Cincinnati Chili Spiced Meat Sauce (Print Version)
Savory ground beef simmered with warm spices like cinnamon and cocoa, served over spaghetti and topped with cheddar cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Dairy
01 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
02 - 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
→ Vegetables & Beans
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional, for four-way style)
→ Tomato & Liquid
06 - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
12 - 1/2 tsp ground allspice
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
18 - 1 tsp salt
19 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
20 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
21 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
→ Pasta
22 - 1 lb spaghetti
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large stockpot, combine ground beef and water. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat thoroughly. Do not brown the beef—simmering it raw creates the authentic texture.
02 - Add chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cumin, cloves, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
03 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim any fat from the surface as needed during cooking.
04 - Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as desired. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
05 - While chili simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain well in a colander when al dente.
06 - Layer cooked spaghetti in bowls and ladle chili sauce over pasta. Top as desired: two-way (spaghetti + chili), three-way (add cheddar cheese), four-way (add onions or beans), or five-way (add onions and beans). Serve immediately with extra toppings on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The secret spice blend turns ordinary ground beef into something that feels special and comforting
- It freezes beautifully so you can batch cook and have ready meals for busy weeknights
02 -
- Skip the browning step completely because raw meat simmers down into that signature fine texture
- The longer it simmers the better it tastes so do not rush that 90 minute cook time
03 -
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
- Leftover chili freezes well for up to three months in airtight containers