Description
This Easy Cincinnati Chili recipe combines savory lean ground beef with a rich blend of tomato paste, baking chocolate, and warm spices simmered slowly to develop deep, complex flavors. Perfectly served over thin spaghetti and topped with your favorite traditional garnishes, this classic dish offers a unique twist on chili that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Liquids and Base
- 5 cups water
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
- 0.5 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (1/2 a square)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Spices
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main Ingredient
- 1 1/2 pound lean ground beef (93%)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the 5 cups of water to a large pot on medium heat. Stir in the tomato paste using a fork to break it up, then add the unsweetened baking chocolate. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt and incorporate fully.
- Add spices and vinegar: Pour in the chili powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, allspice, ground cloves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all the flavors into the mixture.
- Cook the beef: Crumble the raw lean ground beef directly into the pot. Break the meat into small pieces with a spoon, pressing it against the sides of the pot to crumble it finely. This ensures even cooking and a uniform texture throughout the chili.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The chili will thicken significantly as it cooks, and the flavors will intensify.
- Serve: Ladle the chili generously over thin cooked spaghetti. Optionally, top with traditional Cincinnati chili additions such as shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, or kidney beans to enhance the dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (93%) for a healthier and less greasy chili.
- Unsweetened baking chocolate adds depth and a subtle richness; ensure not to omit it.
- Cook the chili uncovered to allow it to thicken properly.
- The longer the simmer, the richer the flavor, so adjust time based on taste preference.
- Serve traditionally layered over spaghetti with cheddar cheese, onions, and beans as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
