
Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti Recipe
Experience a unique twist on a classic comfort food with this Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti. This Midwestern favorite combines a rich, spiced chili served over a bed of spaghetti, topped with shredded cheese, diced onions, and beans. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for dinner.
A hearty, aromatic chili infused with cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder served over spaghetti, creating a one-of-a-kind comfort dish. Each bite combines the bold, savory flavor of the chili with the satisfying texture of pasta, cheese, and fresh toppings.
This recipe stands out for its unique combination of spices and flavors, making it a delightful change from traditional chili. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti and Toppings:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup kidney beans (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Dish:
Place a serving of spaghetti on a plate or bowl. Ladle the chili over the top and add your desired toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans.
7. Serve:
Serve hot and enjoy a comforting plate of Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti!

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Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Grater
Ingredients
- r the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Spaghetti and Toppings:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup kidney beans optional
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Simmer the Chili:
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place a serving of spaghetti on a plate or bowl. Ladle the chili over the top and add your desired toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans.
- Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy a comforting plate of Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti!
Tips for Cooking
- Let the chili simmer longer if you have the time—the flavors deepen with extended cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a true Cincinnati experience, serve this dish with oyster crackers on the side.
- Leftover chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti offers a bold, unexpected flavor combination that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for introducing your family or friends to a new take on chili, and it’s easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.
Bring a taste of Cincinnati to your dinner table with this delicious and hearty Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti. With its unique blend of spices and comforting textures, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy the bold flavors of this Midwest classic!