The Ultimate Guide to Cincinnati-Style Chili
Cincinnati is famous for more than just its baseball team and beautiful skyline, it’s also home to a one-of-a-kind chili that has captured hearts (and appetites!) across the country. Cincinnati chili is a cozy, spiced meat sauce served in ways you won’t find anywhere else, often over spaghetti and topped with mountains of shredded cheese. Today, we’re diving deep into this Midwestern treasure from what makes it special to how you can make it at home.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cincinnati Chili
Unlike traditional Texas-style chili, Cincinnati chili is all about complex flavors — think cinnamon, cloves, allspice, even a hint of chocolate. The result is a savory-sweet, slightly tangy sauce that’s layered over spaghetti or hot dogs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or looking for a fun weeknight dinner, this dish hits all the right notes: comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
The Nutritional Lowdown
A standard serving of Cincinnati chili (without toppings) typically comes in around:
- Calories: ~330 per cup
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: 2–3g
Adding spaghetti and cheese will increase the carbs and calories, but you can control portion size and toppings to fit your preferences.
How Long Does It Take?
Cincinnati chili is a slow-simmered dish, but don’t worry, most of that time is hands-off!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (or longer for deeper flavor)
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
- 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Your Grocery List
✅ Ground beef or turkey
✅ Yellow onion
✅ Garlic cloves
✅ Chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves
✅ Unsweetened cocoa powder
✅ Tomato sauce & beef broth
✅ Worcestershire sauce & apple cider vinegar
✅ Salt & pepper
✅ Spaghetti (or your pasta of choice)
✅ Shredded cheddar (for topping!)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cincinnati Chili
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Spice It Up: Add chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cocoa — toast them briefly to bring out flavor.
- Build the Base: Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Spoon over hot spaghetti and top with freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
Ingredient Swaps & Tweaks
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground “meat” and veggie broth.
- Lower-Carb: Serve over spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice.
- Heat Lovers: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Kid-Friendly: Dial back the spices slightly for milder flavor.
How to Serve Cincinnati Chili
This dish is famous for its “ways”:
- 2-Way: Chili over spaghetti
- 3-Way: Chili + spaghetti + cheddar cheese
- 4-Way: Add diced onions or kidney beans
- 5-Way: Chili + spaghetti + cheese + onions + beans
You can also serve it over hot dogs (“coneys”) for a fun twist.
What Makes Cincinnati Chili Special
It’s all about the spices. The combination of warm cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa creates a flavor profile that’s sweet-savory — almost Mediterranean. The sauce is thinner than Texas chili, making it perfect for layering over pasta.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Perfect for make-ahead meals — freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Toast your spices: This deepens the flavor.
- Simmer longer: The longer it cooks, the richer the taste.
- Freshly shred cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Serve with oyster crackers: A true Cincinnati tradition!
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati chili is more than a meal, it’s an experience. Its unique flavor profile, cozy warmth, and customizable toppings make it a dish that never gets boring. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter night or bringing it to a tailgate, it’s sure to be a hit. Ready to give it a try? Grab your spices, fire up the stove, and create your own perfect Cincinnati chili night.