Chilis & Stews

Cincinnati Chili

Name: Cincinnati Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

By Caleb Wycliffe · June 19, 2026 · Chilis & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of Cincinnati Chili on a chilly evening. This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and I'm excited to share it with you. Growing up, my family would often gather around the table to enjoy a big pot of chili, and it was always a hit. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices is a classic, and the unique blend of flavors in Cincinnati Chili sets it apart from other chili recipes.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have a delicious, homemade chili on the table in no time. And the best part? It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it's quick, easy, and can be made in large batches to feed a crowd.

So, what makes Cincinnati Chili so special? For starters, it's the unique blend of spices, which includes cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate. Yes, you read that right - chocolate! It may seem strange, but trust me, it adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. And then there's the texture, which is thick and hearty, thanks to the use of ground beef and tomatoes.

In this recipe, we'll walk through the steps to make a classic Cincinnati Chili, including the ingredients, equipment, and techniques you'll need to get started. We'll also cover some tips and variations to help you make the recipe your own, and provide some suggestions for serving and storing your chili.

Whether you're a chili lover or just looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I hope you'll give this Cincinnati Chili a try. It's a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it's quick and can be made in large batches
The unique blend of spices adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients
The texture is thick and hearty, thanks to the use of ground beef and tomatoes
It's a great recipe for a crowd, as it can be made in large batches and served with a variety of toppings
It's a comforting, warming dish that's perfect for a chilly evening

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this Cincinnati Chili recipe so great? For starters, it's the combination of flavors, which is both bold and balanced. The ground beef provides a rich, meaty flavor, while the tomatoes add a burst of acidity and freshness. And then there's the spice blend, which includes a unique combination of cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate. This blend adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients, and it's what sets Cincinnati Chili apart from other chili recipes.

Another key factor is the cooking technique, which involves browning the ground beef to create a rich, caramelized crust. This step is crucial, as it adds a ton of flavor to the dish and helps to thicken the chili. And by using a combination of tomato paste and diced tomatoes, we're able to achieve a thick, hearty texture that's perfect for a comforting bowl of chili.

Finally, it's the layering of flavors that really makes this recipe work. By adding the spices and seasonings in stages, we're able to build a complex, nuanced flavor profile that's both bold and balanced. And by letting the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, we're able to allow the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken, resulting in a dish that's both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Cincinnati Chili, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of ground beef, tomatoes, spices, and seasonings to create the unique flavor profile of this dish. Here are the ingredients you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh ground beef and canned tomatoes, to ensure the best flavor and texture. And don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to make the recipe your own.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20% for the best flavor and texture
1 large onion, dicedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't overpower the dish
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoesChoose a high-quality canned tomato with no added salt or sugar
1 can (6 oz) tomato pasteUse a high-quality tomato paste with no added salt or sugar
2 tbsp chili powderChoose a high-quality chili powder with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cinnamonUse a high-quality ground cinnamon, such as Ceylon or Saigon, for the best flavor
1/2 tsp ground allspiceUse a high-quality ground allspice, such as Jamaican or Mexican, for the best flavor
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepperUse a high-quality ground cayenne pepper, such as Korean or African, for the best flavor
1/2 tsp saltUse a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor
1/4 tsp black pepperUse a high-quality black pepper, such as Tellicherry or Malabar, for the best flavor
2 tbsp brown sugarUse a high-quality brown sugar, such as Muscovado or Demerara, for the best flavor
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powderUse a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Dutch or natural, for the best flavor

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Cincinnati Chili

1
Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 F
2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant
4
Add the chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne pepper to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant
5
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and cocoa powder to the pot, stirring to combine
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened
7
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the chili to your desired consistency
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
9
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions, if desired
10
Let the chili rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20% for the best flavor and texture
Don't overcook the chili, as it can become dry and tough
Use a variety of spices and seasonings to add depth and complexity to the dish
Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the chili to your desired consistency
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the best flavor
Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions, if desired
Let the chili rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chili, which can make it dry and tough
Not browning the ground beef properly, which can result in a lack of flavor
Not using a variety of spices and seasonings, which can result in a dull and uninteresting flavor
Not letting the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, which can result in a thin and unflavorful chili
Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed, which can result in a chili that's too salty or too bland
Not serving the chili hot, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the pot for added flavor and texture
Use a different type of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground pork, for a unique flavor
Add some heat to the chili by using more cayenne pepper or adding some diced jalapenos
Use a different type of tomato, such as crushed or diced tomatoes, for a different texture
Add some beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, for added protein and fiber
Use a different type of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, for a unique flavor
Add some smokiness to the chili by using some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers

What to Serve With Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it over spaghetti, as is traditional in Cincinnati, or you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a dip for crackers or chips.

Some other ideas for serving Cincinnati Chili include:

Serving it with some crusty bread or cornbread for a filling and satisfying meal

Adding some diced onions, sour cream, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture

Using it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos

Serving it with a side of salad or vegetables for a well-rounded meal

Serve over spaghettiServe with crusty bread or cornbreadUse as a dip for crackers or chipsServe with a side of salad or vegetablesUse as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cincinnati Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

To freeze it, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly.

Some tips for reheating Cincinnati Chili include:

Reheating it over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot

Adding a little water or broth to the chili if it's too thick, to achieve the desired consistency

Using a thermometer to ensure the chili has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165 F

Serving it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions, if desired

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cincinnati Chili?

Cincinnati Chili is a type of chili that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is known for its unique blend of spices and ingredients, including ground beef, tomatoes, and chocolate

What is the best way to serve Cincinnati Chili?

Cincinnati Chili can be served in a variety of ways, including over spaghetti, rice, or noodles, or as a dip for crackers or chips

Can I make Cincinnati Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Cincinnati Chili in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and cook the onions and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours

Can I freeze Cincinnati Chili?

Yes, you can freeze Cincinnati Chili. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months

What is the best way to reheat Cincinnati Chili?

The best way to reheat Cincinnati Chili is over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly. You can also add a little water or broth to the chili if it's too thick, to achieve the desired consistency

Can I make Cincinnati Chili without the chocolate?

While the chocolate is a unique ingredient in Cincinnati Chili, you can make it without it if you prefer. Simply omit the cocoa powder and proceed with the recipe as instructed

Can I add other ingredients to Cincinnati Chili?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to Cincinnati Chili to make it your own. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or beans, or using different types of ground meat or tomatoes

Is Cincinnati Chili spicy?

Cincinnati Chili can be spicy, depending on the amount of cayenne pepper used. If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper

The Full Recipe

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