Ingredients
– 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
– 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 85/15)
– 2 finely chopped onions
– 1 clove minced garlic
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon oregano
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
– 3/4 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon cloves
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 16 ounces tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– About 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– About 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
– Spaghetti for serving (amount as needed)
– Shredded cheddar cheese optional topping
– Kidney beans optional topping
– Onions optional topping
– Oyster crackers optional topping
Instructions
1-First, prepare all ingredients by chopping onions and mincing garlic. Measure spices and have beef broth and tomato sauce ready. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; mixing in the fat keeps the flavor rich, just like the tips suggest.
2-Cooking the Base: add onions and garlic to the pot, sauté until translucent to build flavor.
3, stir in chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and the unsweetened chocolate until fragrant.
4, pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, then add the ground beef.
5, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until thickened.
6, season with salt and pepper to taste for the perfect balance.
7, for adaptations, swap proteins if needed before simmering.
Final step: Serve hot over cooked spaghetti and top with cheese, beans, or onions as you like. This method, including the slow simmer, helps develop deep flavors that make Cincinnati Chili stand out. If you’re curious about more recipes, our pumpkin whoopie pies could pair nicely for a full meal experience.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥩 Use 85/15 ground beef for flavor without excess greasiness; do not drain fat.
🍫 Unsweetened chocolate is essential for authentic flavor.
🍽 Build your bowl with spaghetti, chili, cheese, and add toppings like onions, beans, or oyster crackers as desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 234
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 298mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 62mg