Clove

Cincinnati Chili

by:
February  7, 2018
2 Reviews
Cincinnati Chili
Photo by Julia Gartland
Author Notes

Called a chili, this is more of a soupy ground (minced) beef sauce seasoned with sweet and savory spices. Now a regional standby, the Cincinnati, Ohio dish was created in 1922 by Macedonian immigrant brothers and showcases a blend of spices that may include cinnamon, allspice, Worchestershire sauce, and sometimes chocolate. Many crown it with chopped onions, shredded cheese, kidney beans, and crushed oyster crackers. Serve it over spaghetti. (From America: The Cookbook (Phaidon), by Gabrielle Langholtz.) —Food52

Test Kitchen Notes

This recipe was featured in the article In Cincinnati, Chili Is Sauce (& So Much More) —The Editors

  • Serves 6
Ingredients
  • 1 pound (455 g) ground (minced) beef
  • 4 cups beef stock or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 15-oz can tomato puree (passata)
  • Cooked spaghetti, for serving
  • Crushed oyster crackers, for topping
  • Optional garnishes: grated cheddar, cheese, chopped white onions, cooked kidney beans
In This Recipe
Tools
Set a Timer
Directions
  1. In a large pot, combine the beef and beef stock. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat while simultaneously breaking apart the beef with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to a simmer, continuing to break up the beef so it's very fine. Cook for 20 minutes. Add the bay leaves, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, cayenne, allspice, cloves, salt, and tomato puree and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the heat, cover, and refrigerate overnight or longer.
  2. Before serving, skim the fat from the top and discard. Reheat the chili, and place it atop cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with oyster crackers and garnishes of choice.
Tags:

See Reviews

See what other Food52ers are saying.

Review
Food52
Food52 (we cook 52 weeks a year, get it?) is a food and home brand, here to help you eat thoughtfully and live joyfully.

Popular on Food52