Cincinnati Chili: A Uniquely Delicious American Classic!

Get ready, flavor adventurers! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the heartwarming, uniquely spiced world of Cincinnati Chili. Forget everything you thought you knew about chili, because this iconic dish from the Queen City is in a league of its own. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience, a symphony of savory notes, and a comforting hug in a bowl. For those seeking truly distinctive Classic Chili Recipes, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.

Imagine a rich, meaty sauce infused with a surprising blend of Mediterranean spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, subtly sweetened with a touch of chocolate, and served not over rice, but over a bed of tender spaghetti. Intrigued? You should be! This isn’t your slow-burn, bean-filled cowboy chili; this is a thin, savory, highly aromatic sauce that demands to be draped, piled, and devoured in its traditional “ways.” Trust me, once you experience the magic of Cincinnati Chili, you’ll understand why it has such a devoted following. It’s a culinary journey you won’t soon forget!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Cincinnati Chili Recipe!

This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s the recipe that captures the authentic spirit of Cincinnati Chili. Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your kitchen:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The unique blend of warm spices, a hint of chocolate, and savory beef creates a depth of flavor that is truly extraordinary and unlike any other chili you’ve ever tasted.
Comfort Food Supreme: Perfect for a chilly evening or a hearty weekend meal, this chili provides warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Customizable “Ways”: Whether you like it 2-Way, 3-Way, 4-Way, or 5-Way, this recipe is the foundation for endless topping possibilities that make it fun for everyone.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its distinct taste and customizable nature make it a hit at potlucks, family dinners, and game day gatherings.
Easy to Scale: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or making a big batch to freeze for later.

What You’ll Need

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Strainer/colander
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
• 6 cups water
• 8 oz tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (or 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
• For serving: Shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped raw onions, kidney beans (optional), oyster crackers (optional)

How to Make Cincinnati Chili

Prep Steps (20 minutes)

1. Brown the Beef: In your large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up into very fine pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off all excess grease thoroughly. This step is crucial for the texture of classic Classic Chili Recipes.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare Spice Blend: While onions cook, combine chili powder, cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a small bowl.

Cooking Steps (2 hours 30 minutes)

1. Build the Base: Add the spice blend to the beef and onions, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, water, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and deepen, achieving that signature thin, rich consistency of Cincinnati Chili. For the last 30 minutes, you can uncover it if you want it to thicken slightly more, though it should remain quite soupy.
3. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
4. Assemble Your Way: Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti. Here are the traditional “ways”:
   • 2-Way: Chili on spaghetti.
   • 3-Way: Chili on spaghetti, topped with a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
   • 4-Way Onion: Chili on spaghetti, topped with cheese and finely chopped raw onions.
   • 4-Way Bean: Chili on spaghetti, topped with cheese and kidney beans.
   • 5-Way: Chili on spaghetti, topped with cheese, onions, and kidney beans.

   Don’t forget the oyster crackers on the side for that authentic experience!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This incredible Classic Chili Recipes dish is fantastic as is, but here are some ideas to make it even more fun:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the pot during simmering if you prefer a little heat.
Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground “meat” crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Chili Cheese Dogs/Coneys: Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs, piled high with cheese and onions.
Chili Nachos: Spoon it over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite salsa for a unique twist.
Breakfast Hash: Mix leftover chili with diced potatoes and an egg for a savory morning meal.
Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes Cincinnati Chili different from regular chili?
A: Cincinnati Chili is unique due to its Mediterranean-inspired spice blend (cinnamon, cloves, allspice), its thin, sauce-like consistency, and its traditional serving method over spaghetti (“ways”) with specific toppings like finely shredded cheddar cheese and onions.

Q: Can I make Cincinnati Chili ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cincinnati Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze Cincinnati Chili?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q: Is Cincinnati Chili supposed to be sweet?
A: It’s not overtly sweet, but the cocoa powder and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves contribute a subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the savory beef and tomato. It’s more aromatic and complex than sugary.

What Our Fans Are Saying! (Reviews)

Emma R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was skeptical about the cinnamon and chocolate, but WOW! This recipe is a game-changer. It’s so comforting and the flavor is just incredible. My family devoured it 5-Way style. You HAVE to try this!”

David S. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“As a Cincinnatian, I’m very particular about my chili, and this recipe nails it! The spice balance is perfect, and the consistency is spot on. Tastes just like home. Highly recommend for an authentic experience.”

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Never thought I’d put chili on spaghetti, but this was surprisingly delicious! It’s a rich, savory sauce that’s completely addictive. Easy to follow instructions, and my kids loved building their own ‘way’.”

Recipe Note

This Cincinnati Chili recipe is a tribute to a truly iconic American dish. Embrace the unique flavor profile and the traditional “ways” of serving – it’s all part of the fun! Don’t be shy with the toppings, especially that mound of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to be shared. Enjoy every uniquely delicious bite!