Cincinnati Chili: Authentic Midwestern Comfort Food

The key to authentic Cincinnati chili lies in its unique preparation method and spice blend. Unlike traditional chili, this version celebrates its Greek-American roots with aromatic spices and that signature fine-textured meat sauce. Trust the process – it’s different, but that’s what makes it special.

(A Unique Blend of Mediterranean Spices & American Heart)

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Can be made gluten-free

Equipment Needed:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Whisk or wooden fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Cutting board and knife

Alternative: Slow cooker can replace Dutch oven

Ingredients:

For the Chili:

• 2 pounds (900g) lean ground beef
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz (425g) tomato sauce
• 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 oz (28g) unsweetened chocolate (or 1½ tbsp cocoa powder)

Spice Blend:

• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (optional)
• 1 diced onion (optional)
• Oyster crackers

Method:

1. Add ground beef to cold Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to boil, breaking meat apart with whisk.
2. When beef is fully broken down (about 30 minutes), add chopped onions and garlic.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chocolate, and all spices. Reduce heat to low simmer.
4. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if needed to maintain consistency.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package directions while chili finishes.
6. Serve in layers: spaghetti, chili, desired toppings.

Crucial Tips:

• Don’t brown the meat first – boiling in water is key for authentic texture
• Break meat into finest possible texture while cooking
• Chili should be thinner than traditional chili
• Temperature check: Maintain gentle simmer, not vigorous boil

Storage & Scaling:

• Keeps 4 days refrigerated
• Freezes well up to 3 months
• Double recipe: Use larger pot, increase initial cooking time by 15 minutes

Common Mistakes:

• Making chili too thick
• Not breaking meat finely enough
• Rushing the simmering process

Variations:

Cincinnati “Ways”:

• 2-Way: Spaghetti + chili
• 3-Way: Add cheese
• 4-Way: Add onions
• 5-Way: Add kidney beans

The key to authentic Cincinnati chili lies in its unique preparation method and spice blend. Unlike traditional chili, this version celebrates its Greek-American roots with aromatic spices and that signature fine-textured meat sauce. Trust the process – it’s different, but that’s what makes it special.