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The Cincinnati Chili Recipe Everyone’s Talking About

Cincinnati Chili Recipe Everyone’s Talking About

A cozy, spice-layered Cincinnati chili that simmered its way into national attention. This recipe delivers the classic Midwest flavor—rich, warm, and perfect over spaghetti with all the traditional “ways.”

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Midwest
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (“Ways”)

  • 12 ounces spaghetti cooked
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced onions optional
  • 1 cup cooked beans optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven — For simmering the chili.
  • Wooden Spoon — To break up the meat and stir the sauce.
  • Large Pot for Spaghetti — To cook the pasta.
  • Measuring Spoons & Cups — For spices and liquids.
  • Colander — To drain the spaghetti.

Method
 

  1. Add the ground beef and onion to a large pot, covering the mixture with beef broth.
  2. Gently break apart the meat without browning it. Cincinnati chili is traditionally boiled, resulting in a soft, saucy texture.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, garlic, chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Cook for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors deepen.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve over cooked spaghetti, then top with shredded cheddar.
  8. For traditional “ways,” add onions and beans depending on whether you want 3-Way, 4-Way, or 5-Way chili.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, some cooks briefly puree the tomato sauce before adding it to the pot.
  • Don’t skip the cinnamon and allspice—they’re essential to the iconic Cincinnati chili flavor.
  • Letting the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken naturally.
  • This chili reheats extremely well and tastes even better the next day.