Tex-Mex Chili with a Cincinnati Twist

Name: Tex-Mex Chili with a Cincinnati Twist
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 35 min
Yield: 7 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup chopped sweet onion; 1/4 cup chili powder; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons baking cocoa; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, undrained; 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped; Hot cooked spaghetti; Optional toppings: oyster crackers, hot pepper sauce, chopped sweet onion and shredded cheddar cheese

My husband grew up in Cincinnati, where chili is served over spaghetti, and I grew up in the South. This family-pleaser is a mingling of both worlds…and a great way to make a meal go further. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
Hot cooked spaghetti
Optional toppings: oyster crackers, hot pepper sauce, chopped sweet onion and shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, cinnamon, cayenne and salt.
Transfer to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the chili beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato and jalapeno.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through. Serve over spaghetti. Garnish with toppings of your choice.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 288 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 22g protein.

Originally published as Tex-Mex Chili with a Cincinnati Twist in Simple & Delicious February/March 2011

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Cheryl304

Sep 16, 2013

This sounds wonderful and I love your new web layout, so much easier to use and up to date!!!
Ab0628

Mar 25, 2011

I liked this and think it would be fun to serve for a game-day party. I would use about half of the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, and cinnamon next time; it was a little too spicy for us. I used about 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes instead of the cayenne. I put a few chopped green peppers in. I did not put the tomato or the jalapeno in but had chopped tomatoes, jarred jalapenos, shredded cheese, onions, and oyster crackers as toppings. My husband also topped his with sour cream.
gilliaml

Feb 21, 2011

This one was a hit with my husband... even though he was skeptical when I told him there was cinnamon and cocoa in the ingredients. When I arrived home from work and opened the lid on the crock pot, the aroma was nothing short of spectacular! The taste, however, is the best part... bold & spicy... great served over whole wheat spaghetti!