Cincinnati Chili Five-Way
A true American classic from Ohio, this unique meat sauce is simmered with warm spices like cinnamon and cocoa. Served over spaghetti and piled high with beans, onions, and a mountain of cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 130 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Start the Chili Base
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef broth, tomato sauce, 1 finely chopped onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- c.Whisk in all the spices: chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, sugar, allspice, cayenne, cloves, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- d.Crumble the raw ground beef directly into the liquid. Use a spoon or whisk to break the meat apart into a fine, consistent texture. This is the key to authentic Cincinnati chili – do not brown the meat beforehand.
- e.Add the bay leaf to the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Chili
- b.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- c.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting to maintain a very gentle simmer.
- d.Cook, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking. The chili is ready when it has thickened significantly and a layer of reddish fat has risen to the top.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Finish the Chili and Cook Pasta
- b.During the last 30 minutes of simmering, use a ladle to skim off any excess fat from the surface for a cleaner finish.
- c.About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of water with 1 tbsp of salt to a rolling boil.
- d.Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- e.Remove the bay leaf from the finished chili.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Five-Way
- b.On each plate, start with a bed of hot, cooked spaghetti.
- c.Ladle a generous amount of chili over the spaghetti. This is a 'Two-Way'.
- d.Top with a layer of warmed kidney beans for a 'Three-Way'.
- e.Sprinkle a layer of the remaining finely chopped raw onion over the beans for a 'Four-Way'.
- f.Finish with a heaping mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese to complete the 'Five-Way'. Serve immediately with oyster crackers on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not brown the beef! Adding it raw to the liquid is essential for the fine, tender texture of authentic Cincinnati chili.
- 2The long, slow simmer is crucial. Don't rush it. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken properly.
- 3For the best results, make the chili a day ahead. The flavors will meld and improve overnight in the refrigerator.
- 4Finely shred your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- 5Serve with oyster crackers on the side, a classic Cincinnati tradition.
- 6Chilling the chili overnight makes the fat solidify on top, which makes it very easy to remove before reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Serving Style
Serve it your 'Way': Two-Way (spaghetti, chili), Three-Way (+ cheese), or Four-Way (+ onions). The Five-Way includes everything: spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the ground beef with 2 cans of lentils or brown/green lentils (cooked) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
Leaner ProteinLeaner Protein
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You may need to add a tablespoon of oil to compensate for the lower fat content.
Coney DogConey Dog
Serve the chili sauce (without beans) over hot dogs in buns, topped with mustard, chopped onions, and shredded cheese for a classic 'Coney'.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
With a substantial amount of protein from ground beef and kidney beans, this dish supports muscle repair, growth, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Iron
Ground beef is an excellent source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Source of Lycopene
The tomato sauce provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
The traditional method for Cincinnati chili involves boiling the ground beef directly in the liquid. This breaks the meat down into a very fine, tender texture, creating a smooth meat sauce rather than a chunky chili. It's the signature characteristic of the dish.