Cincinnati Chili is a unique regional dish that blends Mediterranean spices with a hearty meat sauce, traditionally served over spaghetti. Unlike typical chili, it features a thinner consistency and a distinct blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, offering a sweet-savory flavor profile. This dish is often enjoyed in various “ways,” with combinations of toppings such as shredded cheese, onions, and beans. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups water
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.

2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat and onions to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add water, minced garlic, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Stir well to combine.

3. Add Spices: Incorporate chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground allspice, ground cloves, bay leaf, salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

4. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Final Touches: After simmering, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste. If the chili is too thick, you can add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve: Traditionally, Cincinnati Chili is served over a bed of cooked spaghetti and topped with shredded Cheddar cheese. Additional toppings can include diced onions and kidney beans, depending on your preference.

Nutritional Facts

Per Serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 251
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Sodium: 723mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 49mg
• Iron: 4mg
• Potassium: 657mg

The Origins of Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati chili was created in the 1920s by Macedonian immigrant restaurateurs Tom and John Kiradjieff. They founded a small restaurant called Empress Chili, where they introduced their own version of chili with Mediterranean-inspired spices. Instead of serving it in a bowl like traditional chili, they poured it over spaghetti, creating what is now known as “two-way” chili. Over time, the dish gained popularity, and multiple chili parlors opened across Cincinnati, each adding their own variations.

What Makes Cincinnati Chili Unique?

The secret to Cincinnati chili’s distinctive taste lies in its seasoning. It includes an unexpected mix of warm spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, along with cocoa powder, giving it a rich, slightly sweet flavor. The sauce is more like a thin meat sauce than a chunky chili, making it perfect for drizzling over spaghetti or hot dogs. Another defining characteristic is that it is typically made with ground beef but is not browned beforehand, which allows the flavors to meld together as it simmers.

The Different Ways to Serve Cincinnati Chili

One of the most well-known aspects of Cincinnati chili is its “way” system, which refers to how it is served:

• Two-Way: Chili over spaghetti
• Three-Way: Chili over spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese
• Four-Way: Adds either onions or kidney beans
• Five-Way: Includes both onions and kidney beans

In addition to being served over spaghetti, Cincinnati chili is also a popular topping for hot dogs, known as “cheese coneys.” These consist of a hot dog in a soft bun, topped with chili, mustard, onions, and a mound of shredded cheese.

The Cultural Significance of Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati chili is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural institution in Ohio. Many locals have strong loyalties to specific chili parlors, with the biggest rivalries being between Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili. These chains dominate the Cincinnati chili scene, but smaller independent chili parlors also have dedicated followings. Families pass down their love for Cincinnati chili through generations, making it a cherished part of the city’s culinary heritage.

Why Cincinnati Chili is Polarizing

For those unfamiliar with the dish, Cincinnati chili can be an acquired taste. Some find the combination of sweet and savory flavors unusual, while others love the complexity it brings. The way it’s served—especially over spaghetti—can also be surprising to those used to traditional chili. However, once people give it a try, they often become fans of this unique style of chili.

Tips for Making the Best Cincinnati Chili

• Let it Simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors develop. Many recommend cooking it for at least two hours.
• Don’t Brown the Beef First: Unlike most chili recipes, ground beef is boiled directly in the sauce, giving it a smoother texture.
• Use Finely Shredded Cheese: Cincinnati chili is traditionally topped with a generous amount of finely shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into the chili and spaghetti.
• Customize Your Toppings: The way system allows you to choose your preferred level of toppings, making it easy to tailor the dish to your taste.
• Try It on a Hot Dog: If you’re hesitant about chili over spaghetti, start with a cheese coney for a smaller but equally delicious experience.

Cincinnati Chili Beyond Ohio

While Cincinnati chili is most famous in Ohio, its popularity has spread across the country. Many Midwestern restaurants serve their own versions, and some food lovers even recreate it at home. Online recipes allow those outside of Cincinnati to experience this regional specialty, helping it gain recognition beyond its hometown.

Conclusion

Cincinnati chili is a one-of-a-kind dish with a rich history, bold flavors, and a strong cultural presence. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty plate of spaghetti or a loaded cheese coney, this unique take on chili is a must-try for any food enthusiast. Its combination of Mediterranean-inspired spices, creative serving style, and deep-rooted traditions make it an iconic part of American cuisine.