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Cincinnati Chili

Delicious Cincinnati Chili Recipe finished dish

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Cincinnati Chili is a unique and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with a blend of spices, tomato paste, and a hint of chocolate. Traditionally served over spaghetti, this hearty chili offers a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 cups water (or half water, half beef broth)
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 ounce dark chocolate (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Spaghetti noodles, cooked
  • Beans (optional)
  • Onion, diced (for serving)
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded (for serving)
  • Oyster crackers (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, whisk together the water and tomato paste until well combined.
  2. Crumble the ground beef into the pot, breaking it up with your fingers as you add it to the liquid.
  3. Add the finely diced onion, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, and dark chocolate to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Skim off any grease that rises to the top.
  5. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow the chili to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
  6. The next day, remove the solidified grease from the top of the chili. Reheat the chili over medium heat until it reaches a low simmer.
  7. Serve the warm chili over cooked spaghetti noodles or hot dogs. Top with optional beans, diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and oyster crackers if desired.

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