Description
A Midwest classic made easy in the slow cooker! This Cincinnati chili is a unique spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti with classic “ways” toppings like beans, onions, and plenty of cheddar. Perfectly seasoned, comforting, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Kidney beans
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully crumbled and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the chili from becoming too oily.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and onions to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, ground cinnamon, cumin, paprika, allspice, ground cloves, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to blend the spices and liquids.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking period allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become tender.
- Finish and Season: Just before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor. Remove the bay leaf, and season the chili with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Serve Cincinnati Style: Serve the chili hot over cooked spaghetti noodles. Top according to your preferred “ways”: 2-Way for chili plus spaghetti, 3-Way adding shredded cheddar cheese, 4-Way adding either onions or kidney beans, and 5-Way adding both onions and kidney beans. Oyster crackers make a great crunchy accompaniment.
Notes
- Authentic Cincinnati chili has a thinner consistency than Texas chili; add extra broth if needed.
- Can be made ahead—flavors develop even more overnight.
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version.
- For a dairy-free option, skip the cheddar cheese topping.
- Can be served gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or rice instead of regular spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Midwestern / American
