Zesty Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Conquer your next family gathering with this unbelievably rich and flavorful Cincinnati Chili recipe! While featuring a few unique ingredients, it's surprisingly easy to make and a cinch to double and freeze for future feasts. Get ready for a taste sensation that's deep, zesty, and utterly irresistible!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 70 mins
Calories 568.2 kcal
Protein 65g
Rating Be the first
Zesty Cincinnati Chili 51

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Zesty Cincinnati Chili

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How to Make Zesty Cincinnati Chili

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the chocolate squares and cinnamon. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or salt for more depth.
  8. Serve hot over spaghetti, topped with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and oyster crackers.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

50 g

Sugar

39g

Fat

20g

Carbs

28g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Zesty Cincinnati Chili?

Zesty Cincinnati Chili takes about 90 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 70 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Zesty Cincinnati Chili?

Zesty Cincinnati Chili has approximately 568.2 calories per serving, with about 65 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates and 17 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Zesty Cincinnati Chili?

The key ingredients for Zesty Cincinnati Chili are Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Fresh Garlic, Water, Tomato Sauce, Unsweetened Cocoa. See the full list with measurements above.

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