When you think of chili, a hearty bowl of spicy, bean-filled stew may come to mind. But in Cincinnati, chili takes on a whole new identity. Known as Cincinnati Chili, this dish is less about heat and more about depth of flavor, combining ground beef with a unique blend of Mediterranean-inspired spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The result is a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic sauce that is traditionally served not in a bowl, but over a bed of spaghetti or on a hot dog.
Beloved across Ohio and beyond, Cincinnati Chili is a regional treasure with a cult following. It’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile enough to please a wide range of palates. In this article, we’ll explore what makes it unique, how to prepare it at home, and ways to serve it the authentic Cincinnati way.
What Makes Cincinnati Chili Different?
Unlike traditional chili, Cincinnati Chili is more of a spiced meat sauce than a chunky stew. It was created in the 1920s by Macedonian immigrants who brought Mediterranean spices to America and adapted them into a dish that would appeal to local tastes. Instead of being loaded with beans and vegetables, the focus here is on the finely ground beef and spice blend.
The hallmark of Cincinnati Chili is the “ways” system, which describes how the chili is served over spaghetti with various toppings:
- 2-Way: Chili over spaghetti
- 3-Way: Chili, spaghetti, and shredded cheese
- 4-Way: Add onions or beans
- 5-Way: Chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans
It’s a fun and customizable way to enjoy this dish, whether you prefer it simple or fully loaded.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare an authentic Cincinnati Chili, gather these ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Kidney beans, for serving
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 1 hour 15 minutes (simmering enhances flavor)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat. Break the beef into very fine crumbles (some cooks even simmer the beef in water to achieve a smoother texture). Drain excess fat.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, paprika, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, and the bay leaf. Mix well.
4. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop deep, layered flavors.
5. Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Serve the chili over a plate of cooked spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans as desired.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
Values vary depending on toppings and portion size.
Presentation and Serving Tips
- Authentic Style: Serve the chili over spaghetti on a wide, shallow plate rather than in a bowl. This is the classic Cincinnati way.
- Cheese Crown: Use finely shredded sharp cheddar and pile it high for the iconic look.
- Hot Dog Version: Spoon the chili over a hot dog in a steamed bun, then top with onions, mustard, and cheese to make a “Coney.”
- Family Style: Set out bowls of toppings—beans, onions, cheese—so everyone can build their own “way.”
Variations and Customizations
- Turkey Chili: Substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Extra Spice: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap the beef for lentils or crumbled plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb: Instead of pasta, serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
Tips for Success
- Let It Rest: Cincinnati Chili often tastes better the next day as the spices meld together.
- Texture Matters: Break the meat into very fine crumbles—it should resemble a smooth sauce rather than chunky chili.
- Balance the Sweetness: The cocoa, cinnamon, and sugar add complexity, but taste as you go to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Why You’ll Love Cincinnati Chili
This dish is more than just comfort food—it’s a slice of Midwestern heritage. The combination of warm spices, savory beef, and the playful “ways” system makes it approachable yet unique. It’s hearty enough to feed a family, versatile enough for game day, and novel enough to wow anyone who’s never tried it before.
Cincinnati Chili is proof that chili doesn’t have to follow the same rules everywhere. With its unexpected blend of spices, smooth texture, and creative serving style, it has earned its place as a regional classic that’s worth trying at home.
So, the next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, whip up a pot of Cincinnati Chili, boil some spaghetti, and create your own perfect “way” to enjoy it.