Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Photo by: Taste of Home
Rating

83% would make again

“The chocolate in this recipe threw me off at first, but now it's the only way I make chili,” writes Joyce Alm from Thorp, Washington. You'll find layers of delicious flavor in this heartwarming dish. It's well-worth the time it takes!

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  • 10 Servings
  • Prep: 25 min. Cook: 5-1/2 hours

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds ground beef
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped onions
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Hot cooked spaghetti
  • Shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions, optional

Directions

  • In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
  • In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the beans, tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chocolate, cinnamon, cumin, salt, oregano, pepper and cloves. Stir in beef mixture.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5-1/2 to 6 hours or until heated through. Serve with spaghetti. Garnish with cheese and green onions if desired. Yield: 10 servings.

Cincinnati Chili published in Simple & Delicious January/February 2008

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Reviews for Cincinnati Chili (10)

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati Chili

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Reviewed on Sep. 20, 2009 by vickiinmyhead

I grew up in Ohio and my mother is from Cincinnati, so the chili has been fed to me from a very early age. This is the best recipe that my mother has ever made, and she shared it with me.  It is great. I did not add beans and i browned the meat with water to give it the right texture. Other than that it was great. Add hot sauce and minced onions on top with fancy shredded cheese to get the best tate. Do the same when making chili dogs.Yummm.

Reviewed on Feb. 27, 2009 by ljustus414

I live in Northern Kentucky where this type of chili is king. I love this recipe and make it at least once a week. Once you get used to the cinnamon/chocolate flavor it is hard to eat it any other way.

Reviewed on Jan. 12, 2009 by jennyu

I wasn't sure we'd like this but it was good.  My husband ate his with tortilla chips and I used spaghetti and some raw onions on top.  We both had shredded cheese.  My 3 year old liked it a lot!

Reviewed on Jan. 12, 2009 by Weavo

I won't make this chili again. I tasted it after 4 hours in the crockpot and salvaged it with brown sugar and salt. I guess I like Pennsylvania chili better.

Reviewed on Jan. 06, 2009 by lillyjean02

You are suppose to top this with grated cheese , a dollop of sour cream and oyster crackers, and chopped onions are optional. Rosie

Reviewed on Jan. 06, 2009 by Magilatootsie19

In true Cincinnati Chili the beef is boiled in water and not drain which is why you use the leanest meats.

be4good

Reviewed on Jan. 06, 2009 by eclaire

Re:Cincinnati Chili True Cincinnati Chili you do not brown the beef first you cook it in water for thirty minutes then add the rest of the ingredients

Reviewed on Jan. 06, 2009 by pamcanjam

I'm from the Cincy area & true Cincy chili does not have the beans in the chili...add cheese & we call it a 3-way, add onions, too & it's a 4-way. Add the kidney beans & it's a 5-way! Any way you eat it, is delicious!

Reviewed on Jan. 06, 2009 by cindylu1231

To make this a true "Cincinnati Chili," you need to sprinkle finely shredded cheddar cheese to the top.

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2008 by pinkirishlace

This is, with out a doubt, the BEST chili I have ever tasted!!! The chocolate and the cinnamon "seal the deal"! Thank you for posting this recipe.

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