 10 Traditional Cincinnati Chili Recipes

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When it comes to the realm of chili, the traditional Cincinnati chili stands apart as a true epicurean marvel. Its unique flavor profile, characterized by a blend of spices and assertive notes, has garnered both staunch advocates and curious newcomers alike. This iconic dish, with its humble origins in the bustling streets of Cincinnati, Ohio, has evolved into a culinary emblem of the city, emblematic of its rich heritage and deeply ingrained in the local culture. Whether you're a chili aficionado seeking to replicate the authentic taste or a culinary voyager eager to expand your palate, this guide will unveil the secrets behind the perfect traditional Cincinnati chili. Embark on a journey to uncover the art of crafting this treasured delicacy, as we delve into the intriguing history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to achieve chili perfection.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CINCINNATI CHILI I



Cincinnati Chili I image

An unusual chili, with cinnamon, cloves, and even chocolate!

Provided by MARBALET

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Chili Without Beans Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
2 pounds ground beef
¼ cup chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 bay leaf
½ (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 6 minutes.
  • Add beef, in batches if necessary, and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned.
  • Add chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, bay leaf, chocolate, beef broth, tomato sauce, cider vinegar, and red pepper. Stir to mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • It is the best if you now refrigerate overnight.
  • Remove the bay leaf. Reheat gently over medium heat. Serve over hot, drained spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 100.2 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 22.2 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 659.1 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

CINCINNATI CHILI



Cincinnati Chili image

Cincinnati Chili is a meaty, rich, and uniquely spiced chili from (you guessed it!) Cincinnati, Ohio. Serve our authentic Cincinnati chili recipe over hot spaghetti with your choice of toppings. Don't forget the cheese and oyster crackers!

Provided by Sara Bir

Categories     Dinner     1-Pot     Freezer-friendly     Make-ahead

Time 3h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 23

For the chili:
2 pounds ground beef (80:20 is good)
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
4 cups water
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 large onion, minced (about 3 cups)
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, optional
Options for serving:
Oyster crackers
Finely shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 (15.5-ounce) can small red kidney beans, drained and warmed
Minced yellow onion
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • Cook the tomato paste: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste to the dry pot and cook, constantly scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the tomato smells rich and toasty and you start to see browned (not burned) patches in the bottom of the pot. This should take 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours: Stir the chili often. You want the volume to reduce a bit. (To be honest, just one hour of cook time is okay, but for optimal chili-ness, go long.)
  • Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight: Refrigerate in an air-tight covered container. (Note: you can eat the chili immediately if you want to.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 101 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 710 mg, Sugar 5 g, Fat 20 g, ServingSize 8 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

TRADITIONAL CINCINNATI CHILI



Traditional Cincinnati Chili image

I got this recipe from a college friend who grew up right outside of Cincinnati. The original recipe calls for twice as much ground beef and no beans, but I prefer the combination. This chili has an interesting blend of flavors and you can easily adjust amounts to your liking - I tend to measure all the spices with a generous hand! Don't be afraid to make it spicy because serving it on spaghetti sort of spreads out the heat. I have also added chopped bell peppers to this to add color, with good results. This freezes well. A couple of notes - browning the ground beef ahead of time works ok, but the consistency will be much different than if you crumble the raw meat into the water at the start (chunky vs. a kind of thickened sauce consistency). Also, this will work in a crock pot, but the end result is too thin and watery for my taste.

Provided by pattikay in L.A.

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 1h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 quart water
1 lb raw ground beef
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans kidney beans, undrained (pinto beans are fine too)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar (red wine vinegar works too)
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice (I tend to use closer to a full tsp. because I love it)
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
cooked spaghetti
shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Pour water into a large cooking pot (5-qt size)
  • Crumble raw ground beef into water.
  • Add beans, onions, garlic, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and all of the spices, salt and peppers.
  • Stir together and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer till meat is cooked and chili is thickened, from 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter (depending on how thick you like it).
  • When chili is nearly done, prepare spaghetti (as much as you need - think in terms of how much you would want if this were spaghetti sauce).
  • Place drained spaghetti on plates and ladle chili over it.
  • Top with shredded cheddar.

CINCINNATI-STYLE CHILI



Cincinnati-Style Chili image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

16 ounces tomato sauce
12 ounces tomato paste
1 yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 bay leaves
2 pounds ground beef (I use chuck)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions and tossed in olive oil to prevent sticking
One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
1 white onion, diced
Two 8-ounce blocks Cheddar, grated
Hot sauce, optional
Oyster crackers, for serving

Steps:

  • For the chili: In a stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, onions, chili powder, cocoa powder, sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, cumin, garlic salt, allspice, pepper, cayenne, cloves, bay leaves, beef (do not brown first) and 2 cups water. Mix until combined. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 2 hours. Stir in the vinegar and simmer for another 30 minutes.
  • To serve: Serve on a bed of spaghetti and top with the beans, onions and a mound of cheese (or any preferred combination). Add hot sauce, if desired, and eat with oyster crackers.

CINCINNATI CHILI



Cincinnati Chili image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
Kosher salt
1 6-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped unsweetened chocolate
1 tablespoon cider or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces spaghetti
1 19-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 pound grated cheddar cheese
Oyster crackers, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add half the chopped onions and the garlic and cook until soft, stirring, about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, allspice, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne and cloves. Cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add the beef and cook the mixture, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
  • Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaf and 1 1/2 cups water; simmer the mixture, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thicker. Add the chocolate, vinegar and Worcestershire and cook until the mixture is thickened but still soupy, about 15 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well.
  • Discard the bay leaf and season the chili with the freshly ground pepper. Divide the spaghetti among bowls and top with the chili, beans, remaining onion and cheddar. Serve with the oyster crackers if desired.

AUTHENTIC CINCINNATI CHILI



Authentic Cincinnati Chili image

This was handed down to me by Mom, a Cincinnati native. Skimming the fat makes this a healthier version than most, and gives it the right consistency. I like mine 4-way, with spaghetti, raw chopped onions, grated mild cheddar, and oyster crackers!

Provided by Melissa Hamilton

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Chili Without Beans Recipes

Time 11h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 quart water, or amount to cover
2 onions, finely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
¼ cup chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
5 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf

Steps:

  • Place the ground beef in a large pan, cover with about 1 quart of cold water, and bring to a boil, stirring and breaking up the beef with a fork to a fine texture. Slowly boil until the meat is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes, then remove from heat and refrigerate in the pan overnight.
  • The next day, skim the solid fat from the top of the pan, and discard the fat. Place the beef mixture over medium heat, and stir in the onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chocolate, chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours. Add water if necessary to prevent the chili from burning.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 673.7 mg, Sugar 4 g

SIMPLE CINCINNATI CHILI



Simple Cincinnati Chili image

This is a simple recipe without a long list of ingredients, but it produces a rich, satisfying chili. My kids love this chili better than regular chili!!!

Provided by Charmie777

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package mild chili seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
8 ounces about 4 cups cooked spaghetti, cooked
shredded cheddar cheese
chopped onion

Steps:

  • Cook ground beef in large saucepan until no longer pink; drain.
  • Add chili seasoning, cinnamon, beans and tomato sauce.
  • Add water to bring to correct consistency.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Serve over spaghetti, topped with cheddar and onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450.7, Fat 18.4, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 77.1, Sodium 951.6, Carbohydrate 39.3, Fiber 8.6, Sugar 6.8, Protein 31.4

CINCINNATI-STYLE CHILI



Cincinnati-Style Chili image

My husband had this type of chili when visiting a friend in Ohio and was thrilled when I made it at home. Serving it with spaghetti, cheese, onions and beans makes it what Cincinnatians call five-way. -Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 6h35m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 pounds extra-lean ground turkey
2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 package (16 ounces) whole wheat spaghetti
TOPPINGS:
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, cook turkey, onions and garlic until turkey is no longer pink. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. , In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, chocolate and seasonings; pour over turkey mixture. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours. , Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Remove bay leaf from chili. For each serving, place 3/4 cup spaghetti in a bowl. Top with about 2/3 cup chili, 3 tablespoons kidney beans, 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 523mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 37g protein.

CARRIE'S CINCINNATI CHILI



Carrie's Cincinnati Chili image

Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. -Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 6h20m

Yield 6 servings (1-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 15

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (29 ounces) tomato puree
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 bay leaves
Hot cooked spaghetti
Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese and additional chopped onion

Steps:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles; drain. Transfer to a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker. Add next 11 ingredients., Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours. Discard garlic clove and bay leaves. Serve over hot cooked spaghetti. If desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese and additional chopped onion. , Freeze option: Before adding toppings, cool chili. Freeze chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add water or broth if necessary. Serve as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 315 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 644mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

QUICK CINCINNATI-STYLE CHILI



Quick Cincinnati-Style Chili image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Bean     Beef     Sauté     Quick & Easy     Bell Pepper     Fall     Winter     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb ground beef chuck (preferably 80% lean)
1 (28- to 32-oz) can whole tomatoes including juice, chopped
1 tablespoon molasses
Accompaniment: sour cream

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 8 minutes. Add bell peppers and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add chili powder, cocoa, salt, cinnamon, and pepper and cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
  • Add beef and cook, stirring and breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice and molasses and simmer briskly, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of meats to create a flavorful chili. Ground beef, pork, and lamb are all good options.
  • Brown the meat well before adding it to the chili. This will help to develop its flavor.
  • Use a good quality chili powder. This is the key ingredient in Cincinnati chili, so it's important to choose a good one.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices. Cumin, chili flakes, and garlic powder are all good additions to Cincinnati chili.
  • Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have time. This will help to develop the flavors and make the chili more tender.
  • Serve the chili with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and oyster crackers.

Conclusion:

Cincinnati chili is a unique and delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, it's the perfect meal for a cold day or a special occasion. So next time you're looking for a new chili recipe, be sure to give Cincinnati chili a try. You won't be disappointed!

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