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Classic Cincinnati Chili

Classic Cincinnati Chili
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Classic Cincinnati Chili is a savory, uniquely spiced dish featuring a smooth, cinnamon- and allspice-infused meat sauce served traditionally over spaghetti or hot dogs. This hearty comfort food offers a comforting blend of warm spices and a distinctive serving style that makes it a beloved regional American classic, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving Base

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • Hot dog buns (optional)

Optional Toppings (Classic “Ways”)

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced raw onions
  • Kidney beans
  • Oyster crackers

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your chili.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart evenly to prevent clumps.
  3. Stir in Spices: Mix in chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper, stirring well to evenly coat the meat with the signature spice blend.
  4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 1 hour to develop a rich, smooth sauce.
  5. Prepare the Base and Toppings: While the chili simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions or prepare hot dog buns. Arrange optional toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Serve the warm chili over spaghetti or hot dogs, then add your favorite toppings for an authentic Cincinnati experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and whole spices ground at home for best flavor.
  • Simmer the chili low and slow to allow flavors to fully develop and sauce to thicken.
  • Adjust cinnamon and allspice carefully to balance sweet and savory notes without overpowering the meatiness.
  • Don’t skip Worcestershire sauce—it adds essential umami depth.
  • Try classic serving styles like 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (add onions), and 5-way (add kidney beans and onions) for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cincinnati chili, classic chili, comfort food, regional cuisine, spiced meat sauce, spaghetti chili, chili dogs

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