Cincinnati Chili

[The Queen City Remix]

Cincinnati’s iconic chili with warming spices and a hint of chocolate, served over spaghetti with all the fixings. This Queen City classic gets elevated with grass-fed beef and aromatic spice blends that honor the original’s Greek-inspired roots.

Ingredients

For the Chili:
2 lbs (900g) grass-fed ground beef
2 large organic onions, finely diced
4 cloves organic garlic, minced
3 tbsp (45ml) avocado oil
2 tbsp (30ml) tomato paste
3 cups (720ml) beef bone broth
1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce (no sugar added)
2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp (24g) chili powder
1 tbsp (6g) ground cumin
2 tsp (4g) ground cinnamon
1 tsp (2g) ground allspice
1 tsp (2g) ground cloves
1 tsp (6g) sea salt
1/2 tsp (1g) cayenne pepper
1 oz (28g) dark chocolate (85% cacao), grated
2 bay leaves

For Serving:
1 lb (450g) whole wheat spaghetti
2 cups (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 large organic onion, finely diced
1 can (15oz/425g) organic kidney beans, drained
Organic oyster crackers

Steps

Brown:

Heat avocado oil in large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with wooden spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Saute:

Add diced onions to pot with beef. Cook until onions are translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.

Bloom:

Stir in tomato paste and all spices (chili powder through cayenne). Cook 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly.

Deglaze:

Add bone broth, tomato sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Add bay leaves and bring to boil.

Simmer:

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Chili should reduce and thicken to coating consistency.

Finish:

In last 30 minutes, stir in grated dark chocolate. Remove bay leaves and taste for seasoning, adding salt as needed.

Prep:

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and keep warm. Prepare toppings in separate bowls.

Serve:

Place cooked spaghetti in bowls. Ladle chili over pasta. Top with cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans as desired. Serve with oyster crackers.

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Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Bone Broth: Rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that support gut lining health and provide easily digestible nutrients. Apple Cider Vinegar: Contains beneficial acids and may help improve digestion and mineral absorption. Warming Spices: Cinnamon, cumin, and cloves have anti-inflammatory properties and support digestive function. Dark Chocolate: Contains polyphenols that act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Kidney Beans: High in fiber and resistant starch that supports healthy gut microbiome when properly prepared. Fermented Additions: Consider adding 1 tbsp fermented tomato paste or a splash of coconut aminos for additional beneficial enzymes.

Remix Options

Protein Alternatives: Use grass-fed ground turkey, bison, or a mix of mushrooms and lentils for vegetarian version. Pasta Swaps: Try zucchini noodles for low-carb, chickpea pasta for extra protein, or cauliflower rice for grain-free option. Spice Adjustments: Increase cayenne for more heat, add 1 tsp smoked paprika for smokiness, or include 1/2 tsp ground cardamom for authentic Greek flavor. Serving Styles: 2-way (chili over spaghetti), 3-way (add cheese), 4-way (add onions), 5-way (add beans), or Coney style (over hot dogs). Make-Ahead Versions: Slow cooker method (6-8 hours on low), pressure cooker (30 minutes high pressure), or freezer meal (freeze chili for up to 3 months). Cheese Upgrades: Use aged raw cheddar, add crumbled feta for Greek twist, or try nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.

Good To Know

Cincinnati Style Secret: The unique spice blend including cinnamon and chocolate reflects the Greek immigrant heritage of the original Skyline Chili founders. Low and Slow: Extended simmering time allows spices to meld and develop the characteristic complex flavor that sets Cincinnati chili apart from regular chili. Chocolate Timing: Add grated dark chocolate in the last 30 minutes to prevent bitterness while allowing subtle richness to develop. Serving Order: Traditional serving goes spaghetti first, then chili, then toppings in layers for the authentic Queen City experience. Storage Strategy: Chili improves with age – tastes even better the next day and keeps 4-5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. Bean Preparation: Rinse kidney beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility before adding to the chili. Regional Pride: This recipe honors Cincinnati’s unique culinary contribution while upgrading ingredients for modern health-conscious home cooks.