Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti is a fun twist on traditional spaghetti! This dish features a unique chili made with spices, served over a bed of pasta. It’s hearty and full of flavor!
Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a meal that combines pasta and chili? I like to add cheese and onions on top for extra yumminess. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food!
This dish is not only tasty but easy to make. Just cook the spaghetti, whip up the chili, and you’re all set! It’s a hit with the whole family. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This forms the base of the chili. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the right mix of flavor and moisture. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works great, too!
Spices: Chili powder is key here, but if you want to mix it up, try adding some chipotle powder for a smokier flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can replace beef with lentils or a plant-based ground substitute.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce is convenient, but you can also use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture. If you’re watching sugars, look for no-sugar-added versions.
Cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey topping. If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast sprinkled on top for cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Build Flavor in Cincinnati Chili?
Building flavor in Cincinnati chili is all about layering ingredients and cooking them properly. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
- Start by browning the ground beef well to develop rich flavors, and don’t rush this step!
- Before adding the liquids, toast the spices with the meat for a minute to enhance their aromas.
- Simmer the chili covered to keep moisture in and allow flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Following these steps will give your chili depth and make it rich and complex. Enjoy your cooking!
Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- Chopped onions (optional for topping)
- Oyster crackers or bread rolls, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or deep skillet, add the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat until it is fully browned. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once cooked, carefully drain the excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the chili powder, ground cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let these spices toast in the pot for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
4. Combine with Tomato Sauce:
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water), and mix everything well. This will form the base of your delicious chili.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all the flavors combine nicely.
6. Add the Beans (Optional):
If you’re using kidney beans, stir them in after about 20 minutes of simmering so they can heat through without getting too mushy.
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the chili is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
8. Serve It Up!
To serve, take a portion of spaghetti and place it on each plate. Top generously with the Cincinnati chili and sprinkle it with shredded cheese. If you like, add some chopped onions on top for a crunchy finish.
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve hot, alongside oyster crackers or bread rolls if you like. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish as it brings the warmth of Cincinnati into your home!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind it may produce a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
What if I Don’t Have Allspice or Cloves?
No problem! You can simply omit those spices if you don’t have them. A pinch of nutmeg can be a good substitute for allspice, while the cloves can be skipped without drastically affecting the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils for a hearty veggie version. You can also increase the quantity of kidney beans or add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
