Cincinnati Chili Recipe (2024)

Discover the unique flavors of Gold Star Cincinnati Chili, a classic Midwestern dish that stands out in the world of comfort food.

This recipe combines a symphony of spices and ingredients, simmered to perfection, offering a twist on traditional chili that you’ll absolutely love.

For a perfect side, explore our quick Homemade Tortillas Recipe to pair with your Cincinnati Chili.

Cincinnati Chili Ingredients

• 4 cups water (option to substitute half with beef broth)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 mix)
• ½ cup finely diced onion
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 oz dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 bay leaf

Toppings (optional)

• Cooked spaghetti noodles
• Beans
• Diced onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Oyster crackers

Directions

1. Start with the Base: Mix water or beef broth with tomato paste in a large pot to create the base of your chili.
2. Add the Beef: Gently break the ground beef into small pieces with your fingers and stir it into the broth.
3. Incorporate Other Ingredients: Add all the other chili ingredients to the pot.
4. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for 2-3 hours. During this time, occasionally stir the chili, ensuring the beef breaks down into a fine, crumble-like texture without any large chunks.
5. Cooling: Once cooked, turn off the heat and allow the chili to cool down to room temperature. Then cover it and place it in the refrigerator to sit overnight.
6. Removing Grease: The following day, skim off and discard any solidified grease from the top of the chili.
7. Reheat: Gently reheat the chili on the stove until it simmers again.
8. Ready to Serve: Enjoy your chili served over spaghetti noodles or as a topping for hot dogs.

Notes

• Overnight Rest: Refrigerating the chili overnight is recommended for enhanced flavor but not mandatory. If short on time, skim off the grease and serve.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Per serving, the chili provides approximately 352 kcal, 11g carbohydrates, 21g protein, and 25g fat. It’s also a good source of iron and vitamins A and C.

FAQs

Can I Use Different Meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with other ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

How Can I Make It Vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP).

What Are the Best Toppings?

Traditional toppings include cooked spaghetti noodles, beans, diced onions, shredded cheese, and oyster crackers. Feel free to get creative and add your favorites!

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