The Best Quick Cincinnati Chili

Experience the bold, unique flavors of "The Best Quick Cincinnati Chili," a beloved Midwest classic reimagined for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender ground beef, aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice, and an unexpected touch of unsweetened cocoa powder to create a rich, savory sauce that simmers to perfection in just 40 minutes. Served over a bed of spaghetti instead of the traditional bowl, it’s a comforting dish that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. Top it off with melty cheddar cheese, diced onions, and crunchy oyster crackers for an authentic Cincinnati-style finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or game-day gathering, this recipe is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 0.5 cup diced onion (for topping, optional)
• 1 cup oyster crackers (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, water, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 4

Add the chili powder, cocoa powder, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 7

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend very lightly, leaving most of the texture intact (optional).

Step 8

Serve the chili over the cooked spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, and oyster crackers if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2358 grams (2358.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3240

Total Fat 141.70g	182%
Saturated Fat 59.50g	298%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 425mg	142%
Sodium 7224mg	314%
Total Carbohydrate 341.20g	124%
Dietary Fiber 31.80g	114%
Total Sugars 30.70g
Protein 151.30g	303%

Vitamin D 52IU	261%
Calcium 1053mg	81%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 2208mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.3%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 42.1%