Classic Cincinnati Chili Recipe: Hearty, Spiced, and Savory Delight

Cincinnati Chili Recipe 🥘

Description

This delightful Cincinnati Chili recipe brings a unique twist to traditional chili, offering a medley of rich and warm spices that transform a simple ground beef and tomato sauce base into a flavorful feast. Rediscovered from the 1995 issue of Better Homes and Garden’s “Simply Pasta” magazine, this dish is both nostalgic and timeless. Despite its long list of ingredients, it’s straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect one-dish meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Total Time

Ingredients 🛒

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped (divided use)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp ground chocolate chips
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 8 oz kidney beans
• 1 cup American cheese, shredded

Nutritional Information 🍽️

Keywords

Beans, Meat, Savory, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Instructions 📜

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • In a medium-sized stock pot, brown 1 lb of ground beef along with 1 cup of finely chopped onions and 2 cloves of minced garlic. 🥩🧅🧄
   • Once browned, drain the excess fat from the meat mixture. This step ensures your chili won’t be overly greasy, maintaining a pleasant texture and flavor balance.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the meat mixture to the stock pot. Add 8 oz of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tbsp of vinegar, 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of pumpkin pie spice, 1 1/2 tsp of ground cumin, 1/2 tsp of ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp of ground cloves, and 1/8 tsp of chocolate chips. 🍅🥄🍯🍫🌶️

3. Bring to a Boil:

   • Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Boiling the chili at this stage helps meld the flavors together and breaks down any large chunks of ground beef.

4. Simmer:

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering process allows the spices to infuse deeply into the meat, creating a rich, layered flavor profile. 🍲🔥

5. Skim the Fat:

   • After an hour of simmering, check for any excess fat that may have risen to the surface. Skim off any visible fat with a spoon to keep your chili light and delicious.

6. Cook the Pasta:

   • While the chili is simmering, cook 8 oz of spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and keep it warm until ready to serve. 🍝

7. Prepare the Beans:

   • Heat 8 oz of kidney beans until warmed through, then drain them. Keeping the beans warm ensures they integrate seamlessly with the chili and pasta when served. 🌰

8. Assemble the Dish:

   • To serve, layer the components on a plate as follows: start with a bed of cooked spaghetti, ladle a generous amount of the chili over the pasta, add a layer of warmed kidney beans, top with the remaining chopped onions (1/2 cup), and finish with a generous sprinkling of shredded American cheese. 🧀🍽️

Serving Tips

• Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley can add a pop of color and a fresh taste contrast to the rich chili.
• Side Dish: Serve with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the meal.
• Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Special Notes 🌟

• Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for a new flavor dimension.

Enjoy this flavorful Cincinnati Chili, where each bite is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. 🍲❤️