This is nothing like Texas chili; it is a fine-textured, spiced sauce built on cinnamon, allspice, and a whisper of chocolate. The trick is to never brown the beef. Simmer the raw meat in water so it stays loose and fine-grained, then cook it down into a thin, glossy sauce.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook1 hr 30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$$
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Ground beef
A lean grass-fed grind boiled loose gives the signature fine texture.
Boil the beefCover the raw ground beef with 4 cups cold water and bring to a simmer, breaking it up with a whisk so it stays fine-grained, never browned.
Add everythingStir in tomato sauce, grated garlic, the spice blend, cocoa, a splash of vinegar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire.
Simmer lowSimmer uncovered 90 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thin but glossy and coats the meat.
Cook the pastaBoil spaghetti in salted water to just-tender, drain, and pile onto plates.
Build the waysLadle chili over the spaghetti, then top with a heap of shredded cheddar and raw onion for a '4-way'.
Can you make Cincinnati Chili in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Cincinnati Chili? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Cincinnati Chili ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Cincinnati Chili gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Is Cincinnati Chili vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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