If you’re looking for a hearty and unique dish to spice up your dinner routine, this Cincinnati Chili recipe will become a go-to! With a rich blend of spices, tender beef, and a surprising touch of chocolate, this dish creates a beautiful harmony of sweet and savory.
That’s right, this Cincinnati style chili recipe is often served over spaghetti.
It’s a talking point by itself, but the flavors of the spaghetti chili are the best part.
Combining cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate gives Cincinnati Chili a unique flavor you won’t find in traditional chili.
The chili develops even more flavor after sitting overnight, making it a great choice for make-ahead meals.
And whether you’re a fan of shredded cheddar, beans, or even onions, there are various ways you can top it to make it perfect for you.
This style of chili is one both kids and adults will love – everyone enjoys it served over spaghetti!
Though the ingredient list may seem long, the steps are straightforward, and the result is a delicious, hearty meal.
Poured over spaghetti and topped with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, Cincinnati Chili recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. If you are ready for the best chili of your life, let’s get making this Cincinnati Chili spaghetti.
What is Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati Chili is one of those regional dishes that originated in Ohio in the Cincinnati area.
Unlike traditional chili, this version is flavored with a variety of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, giving it a unique sweet and savory profile.
It’s often served over spaghetti and topped with cheddar cheese, beans, and onions, making it a truly one-of-a-kind dish. And one every Ohio native loves.
What Ingredients Are in This Cincinnati Chili Recipe?
- Beef broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base and adds richness to the dish.
- Ground beef: The main protein in the chili, crumbled finely to soak up all the delicious spices.
- Vegetable oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, giving the base an aromatic flavor.
- White onion: Adds a mild sweetness and texture to the chili.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the richness of the spices.
- Chili Powder: The primary seasoning for a chili lover.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: A little bit adds to the distinctive flavors of the Cincinnati spaghetti.
- Allspice: Provides a subtle warmth and spiciness to the flavor profile.
- Ground cloves: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth, enhancing the cinnamon and chocolate flavors.
- Cayenne: Adds a slight kick of heat to the chili, balancing the sweet elements.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the chili with a mild herbal note.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the chili.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the spices and chocolate.
- Unsweetened chocolate: The secret ingredient that enhances the chili’s richness and adds a layer of complexity.
- Spaghetti Noodles: The base for serving the chili, giving it the signature style.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: This shredded cheese melts over the chili, giving a creamy and sharp contrast to the savory flavors.
- Small red beans: Added at the end, they bring extra texture and heartiness to the dish.
How to Make This Cincinnati Chili Recipe:
- Cook the ground beef in broth in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it into fine pieces.
- Sauté onions and garlic in oil until soft.
- Add chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and other spices to the onion mixture and cook until fragrant.
- Combine the onion-spice mixture with the beef and broth mixture.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, and chocolate to the pot and let it simmer to develop flavors.
- Stir in the beans shortly before the chili is done.
- Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Pro Tip: For best results, refrigerate the chili overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even better the next day.
How is Cincinnati Chili Recipe Served?
Cincinnati Chili recipe is traditionally served over spaghetti, unlike other types of chili that are served in bowls. The “ways” system defines how you can enjoy it:
- Two-Way: Chili over spaghetti.
- Three-Way: Chili, spaghetti, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Four-Way: Chili, spaghetti, cheese, and chopped onions.
- Five-Way: Chili, spaghetti, cheese, chopped onions, and beans.
How to Store Cincinnati Chili Recipe:
To store, allow the Cincinnati-style chili to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Can You Freeze Cincinnati Chili Recipe?
Yes! The best Cincinnati Chili recipe freezes beautifully.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion.
It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
What Goes with Cincinnati Chili Recipe?
Cincinnati Chili recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Try some of these favorites:
- Potato Gratin Stacks
- Cheese Soup
- Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Farro Sweet Potato Salad
- Potato Leek and Bacon Bake
- Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese
- Arugula Beet Goat Cheese Salad
- Raw Parsnip Salad
- Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Gluten Free French Fried Onions Recipe
- Mexican Tomatoes
- Power Greens Salad
- Irish Soda Bread
- Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad
- Sweet Chili Edamame
Is Cincinnati Chili Recipe Healthy?
Cincinnati Chili is a balanced meal that provides protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, especially when served with beans and spaghetti.
However, it can be high in sodium and fat, so portion control and ingredient choices like low-sodium broth can make it a healthier option.
Is Cincinnati Chili Recipe Gluten-Free?
The Cincinnati chili recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made from meat, vegetables, and spices.
However, traditional Cincinnati Chili is served over a bed of spaghetti, which contains gluten.
To make this dish gluten-free, the only thing you need is a gluten-free pasta option.
The next time you need a great dinner, try this homemade Cincinnati chili. Easily served different ways for the pickiest eater, this unique blend of spices is sure to satisfy everyone’s preferences.

Cincinnati Chili
This Cincinnati Chili recipe features a delicious blend of spices, served over spaghetti and topped with cheese for the ultimate dish!
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cups white onion, chopped (1 large white onion)
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced (2 large cloves)
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 8 ounce sharp cheddar
- 2 (15.2 ounce) cans small red beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Add the beef broth and ground beef to a large Dutch oven, crumbling the beef into small pieces as you add it to the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and lower heat to a simmer for a 30 minutes.
- Remove beef from heat, allow to cool and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator. The fat will have solidified. Remove as much fat as possible.
- Start heating meat and broth mixture over low heat. Use a hand blender to break the meat into finer pieces.
- Heat oil in new skillet.
- Add onions and cook for a 5-7 minutes, until onions start to turn translucent.
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, cayenne, bay leaf, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, and heat until mixture starts to bubble.
- Add tomato spice mixture to the meat mixture, along with apple cider vinegar and chocolate. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for about an hour.
- Cook spaghetti according to directions.
- A few minutes before you take the chili off the heat, stir in red beans.
- Spoon chili over spaghetti, top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 635Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 931mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 6gSugar: 6gProtein: 46g
Photos & Text Updated: February 22, 2025
Joanne Alexander
Friday 23rd of August 2019
We .make ours without chocolate. We make it a day before we serve, always tastes better the second day. Hubby was from Cincinnati and recipe is as close as you can get it. Hard Times sell packets around here, VA.
Jana
Sunday 14th of July 2019
Stumbled across this recipe and I’m going to try it this week. My New Years resolution was to try 52 new recipes. This will be 62.
Stan Smith
Sunday 11th of June 2017
The chili is so great and tastes middle eastern. But you can never find it in a restaurant in California.
Michelle Nahom
Sunday 11th of June 2017
I've never seen it at a restaurant in the Northeast either, but it's easy to make and it's a dish my family really enjoys!
Little Cooking Tips
Thursday 8th of June 2017
It seems that some of our countrymen really did wonders in the States lol :) We never heard of the Cincinnati Chili before (only the Cincinnati Kid with McQueen lol) but it sure is a recipe we'll be trying out VERY soon and we bet it'll become an instant favorite:) We honestly can't way to cook this Michelle! M-m-mmm! THANK YOU for the awesome recipe dear! xoxoxo
Miz Helen
Tuesday 30th of May 2017
We love Cincinnati Chili! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday! Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us real soon. Miz Helen