Cincinnati chili is a unique American regional dish that stands apart from traditional chili due to its Mediterranean-inspired spices, thin meat sauce texture, and signature serving style over spaghetti. Unlike classic Texas or bean-heavy chilis, this version uses ground beef simmered with cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate, then ladled over pasta and topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans. Its origins trace back to Macedonian immigrant Athanas Kiradjieff, who opened a chili parlor in Cincinnati in 1922, and the style remains a beloved local tradition with many family variations.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 2 cups (470 ml) water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (15 g) chili powder
- 2 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground allspice
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 1 oz (28 g) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- For serving: 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti, cooked; shredded cheddar cheese; oyster crackers; kidney beans (optional); diced onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, add the ground beef and water. Break the meat apart with a spoon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
- Stir in the chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, coriander, cloves, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, chopped chocolate, and bay leaf. Stir until the chocolate melts and the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. The chili should thicken slightly but remain saucy—not as thick as traditional chili.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The chili should have a balanced sweet-spicy aroma with a noticeable cinnamon note.
- Serve immediately over cooked spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and oyster crackers. Add beans or onions if desired.
Tips
- Meat texture: The key to authentic texture is simmering the beef in water so it breaks into very fine pieces. Do not brown the meat first—this creates larger chunks and changes the sauce consistency.
- Spice balance: Cinnamon and allspice are essential—do not omit them. If you are unsure about the sweetness, start with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and add more after tasting.
- Chocolate: Use unsweetened chocolate (not milk chocolate). If you do not have it, substitute 1 tablespoon cocoa powder mixed with 1 teaspoon sugar, but the depth will be slightly less.
- Make-ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day. Refrigerate overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cincinnati chili in the classic “ways�: Two-way is chili over spaghetti; Three-way adds shredded cheddar cheese; Four-way adds onions or beans; Five-way includes both onions and beans. Top with oyster crackers and a dash of hot sauce. It is also delicious as a chili dog topping or spooned over baked potatoes.
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Substitute 2 cups (300 g) cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for the beef. Simmer for 30 minutes instead of 1 hour, and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami.
- Spicier kick: Increase cayenne to 1 teaspoon or add 1 minced jalapeño with the onion.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or serve over rice. Ensure your chili powder and spices are certified gluten-free.
- Slow cooker: Brown the beef in water first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbling (about 10 minutes). Add a tablespoon of water if it has thickened too much. Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as recommended by USDA FSIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cincinnati chili have cinnamon and chocolate? These ingredients are inspired by Mediterranean and Greek cooking, reflecting the heritage of its creator. They add a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the chili’s spice, creating a distinctive flavor profile.
Is Cincinnati chili really chili? It is a regional adaptation, more of a meat sauce than a traditional chili. It is thinner, less spicy, and served over pasta, which is why many argue it is a separate dish entirely. In Cincinnati, it is simply called “chili.�
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, but turkey is leaner and may produce a drier texture. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and consider using 93/7 turkey. The flavor will be slightly lighter.
Why is my chili too thick? Traditional Cincinnati chili is meant to be pourable, not stew-like. If it becomes too thick, stir in water or beef broth a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
What is the “five-way� exactly? It is a serving style: spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese, in that order. Some parlors also offer a “cheese coney� (hot dog with chili and cheese).
Can I make this in advance for a party? Absolutely. It actually improves after a day in the fridge. Cook the spaghetti fresh just before serving, and keep the chili warm in a slow cooker on low.
Related
- Geoffrey Zakarian Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe
- Potato Pancakes with Applesauce Recipe
- Potato Pancakes Store: Keep Them Crisp & Fresh
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).