I can’t believe that I am finally making this 3-Way Cincinnati Chili.
If you like Chili, you might like Cincinnati’s version. Try this 3-Way Cincinnati Chili and enjoy the taste of Queen City!
SOOOOOOOO, I am not a true Cincinnatian. First of all, I wasn’t even born here. I was born and raised in Dayton, OH, which is about 45 minutes away. I graduate from the University of Cincinnati in 2006 and just kind of stuck around. Therefore, since 2001 I have lived in Cincinnati and have accepted much of the culture and city favs and norms. I have accepted that the Cincinnati Bengals is not a playoff team and the city is determined to keep Marvin Lewis fo reasons I don’t understand; I have accepted all the pig statues that are all around the city for more reasons I don’t understand; and I have accepted that only true Cincinnatians is proud of the city’s nickname, “Nasty Nati”, and is quite proud of it. I get it all of this! But the one thing that was difficult for me to understand and accept, at first, was Cincinnati Chili. The chili here is a horse of a different color.
When I was dropped off at college, Cincinnati Chili was a concept that I was introduced to and immediately disgusted by. First let say, I am not a huge chili person. But when I do eat chili, I prefer a thick, meaty, and hearty chili with a side of cornbread. So, you can imagine what I thought when I heard that Cincinnatians put ingredients like cinnamon, all spice, and CHOCOLATE in their chili!!!! WHAT THE WHAT?!!! Then to make it even more interesting, they each chili on top of spaghetti noodles? HUH? Talk about culture shock. It took me years to even try the chili just to see what the hype is about. The first time I tried Cincinnati Chili was in the form of chili cheese fries. Not so bad, right? Then I tried a 3-Way Cincinnati Chili dish and I actually liked it! Well, I kind of loved it if I am being honest. I loved the layers of textures and flavors but I mostly loved the cheese! The cheese makes this dish and the oyster crackers for a nice crunch.
Even with all the layers of flavors in a 3-Way Cincinnati Chili dish and all the greatness that comes with this “Nasty” city, there is one thing that Cincinnatians seem to like that I will NEVER get with and that is Cheese Coney’s. I am seriously not a fan and I don’t know why people even bother. But you know what, I am not a fan of Chili Hot Dogs no matter the type of chili that is on top. I had a really bad experience when I was younger with Chili Hot Dogs and have hated them ever since. I just had to say that before I close this blog post. In any case, having chocolate and cinnamon in your chili may not see, tasty, but you can trust me and this recipe. You will be surprised at how delicious this 3-Way Cincinnati Chili really is and don’t forget the cheese and oyster crackers. It makes the dish!
3-Way Cincinnati Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Easy and delicious 3-Way Cincinnati Chili Recipe made with chocolate, cinnamon, and other delicious spices. Top off with cheddar cheese and your in the Nati!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb. ground beef
- 2 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 c. onion, diced and more for topping
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2–15 oz. cans tomato sauce
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. Chipotle Sauce
- 15.5 can Hot Chili beans
- ¼ c. red wine
- 1 c. water
- 2 tbsp. Worcestershire
- 1.25 oz. Chili seasoning
- 1 tsp. Onion powder
- 1 tsp. Garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Pepper
- ¼ tsp. Cayenne pepper
- 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
- ¼ tsp. Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. All spice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 box Spaghetti Noodles, cooked
- 1 lb. bag Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- In a large pot on medium high heat, heat the olive oil and begin to cook the onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes careful not to let burn. Add the ground beef and cook until browned all the way through. Chop the beef very fine using a spatula.
- Next, add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chipotle sauce, chili beans, water, and bring to a simmer. Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, red wine, chili seasoning, onion and garlic powder, pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf, and chocolate. Season with salt to taste. Allow the chili to cook on low for, at least, 30 minutes. Serve over spaghetti noodles, sprinkle with diced onions, and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and oyster crackers (if desired).
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Entree
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