{"id":36834,"date":"2026-04-06T20:44:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T20:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/?p=36834"},"modified":"2026-04-06T20:45:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T20:45:07","slug":"cincinnati-chili","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/cincinnati-chili\/","title":{"rendered":"Cincinnati Chili"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Image\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So you think you know chili\u2026 and then Cincinnati chili<\/em> shows up and flips the whole script. This isn\u2019t your typical thick, chunky bowl. Nope\u2014this is a spiced, slightly sweet meat sauce<\/strong> served over spaghetti and piled high with cheese. Sounds wild? It is. And it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why This Recipe is Awesome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s talk about why people are obsessed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Totally different flavor.<\/strong> Sweet, savory, and spiced (hello cinnamon \ud83d\udc40).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Multiple \u201cways\u201d to eat it.<\/strong> 3-way, 4-way, 5-way\u2014yes, it\u2019s a thing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Comfort food overload.<\/strong> Pasta + chili + cheese = unbeatable combo.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Super customizable.<\/strong> Add beans, onions, or both.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Iconic dish.<\/strong> A whole city built its reputation on this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Bonus:<\/strong> It\u2019s weird at first\u2026 then suddenly you\u2019re hooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Ingredients You’ll Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s your unique lineup:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • 1 lb ground beef<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 2 cups water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The base:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • 1 can tomato sauce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 1 tbsp tomato paste<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Signature spices (this is where it gets interesting):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • 2 tbsp chili powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 1 tsp cinnamon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 1\/2 tsp allspice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 1\/2 tsp cumin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 1\/2 tsp garlic powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 1 tsp cocoa powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 1 tsp sugar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Salt & pepper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          For serving:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Spaghetti<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Shredded cheddar cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Optional: kidney beans, diced onions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
            \n\n\n\n

            Step-by-Step Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Start with raw beef.<\/strong>
              Add ground beef and water to a pot. Break it up while cooking<\/em>\u2014this gives that fine, smooth texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Add onion.<\/strong>
              Stir in chopped onion and bring to a simmer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Add the base.<\/strong>
              Mix in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and vinegar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            4. Add spices.<\/strong>
              Add chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, garlic powder, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Yes, all of it. Trust the process.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            5. Simmer low and slow.<\/strong>
              Let it cook uncovered for 1.5\u20132 hours until thickened.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            6. Cook spaghetti.<\/strong>
              Prepare pasta separately according to package instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            7. Assemble your \u201cway.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • 2-way: spaghetti + chili<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 3-way: add cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 4-way: add onions or beans<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 5-way: add both<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Serve immediately.<\/strong>
                  Pile on cheese like you mean it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                  \n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Let\u2019s keep your chili authentic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Browning the beef first.<\/strong>
                    Nope\u2014start it raw for the right texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Skipping the spices.<\/strong>
                    This chili is all about the spice blend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Not simmering long enough.<\/strong>
                    Flavor needs time to develop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Too thick.<\/strong>
                    It should be more sauce-like than chunky.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Being scared of cinnamon.<\/strong>
                    It\u2019s subtle\u2014but essential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n\n\n\n

                    Alternatives & Substitutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Make it your own (without losing the vibe):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Turkey version<\/strong>
                      Lighter but still works.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Low-carb option<\/strong>
                      Serve over zucchini noodles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Spicier version<\/strong>
                      Add cayenne or hot sauce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Vegetarian version<\/strong>
                      Use lentils instead of beef.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Hot dog version<\/strong>
                      Serve on hot dogs for chili dogs (classic move).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      \n\n\n\n

                      FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Why is Cincinnati chili sweet?<\/strong>
                      The spices (cinnamon, sugar, cocoa) create that signature flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Is it really served on spaghetti?<\/strong>
                      Yes\u2014and it works surprisingly well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      What\u2019s a \u201c3-way\u201d?<\/strong>
                      Spaghetti + chili + cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Can I make it ahead of time?<\/strong>
                      Absolutely\u2014it gets better with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Can I freeze it?<\/strong>
                      Yes! Great for meal prep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Is it spicy?<\/strong>
                      Not really\u2014more warm and spiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Do I have to use cocoa powder?<\/strong>
                      Yes\u2014it adds depth, not sweetness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n\n\n\n

                      Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Cincinnati chili is one of those dishes you have to try at least once. It\u2019s different, a little unexpected, and completely addictive once you get it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      So grab some spaghetti, pile on that chili, and don\u2019t forget the cheese.<\/strong> Welcome to a whole new chili experience. \ud83c\udf5d\ud83c\udf36\ufe0f\u2728<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      So you think you know chili\u2026 and then Cincinnati chili shows up and flips the whole script. This isn\u2019t your typical thick, chunky bowl. Nope\u2014this is a spiced, slightly sweet meat sauce served over spaghetti and piled high with cheese. Sounds wild? It is. And it works. Why This Recipe is Awesome Let\u2019s talk about<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[196],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-36834","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-dinner-recipes"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36834"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36841,"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36834\/revisions\/36841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipesp.com\/en-de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}