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Classic Cincinnati Chili

Classic Cincinnati Chili
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Classic Cincinnati Chili is a rich and comforting dish known for its unique blend of warm spices including cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. It combines lean ground beef with tomato sauce and a smooth spice mix to create a savory chili that’s traditionally served over spaghetti or as a hot dog topping. This recipe offers a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, honoring a time-tested Cincinnati culinary tradition.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Serving Ingredients

  • Spaghetti noodles, cooked (for 2-way serving)
  • Hot dog buns and hot dogs (for Coney style)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced onions
  • Kidney beans

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink. This creates the savory meat base for the chili.
  2. Add Spices and Dry Ingredients: Stir in chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toast the mixture for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma and deepen the flavor.
  3. Stir in Liquids: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Mix thoroughly to evenly combine all ingredients and spices.
  4. Simmer with Bay Leaves: Add bay leaves, reduce heat to low, and let the chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking melds flavors and develops the chili’s signature smooth taste.
  5. Final Seasoning and Preparation: Remove bay leaves. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti for a classic 2-way chili, as a topping on hot dogs, or over baked potatoes with your preferred toppings.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.
  • Simmer the chili low and slow for best taste and texture.
  • Adjust cinnamon, chili powder, and other spices gradually after tasting to prevent overpowering the dish.
  • Lean ground beef helps avoid greasiness and preserves the complex flavor profile.
  • Chili tastes even better after resting overnight; consider making it ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cincinnati chili, classic chili, chili recipe, Cincinnati, spicy chili, comfort food, chili over spaghetti, Coney dog

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/classic-cincinnati-chili/