Description
Cincinnati chili brings hearty Midwestern comfort to your plate with its unique blend of spices and unconventional layering. Meat simmered in rich, aromatic sauce creates a soul-warming dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Liquid and Base Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and pork, breaking it into fine crumbles until no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and finely chopped onions to the meat, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate all spices – chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper – directly into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water, stirring to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer the chili for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure consistent flavor development.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, allowing the chili to thicken and develop a rich, complex flavor profile during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld completely.
Notes
- Blend meats carefully by mixing ground beef with ground pork for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
- Crush spices freshly before adding to maximize aromatic intensity and release maximum flavor potential.
- Slow-cooking transforms this dish, allowing spices to meld and develop an intricate taste profile that distinguishes Cincinnati-style chili.
- Customize serving styles by offering traditional options like serving over spaghetti, hot dogs, or as a standalone hearty stew for versatile meal experiences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg