Cincinnati-Style Chili

Cincinnati chili is traditionally served over spaghetti with finely shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, kidney beans, and/or oyster crackers on top.

Yield
6 Servings
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
2 hours
Total time
2 hours, 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion (minced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces can tomato paste
28 ounces can crushed tomatoes
4 cups water
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
Instructions

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté minced onion in oil for 5 minutes. Add garlic and spices (from chili powder to black pepper), stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of the water. Stir and cook another 5 minutes. Add ground beef and begin to break it up into pieces. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and remaining 3 cups of water. Bring to a low boil, turn heat down to medium low, and simmer uncovered for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally. If chili gets too dry, add a bit of extra water. Lastly, add vinegar and chocolate, cooking another 20 minutes or so. Store in refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

Per serving: 457 calories, 15 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 135 milligrams cholesterol, 893 milligrams sodium, 29 grams total carbohydrates, 9.5 grams fiber, 53 grams protein.