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Light ‘n Easy Cincinnati Chili

By Courtney 52 Comments

Holy crap. Amazing dinner recipe to share with you all tonight! But I’ll get to that in a second…

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Sorry to leave ya’ll hangin’ with no post this afternoon (Yes, I like to pretend that you all just impatiently wait at your computer screen for a “New Post” update everyday. I know I’m obnoxious, and obviously kidding, but hopefully you’ve caught onto that humor by now, tehehe).

I didn’t end up getting home from work until about 2:00pm this afternoon, and by the time I got in, all I wanted to do was eat something besides my arm and not worry about taking a picture of it. Actually, no pictures of food were taken today up until dinner, but if you’re curious…breakfast looked a little somethin’ like this and lunch looked a whole lot like this – random, snacky, and colorful.

Workout for today was another repeat of last Wednesday’s workout, using four sets instead of three again (yowsahs!), plus a Tabata class with about 60% effort…

Confession: Unless I really feel like sweating, if you’re not facing me with the move, then I’m probably not doing it. Winking smile

*****

Alright, enough of that…let’s get to this DINNER.

If you guys remember, last week I mentioned that I was going to be participating in the BOLD Lean Beef Challenge. While I knew I wouldn’t be able to do a week straight of meals incorporating beef (because for one, I’d get bored, and two, I never cook dinner 7 nights a week…ever), I thought it’d be fun to try and have it two nights a week. Jay thought this was very fun.

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Tonight, I decided to try a new-to-me recipe known as Cincinnati Chili. This is something I had never even heard of, really, but the ingredient list immediately captured my attention. Would you believe that there is cinnamon in there? And even cocoa powder?

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I know. Wild, isn’t it? But seriously, this chili is totally up there on my list of favorites now, right next to Mal’s Famous Chili, of course.

So in the midst of my findings with this whole Cincinnati Chili thing, I also discovered that it is often ordered 5 different ways. Being my first attempt and all, I decided to hold off on the 5-way and opted for the 3-way: chili over spaghetti with cheese. Hubby got the real spaghetti because he won’t come within a foot of anything else, but I lightened my portion up a bit by serving it over a generous bowl of spaghetti squash. Wow oh wow…

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[print_this]

Light ‘n Easy Cincinnati Chili

(recipe adapted from Eat More of What You Love)

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Servings: 4-5

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, and garlic, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is mostly browned, about 7-8 minutes.

Add the chili powder, oregano, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. While chili is simmering, cook your spaghetti or spaghetti squash. Top with cheese. Enjoy!

[/print_this]

 

*****

I’m so excited there’s leftovers.

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I’m already in my cozies for the evening (who am I kidding, I’ve been in them since about 2:05 this afternoon) and am ready to relax and *hopefully* get myself to bed at a decent hour. We’ll see how that goes.

Question for the Evening:

Am I the only one who has never heard of Cincinnati Chili? What rock have I been living under for these past 28 years?!?

Anyone out there ever had Cincinnati Chili?

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Related

March 28, 2012 Filed Under: Beef Recipes Tagged With: cincinnati chili, lightened up chili recipe, mal's easy chili, spaghetti squash

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    March 28, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    I've never heard of it either! But then again, I don't eat meat... ;)
    Reply
  2. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    March 28, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    I've heard of it ... but I also lived in Ohio for almost 2 years. ;) This looks super yummy. I really don't ever get sick of chili recipes. I love it any time during the year, and with lots of different ingredients! :)
    Reply
  3. Briana says

    March 28, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    My dad has made the BEST Cincinnati Chili for as long as I can remember! We always serve it over spaghetti, too. The only problem is that I can't enjoy it now that I'm a vegetarian. I'm sure I can find a vegetarian substitution, but it won't be the same as my dad's!
    Reply
    • Alvin Gadd says

      August 17, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Briana, I just now saw your post from a few years ago. Don't even remember how I got to it...you say you can't enjoy Cincinnati style chili---here's a Surprise for you. Instead of hamburger use TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) available in the rice/pasta aisle...it comes in a 1lb package and you can sub for hamburger (re-hydrate it in some hot, hot water and let it absorb as much as it can and then add to dish according to recipe as you would hamburger. Personally I like meat with mine so I sub it at 1/2 what the recipe calls for with beef. Curious if you get this and if you try it. I have grown up with Cincinnati style chili here in Northern KY. Enjoy and pass along to as many as you can...even cutting out 1/2 beef amount is a step in the healthier way to eat...I'm trying.
      Reply
  4. Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says

    March 28, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    I've never heard of that particular chili, but I have heard of cinnamon and cocoa powder being added to a lot of chills - not sure why but it works!
    Reply
  5. Annie says

    March 28, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    I do wait in front of the screen for you!! hahaha, I keep on checking my google reader! lol I love your blog :)
    Reply
  6. Becca says

    March 28, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Yum! That looks really good, I have never heard of Cincinnati Chili. I would have to leave leave out the cinnamon.. I think I might be the only person who can not stand the smell or taste of cinnamon :) also, I would have never thought to serve it on spaghetti squash, great idea!
    Reply
  7. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    I've never heard of it either, but it looks fantastic!
    Reply
  8. Amanda says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    The Cincinnati chili recipes come from the fast food chain, Skyline Chili-originated in Cincinnati, Ohio-go figure! ;) they're all over Ohio and people are crazy about it there!
    Reply
  9. Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Ummm, I've never heard of it so I'm the one living under a rock-- but I knew this already. ;) It looks fantastic!!!! Can I come over for leftovers?!
    Reply
  10. Cait @ Cait Hates Cake says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    I've never heard of it either. I don't eat meat, but I bet it would be good with ground tempeh or seitan.
    Reply
  11. Alyssa @ Fit and Fun in Third says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Never heard of it... but now I want it! Yum!
    Reply
  12. Lauren says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    I've never had it but now I think I need to!
    Reply
  13. Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    I haven't heard of it either. But it looks delicious - anything with cocoa in it sounds good in my book :)
    Reply
  14. Lauren says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    I believe Cincinnati Chili was created by Skyline Chili, a Cincinnati-based restaurant. It's all the rage in southwest Ohio. I prefer the chili on a coney dog with lots of cheese!
    Reply
  15. Allison says

    March 28, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    I live about 25 minutes south of Cincinnati on the other side of the Ohio River in Kentucky. I've only been here for a few years, but I quickly discovered that Cincinnati style chili is a big deal around here, with Skyline and Gold Star being the big chain restaurants. You can spice it up with hot sauce. All the restaurants serve oyster crackers with the chili spaghetti too. The first time I tried it, I wasn't sure if I liked it. Then I went through a period where I loved it. I don't eat it anymore though. It just lost its appeal for me. Another food item you will only find in Cincinnati is goetta. It's a mixture of oats, pork, and spices rolled into a log. You slice it and fry it in a skillet. Most people eat it for breafast. My dad makes a low fat version with ground turkey. It's definitely an aquired taste! :)
    Reply
  16. Jill @ Jill is Active says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    Haha I have heard about it because I had to go to Kentucky/Ohio for work a year ago, but before that I had never heard of it!! I didn't have it while I was there because it's definitely not healthy how they make it but I would love to try it with lean ground beef!!
    Reply
  17. Shelby says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Yes! I've heard of it! I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I am not embarrassed to admit that I am a Skyline Chili-fanatic. It's honestly an addiction, and since moving away from Cincinnati I've always made sure to bring back a can of skyline or two to have available in my pantry when cravings hit. Your version looks delicious as well!
    Reply
  18. Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    I live 30 minutes from Cinci and have had Cincinnati chili all my life! The addition of cinnamon and cocoa is definitely strange, but once you try it you know how well the flavors go together. My favorite chain restaurant that serves chili in this style is Skyline. You have to order a three-way though, which is spaghetti, chili, and a pile of cheese!
    Reply
  19. Lily says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    i am a Cincinnati native and i love it...(skyline chili > gold star chili) but am so used to people who don't live in Cincinnati HATING the chili because its so different! i'm glad to know we aren't crazy haha! but it is amazing and is sooo good...everyone needs to try it!
    Reply
  20. Elizabeth @ Chocolate Drops and Pearls says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    Yeah I'm originally from Ohio and went to school near Cincinnati and they are world famous for their chili. THey have a chain restaurant called SkyLine that is famous for their chili!
    Reply
  21. Jessica @ The Process of Healing says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    I've never had that before but it sounds awesome!
    Reply
  22. Shannon says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    I've never heard of Cincinnati Chili before. I thought there was only 1 type of chili in this world- boy, was I wrong.
    Reply
  23. Megan S. says

    March 28, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    Yes! I'm from KY so I've known about Skyline Chili (or your Cincy Chili) for a long time- and going to school in Ohio just intensified it. I have to say though that I never really wanted to eat it, but I'm tempted to make it at home now after seeing this!
    Reply
  24. Rosalie says

    March 28, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    This looks really delicious especially it is a bit chili...I am excited to try this one on weekends...
    Reply
  25. Missy Duggan says

    March 28, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    I am born and raised in Cincinnati and have been eating Skyline since I was a child. I now order the chili spaghetti, no cheese. I have never tried to make it myself but you have inspired me!
    Reply
  26. Lauren @ Fun, Fit and FAbulous says

    March 28, 2012 at 11:09 pm

    YOu are definitely not alone! I have never heard of it, but now I'm eager to try! I am an avid chili lover especially for the leftovers!
    Reply
  27. Khushboo says

    March 29, 2012 at 12:58 am

    Never heard of it either- up and until now, I thought chili was just chili!
    Reply
  28. Alison says

    March 29, 2012 at 1:04 am

    I'm always up for a new chili recipe! This one looks really tasty.
    Reply
  29. Annie says

    March 29, 2012 at 5:23 am

    nope, never heard of it! I'll have to try it! Cococa sounds a little weird but eh, I love trying new things so I'll definitely make it!
    Reply
  30. Caroline says

    March 29, 2012 at 6:13 am

    I am from Cincinnati! The famous chili was invented by Skyline Chili and everyone in Cincy is nuts for it! I have so many childhood memories there as kid! I don't go too often but occasionally I do go for their outstanding oyster crackers (unlimited with every meal). Next you should try "Skyline Dip": http://skylinechili.com/recipes.php
    Reply
  31. Caroline says

    March 29, 2012 at 6:14 am

    I am from Cincinnati! The famous chili was invented by Skyline Chili and everyone in Cincy is nuts for it! I have so many childhood memories there as kid! I don't go too often but occasionally I do go for their outstanding oyster crackers (unlimited with every meal). Next you should try "Skyline Dip": http://skylinechili.com/recipes.php You'd almost make people mad if you didn't serve this at parties in Cincy!
    Reply
  32. Miz says

    March 29, 2012 at 6:44 am

    MEMORIES MEMORIES!!! I grew up on this.
    Reply
  33. Tina @ Best Body Fitness says

    March 29, 2012 at 7:00 am

    I keep hearing about Cincinatti Chili and it definitely intrigues me.
    Reply
  34. Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says

    March 29, 2012 at 8:13 am

    I've heard of it but I've never had Cincinnati Chili. I definitely would like to try it though! :) It looks delicious served over spaghetti squash. That is such a good idea! :)
    Reply
  35. Rachel says

    March 29, 2012 at 8:24 am

    We actually have a place near us called Hard Times Cafe where you can order different kinds of chili, including Cincinnati. I usually get it four ways, with spaghetti, chili, cheese and sour cream! YUM :)
    Reply
  36. Vicki says

    March 29, 2012 at 8:56 am

    This is my first time commenting (love your blog), but I had to because I live near Cincinnati and Cincinnati Style chili is great! I'm so glad you liked it! The cocoa and cinnamon are certainly different, but definitely worth trying. My boyfriend and I make it a lot but we used ground turkey. Makes us feel a tiny bit better about covering the chili with cheese :)
    Reply
  37. Kelley says

    March 29, 2012 at 9:34 am

    I am from Cincinnati and only eat chilli this way. So glad to see you gave it a try! It's yummy!!! Love your blog!!!
    Reply
  38. Gabby says

    March 29, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Kevin is from Cincinnati and we don't pass up Gold Star (which is just like Skyline, but we are Gold Star lovers) whenever we go. It's SO good! We haven't tried making it at home for ourselves, but we definitely love getting it when we visit Ohio. :)
    Reply
  39. Caitlin @ This Bride's Joyride says

    March 29, 2012 at 9:50 am

    I LOVE Cincinnati Chilli! Ironically the only time I had it was during college when I lived outside Albany, Ny! No one in New England ever has heard of it and when I mention it has cinnamon the response is usually, "ewwww". Yum yum yum!
    Reply
  40. Erin says

    March 29, 2012 at 11:49 am

    I have heard of it! But that's only because Hungry Girl featured a recipe swap one day :)
    Reply
  41. CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com says

    March 29, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    i LOVE cincinnati chili! my husband actually loves it over rice for a nice pasta swap, but it is definitely in our winter rotation for dinners! i havent tried this recipe exaclty but I am excited to now :-)
    Reply
  42. Lindsey says

    March 29, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    How funny! As a Michigander turned Cincinnatian, you need to try some Skyline Chili! It's a "Cincinnati delicacy" and the locals absolutely adore it. I love how you even knew the 5 ways, Cincinnati is big time now!!
    Reply
  43. Erin says

    March 30, 2012 at 11:29 am

    I went to college just outside Cincinnati so of course I know about Cincinnati chili! I love chili 5-way so even though I don't make traditional Cincy chili at home I always serve it over pasta with cheese. And, of course, include the onions and the beans :-)
    Reply
  44. Lisa says

    April 3, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    Never heard of it either! It looks really tasty though. It looks so good with spaghetti squash! yum.
    Reply
  45. Hannah R. says

    April 9, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I just recently hear of Cincinatti Chili but have never tried it until tonight. I just made this. So good! I made mine with diced chicken because I didn't have any ground beef on hand and it tastes great, thanks for sharing:)
    Reply
  46. Melody says

    May 23, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I grew up eating it. My mom called it skyline chili also, she worked at the Skyline restaurant, where it was made. Now I make it for my family. Our recipe is a bit different from yours. & now I make it with lean ground turkey or chicken. With all those spices you really can't tell. I'm craving it now :) guess you know what that means :-)
    Reply
  47. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says

    October 10, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    That's a cincinnati chili? That's what we call spaghetti sauce in my parents' house! Haha. From Poland.. I guess everyone makes things differently and sees them differently as well. Although you DID use it the way we do, except we use spaghetti noodles. Although not always.
    Reply
  48. Laura says

    October 19, 2014 at 6:00 pm

    Yep, about to make this again!! This is my number one go-to recipe. Made with real beef for the hubby, fake ground crumbles for me! So bomb!!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      October 20, 2014 at 1:28 pm

      I'm so glad you've been liking it, Laura! I actually almost added it to our meal plan this week but think we're going to have it next week instead. :)
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Slow Cooker Lean Vegetable Beef Soup - Sweet Tooth Sweet Life says:
    February 24, 2016 at 2:05 pm
    […] wound up making this recipe after deciding against our original plan on making Cincinnati Chili. We both decided that neither of us were in the mood for it, but I still had a pound of ground beef […]
    Reply
  2. Slow Cooker Beef and Beans Chili Recipe - Great for Fall and Winter says:
    October 7, 2016 at 10:33 am
    […] Light ‘n Easy Cincinnati Chili (<—another STSL favorite!) […]
    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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