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Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili with Mediterranean Spices

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Cincinnati chili is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce. It is commonly served over spaghetti or hot dogs, and it is a culinary specialty of Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooked spaghetti or hot dogs, for serving
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
  • Chopped onions, for topping
  • Kidney beans, for topping

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
  5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti or hot dogs, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and kidney beans, if desired.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, prepare the chili a day in advance and reheat.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference for spice.
  • This chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup chili
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg