Authentic Cincinnati Chili

This Cincinnati chili recipe was handed down to me by Mom, a Cincinnati native. Skimming the fat makes this a healthier version than most, and gives it the right consistency. I like mine "4-way," with spaghetti, raw chopped onions, and grated mild cheddar, plus oyster crackers!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 hr
• Total Time: 3 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 225 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• ½ (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
• 5 whole allspice berries
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 quart water, or amount to cover

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place ground beef in a large pan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil, stirring and breaking up beef with a fork to a fine texture. Slowly boil until meat is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes, then remove from heat and refrigerate in the pan overnight.

Step 2

The next day, skim the solid fat from the top of the pan, and discard.

Step 3

Place pan with beef over medium heat, and stir in onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chocolate, chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf.

Step 4

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours. Add water if necessary to prevent the chili from burning.