Introduction

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili is a rich, flavorful twist on traditional chili that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Simmered with a unique blend of spices and served over spaghetti, this dish offers a comforting and delicious experience.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs. 80/20 ground beef (browned and drained)
1 large white onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4.5 oz. tomato paste
15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 tbsp. dark chili powder
¼ tsp. cloves
¼ tsp. allspice
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 cups beef stock
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Cooked spaghetti noodles (for serving)
Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Diced white onion (for topping)
Canned kidney beans (drained, rinsed, and warmed, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cumin, dark chili powder, cloves, allspice, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
Step 4: Serve the chili hot over cooked spaghetti noodles. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced white onion, and warmed kidney beans if desired. Enjoy your hearty Cincinnati chili!

Tips & Variations

For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adding a splash of beer instead of beef stock can deepen the flavor.
Serve with oyster crackers or hot sauce on the side for extra texture and heat.

Storage

Store leftover Cincinnati chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cincinnati chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chili on the stove in a large pot over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavorful.

What is the best way to serve Cincinnati chili?

Traditionally, it’s served over spaghetti noodles topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like hot sauce or oyster crackers.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili is a hearty and flavorful twist on classic chili, simmered to perfection with a unique blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa powder. Perfect for a comforting meal, it can be served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and warmed kidney beans for an authentic Cincinnati experience.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (High) or 5 hours (Low)
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (High) or 5 hours 15 minutes (Low)
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lbs. 80/20 ground beef (browned and drained)
1 large white onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4.5 oz. tomato paste
15 oz. can tomato sauce
2 cups beef stock
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

Spices and Seasonings

1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. dark chili powder
¼ tsp. cloves
¼ tsp. allspice
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Toppings and Serving Suggestion

Cooked spaghetti noodles
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced white onion
Canned kidney beans (drained, rinsed, and warmed)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Add diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, cloves, allspice, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper) into the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
Cook the Chili: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
Serve: Spoon the chili hot over cooked spaghetti noodles, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced white onions, and warmed kidney beans as desired. Enjoy this classic Cincinnati style chili!

Notes

For a thicker chili, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste depending on your preferred heat level.
If you prefer, serve the chili with oyster crackers or over baked potatoes as alternative serving options.

Keywords: Cincinnati chili, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, chili recipe, comfort food, spaghetti chili, slow cooker recipe