Step 1: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.

Step 3: Add finely chopped onions to the pot and cook until they become translucent.

Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and all the spices (cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, cumin, and paprika). Cook for about a minute to release the flavors.

Step 5: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: After an hour, add a bay leaf and continue simmering for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 8: If the chili seems too thick, you can add water or more beef broth to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 9: Towards the end of the cooking time, prepare your spaghetti or any desired pasta according to the package instructions.

Step 10: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 11: Serve the Cincinnati chili by placing a portion of cooked pasta in a bowl or on a plate.

Step 12: Ladle the chili generously over the pasta.

Step 13: Top it off with your preferred toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers.

Step 14: Cincinnati chili is traditionally served "ways" - 2-way (chili and spaghetti), 3-way (chili, spaghetti, and cheese), 4-way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions), or 5-way (chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans).

Step 15: Enjoy your homemade Cincinnati Chili!

- Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken. Use the same quantity as specified in the original recipe.
- Onion: If you don't have an onion, you can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder or 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion as a substitute.
- Garlic: Replace each clove of garlic with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste.
- Tomato sauce: Substitute with an equal amount of tomato puree or crushed tomatoes.
- Worcestershire sauce: If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, use an equal amount of soy sauce or A1 steak sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Replace with an equal amount of white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
- Cinnamon: If you don't have cinnamon, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of allspice as a substitute.
- Unsweetened chocolate: Substitute with 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar if desired.
- Chili powder: If you don't have chili powder, use a combination of 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin as a substitute.
- Cayenne pepper: Replace with an equal amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Ground cloves: If you don't have ground cloves, use an equal amount of ground allspice or nutmeg.

Note: Adjust the quantities of the substitutes according to your taste preferences and the desired level of spiciness.

- Grated cheese
- Chopped onions
- Oyster crackers
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Pickled jalapeños
- Mustard
- Saltine crackers
- Chopped tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Spaghetti
- Cornbread
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped scallions
- Fried eggs
- Cheddar cheese sauce
- Coleslaw
- Garlic bread
- Sliced radishes
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
- Corn chips
- Sliced jalapeños
- Red pepper flakes
- Tabasco sauce
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced black olives
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Cocoa powder
- Ground cloves
- Allspice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tomato paste
- Brown sugar

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped red onions and fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
- Serve the Cincinnati chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl or on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an elevated presentation.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of finely grated cheddar cheese for a visually appealing contrast.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a tablespoon of dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the chili for a rich and complex flavor.
- Incorporate a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance the umami notes.
- Consider simmering the chili for a longer period to deepen the flavors and achieve a thicker consistency.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality ground beef or a mix of ground beef and ground lamb for a more indulgent and flavorful chili.
- Substitute regular beef broth with a rich homemade bone broth to add depth and richness to the dish.
- Sprinkle some saffron threads on top of the chili for a touch of luxury and a unique flavor profile.

Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate your Cincinnati chili and create a next-level dining experience. Enjoy!

- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace regular spaghetti noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option or to accommodate gluten intolerance.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth or homemade broth instead of regular broth or bouillon cubes.
- Opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar tomato sauce to lower the overall sugar content.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables of choice for added nutrients and fiber.
- For lactose intolerance, omit or substitute dairy-based toppings like cheese or sour cream with lactose-free alternatives or dairy-free options like vegan cheese or coconut milk-based sour cream.
- If you have a preference for a vegetarian or vegan diet, replace the meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, black beans, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Consider reducing or omitting the amount of spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
- Adjust portion sizes to fit individual calorie needs or weight management goals.

1. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce saturated fat content.
2. Replace refined white pasta with whole wheat or vegetable-based noodles for added fiber.
3. Opt for low-sodium beef or vegetable broth to reduce sodium levels.
4. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots for added nutrients and fiber.
5. Reduce the amount of added sugar by using less or substituting with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
6. Use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream as a healthier alternative to regular sour cream for toppings.
7. Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a reduced-fat version to cut down on saturated fat.
8. Include kidney beans or other legumes for added protein and fiber.
9. Use homemade chili powder or spices instead of pre-packaged mixes to control sodium and additives.
10. Serve smaller portions and pair the chili with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

1. Use pre-packaged chili seasoning mix to save time on measuring and blending spices.
2. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20) for a more affordable option without sacrificing flavor.
3. Substitute canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and cooking.
4. Skip the traditional simmering time of 2-3 hours by using a pressure cooker or slow cooker for faster results.
5. Use pre-chopped onion and garlic from the grocery store to eliminate prep time.
6. Replace beef broth with water and beef bouillon cubes to reduce cost while maintaining flavor.
7. Consider using a combination of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner and more economical alternative.
8. Utilize a food processor to quickly chop onions, making the process more efficient.
9. Prepare a larger batch and freeze individual portions for future use, saving time on multiple cooking sessions.
10. Experiment with different pasta shapes or skip the pasta altogether and serve the chili over rice to add variety and save time on boiling pasta.

 Related

• Alabama White BBQ Sauce
• Boston Baked Beans
• Boudin Sausage
• Cape Cod Cranberry Sauce
• Cornbread
• Fry Bread
• Southern Grits
• Southwestern Guacamole
• Hopi Piki Bread
• Maryland-style Crab Dip
• Native American Blue Corn Tortillas
• Native American Sunflower Bread
• Native American Wild Berry Jam
• New Mexico Sopapillas
• Southwest Salsa
• Southern Pimento Cheese
• Wisconsin Beer Cheese Dip
• New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Sauce