How to Make Authentic Cincinnati Chili - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever been to Cincinnati, Ohio, chances are you've heard of Cincinnati chili. This unique chili dish has been a staple in the city for over a century and has become synonymous with the local food scene. But what makes Cincinnati chili so special? Unlike traditional chili, which is typically thick and hearty, Cincinnati chili is more like spaghetti sauce, with a rich and complex flavor profile that sets it apart from other chili dishes.

One of the key ingredients that sets Cinc...

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 quart water, or amount to cover
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 5 whole allspice berries
  • 1 bay leaf

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 10

  • Place ground beef in a large pan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil, stirring and breaking up beef with a fork to a fine texture. Slowly boil until meat is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes.
  • Add onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and chocolate. Stir in chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until well mixed. Add cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours. Add water if necessary to prevent chili from burning.
  • Nutrition

    225 cal.

    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 60mg
    • Sodium: 674mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 10g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 49mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 515mg