The Best Cincinnati Chili Recipe: Honest-to-Goodness Comfort Food Classic

Cincinnati chili is honestly amazing. If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying this Midwestern gem, buckle up! It’s not your typical chili—it’s more of a saucy, spicy, and slightly sweet concoction that’s simmered to perfection and served over a bed of spaghetti. Yes, spaghetti! Before you raise an eyebrow, trust me when I say that this is going to become one of your go-to comfort foods. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then crave over and over again.

In this post, I’ll be taking you through a classic Cincinnati chili recipe that will have your taste buds dancing. Let’s dive into why this dish is so special and how to make it from scratch at home!

What Makes Cincinnati Chili Unique?

Unlike the usual tomato-heavy chilis, Cincinnati chili features a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s balanced by a mix of warming spices. It has a surprising ingredient list that includes things like unsweetened chocolate, cinnamon, and allspice. These unexpected flavors create a perfectly balanced, honestly delicious chili that’s different from anything else you’ve tasted.

And yes, you read that right—it’s served over spaghetti! This might sound a bit odd if you’re new to it, but in Cincinnati, it’s the classic way to eat chili. With a big heap of grated mild cheddar and finely minced onions on top, the dish becomes what’s known locally as “3-way chili.” And it gets even better when you add kidney beans or oyster crackers, making it a “4-way” or “5-way.”

A Heartwarming Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Here’s the recipe for this cozy dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 yellow onions (one finely minced for topping, one diced)
• 3-4 cloves chopped garlic
• 12 oz grated mild cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with Sautéing
   Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add one diced onion and 3-4 cloves of chopped garlic. Sauté these until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma and sets the tone for what’s coming next.
2. Add the Dry Spices
   Now, add the spices: 1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ tablespoon cumin, ½ tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir everything well and let it toast for about 30 seconds. This will really enhance the flavors—plus, it smells absolutely incredible!
3. Brown the Tomato Paste
   Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and stir it into the spices and onions. Let it brown for another 30 seconds, adding a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor to the mix.
4. Mix in the Liquids and the Chocolate
   Next, it’s time to add the liquid ingredients: 2 cups chicken broth, an 8 oz can of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Toss in the secret ingredient—1 oz of unsweetened chocolate. This may sound unusual, but the chocolate adds a rich depth that balances the sweetness of the chili. Stir everything until the chocolate melts and the ingredients are well combined.
5. Simmer with the Beef
   Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up into small pieces as you go. Allow the chili to come to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more those flavors will develop and mingle into something honestly irresistible.
6. Cook the Spaghetti
   While your chili is simmering away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta well.
7. Assemble the Chili
   Now comes the fun part—assembling your Cincinnati chili! Start by placing a generous serving of cooked spaghetti on a plate, then ladle the chili over the top. Add a massive handful of grated mild cheddar cheese (seriously, don’t be shy with the cheese), and sprinkle it with the finely minced onion. You’ve just made a classic “3-way chili!”

Why You’ll Love Cincinnati Chili

The flavors in this dish are honestly like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory makes it a truly unique comfort food. The cinnamon and chocolate add an unexpected richness, while the tomato sauce and spices keep it grounded in that classic chili taste we all know and love.

Plus, the addition of spaghetti gives it a bit of a “hearty pasta dinner” vibe, so it feels extra filling and satisfying. The best part? It’s super easy to make and comes together in just one pot. It’s also the perfect meal for game day, a cozy night in, or any time you’re craving something rich and flavorful.

How to Customize Your Chili

One of the things I love most about Cincinnati chili is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

• Make it a “4-way”: Add a layer of kidney beans or diced onions to the chili before topping it with cheese.
• Go for the “5-way”: Add both kidney beans and diced onions before the cheese, making it the ultimate version of Cincinnati chili.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, add a bit more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Try it with oyster crackers: In Cincinnati, people often serve this chili with oyster crackers on the side for a bit of crunch.

Final Thoughts

Cincinnati chili is one of those recipes that truly surprises you—in the best way. The first time I tried it, I was a bit skeptical, but now it’s one of my favorite comfort foods. The combination of spaghetti, chili, and cheese is honestly perfect. It’s warm, filling, and has a beautiful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that keep you coming back for more.

If you’re in the mood for something different, give this recipe a try! I promise it will be worth it, and you might even find yourself making it again and again. After all, who doesn’t love a big bowl of saucy, cheesy goodness?

So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s honestly a 10/10, whip up this Cincinnati chili and see for yourself why it’s a Midwest favorite. Happy cooking!