Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 4 cups water (or 2 cups water and 2 cups beef broth)
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ground beef and water. Break the beef apart with a spoon so it forms a fine texture.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cloves, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors develop.
- Meanwhile cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the bay leaf from the chili before serving.
- Place a portion of spaghetti on a plate and ladle the hot chili sauce over the noodles.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and add optional toppings such as kidney beans and diced onions.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Cincinnati chili is traditionally served as a “three-way” (spaghetti, chili, and cheese).
- A “four-way” adds either onions or beans, while a “five-way” includes spaghetti, chili, cheese, beans, and onions.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef for a lighter version.
- The chili tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to develop.
- If the sauce becomes too thick when reheating, add a small splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
