If you’re a foodie or someone missing the comfort of Midwestern classics, Cincinnati Chili is one recipe you need to try. Some love it, others debate whether it’s even chili, but one thing’s certain — this is a bold, flavorful dish unlike any other. Originating from Greek immigrants in the 1920s who settled in Ohio, this unique meat sauce combines Mediterranean spices with American chili traditions for a dish that’s part bolognese, part chili, and completely Cincinnati.
Let’s walk through how to make it properly at home, with every classic topping combination.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cups water (or beef stock for more flavor)
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 4 oz tomato paste
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chili powder (use your favorite blend)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 5 bay leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons vinegar
- A few dashes Worcestershire sauce
Optional for Serving
- Spaghetti
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onions
- Warm kidney beans
- Oyster crackers
- Hot sauce
Step-by-Step: Cooking Cincinnati Chili
In a large pot, add a little oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef. You don’t need to break it up fully yet. Browning is optional, but it adds depth of flavor. Once lightly browned, pour in the water or beef stock, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic.
Now Comes the Heart of the Recipe — The Spices
Add chili powder, salt, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, black pepper, chili flakes, cloves, sugar, chocolate, bay leaves, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir. Use a potato masher to break the ground beef into fine crumbles, as Cincinnati Chili is known for its smooth, meat sauce-like texture. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for two hours. Stir occasionally as it thickens and the flavors meld into a rich, aromatic sauce.
Serving Cincinnati Chili: All the Ways
Cincinnati Chili is traditionally served over spaghetti, with variations known as “ways”:
- Two-Way: Spaghetti topped with the chili meat sauce
- Three-Way: Add shredded cheddar cheese
- Four-Way: Add either diced onions or warmed kidney beans
- Five-Way: The full experience — chili, cheese, onions, and beans
Some enjoy it with hot sauce or oyster crackers on the side. Others spoon it over hot dogs to make classic chili dogs. Don’t be surprised by the generous mound of cheddar cheese — in Cincinnati, it’s part of the charm.
Final Thoughts and Tips
This dish may seem unusual with its mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate, but the result is a uniquely sweet, savory, and mildly spicy meat sauce that has been beloved in Ohio for nearly a century. Love it or debate it, Cincinnati Chili is a recipe worth trying for anyone curious about America’s diverse comfort foods. Whether you prefer it two-way, five-way, or anywhere in between, this hearty meal is easy to prepare and fun to customize.
Give it a try and discover your favorite way to enjoy this Midwest classic. Want more bold, regional recipes? Stay tuned for more American favorites that spark conversation and satisfy cravings.
