Cincinnati Chili

If you’ve never had Cincinnati Chili, you’re in for a treat.

This beefy seasoned sauce is different from our usual chili recipe because it has a special blend of spices and is cooked and served in a unique way!

Served over hot spaghetti, Cincinnati chili is traditionally served with toppings like cheese, onions and/or beans!

Unlike a typical chili recipe, Cincinnati Chili is made with unexpected seasonings that include cocoa powder, cinnamon, and allspice!

What is Cincinnati Chili?

Named for the city of Cincinnati, this chili has a unique flavor and is served differenrlt than our traditional chili recipes.

It has been around since the 1900s and has been tagged as one of the “moist iconic foods in America” by the Smithsonian. It was made popular by the Skyline diners chain and if visiting their restartants, you must try Skyline Chili!

Seasonings: Some belive the seasonings are derived from the Greek dish moussaka or other similar Greek dishes. The seasonings include cocoa powder (or sometimes unsweetened chocolate), cinnamon, and allspice. Some use cumin or a pinch of ground cloves. It’s usually served over spaghetti with special toppings as below.

How to Make Cincinnati Chili

This Cincinnati chili recipe is easy to make. It does take some time, most of which is hands off as it simmers on the stove.

Sauté onions in a dutch oven. Add the uncooked beef and other ingredients to the same pot (the beef is not browned first).Simmer for 2 hours, skimming fat off the top as needed.Serve over spaghetti Cincinnati style (more serving info below).

You can adjust the spices and add a bit of Tabasco or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor if you’d like.

Ways to Serve Cincinnati Chili

To serve Cincinnati-style chili, traditional toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and/or chili beans (or kidney beans) to name a few. Not only are the flavor and toppings unique, but instead of twirling the spaghetti like spaghetti and meatballs, pile on the toppings and cut the spaghetti with a fork.

Here are the traditional ‘ways’ to top Cincinnati chili:

2-way: topped with chili.3-way: topped with chili and shredded cheese.4-way onion: topped with chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions,.4-way bean: topped with chili, shredded cheese, and beans.5-way: the works! Top with chili, shredded cheese, chopped onions, and beans.

Serve this with the toppings on the side and let your family choose their own way! Don’t limit yourself to these ways, add your own toppings from hot sauce to oyster crackers.

What to Do With Leftover Chili

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to four months.

To reheat, just replace in a pot on the stovetop or in a dish in the microwave and heat until bubbling hot. No need to thaw in advance.

Stretch the leftovers by serving them with a hot dog in a bun. Top with chili, mustard, and other toppings.

If your family loves chili but hasn’t tried the Cincinnati version yet, they’re in for a real treat!

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