This Crockpot Cincinnati Chili is warm, cozy, and full of deep spice flavor.
It is not like regular chili. It is thinner, a little sweet, and served over spaghetti with lots of toppings.
The slow cooker does most of the work, so it is easy to make on a busy day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe reminds me of the kind of dinner that makes the whole house smell good before anyone even asks what is cooking. The spices are warm, the sauce is rich, and the toppings make it fun to build your own bowl.
I love that it feels special, but it is still simple. You brown the beef, stir everything into the crockpot, and let it cook low and slow. By dinner time, the chili tastes like it took much more work than it did.
- It is cozy and filling.
- The crockpot makes it easy.
- The flavor gets better as it cooks.
- You can serve it in many ways.
- It is great for leftovers.
Servings and Cook Time
Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high
Total time: About 6 hours 20 minutes on low
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans tomato sauce, 15 ounces each
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked
- 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced onion, for topping
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval crockpot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Pasta pot
- Colander
- Ladle
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Place 2 pounds ground beef and 1 medium finely diced onion in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft, drain off extra grease.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir 4 minced garlic cloves into the hot beef and onion. Cook for 1 minute, just until the garlic smells rich and warm.
Step 3: Add Beef Mixture to the Crockpot
Move the cooked beef, onion, and garlic into a black oval crockpot. Spread it out in an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Base
Pour in two 15-ounce cans tomato sauce, one 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes, and 2 cups beef broth. Stir until the beef is coated in the tomato mixture.
Step 5: Add the Spices and Flavorings
Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1 bay leaf. Stir well.
Step 6: Slow Cook the Chili
Cover the black oval crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir once or twice if you can. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook 1 pound spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water until tender. Drain it well.
Step 8: Build the Bowls
Place cooked spaghetti in a round bowl. Spoon hot Cincinnati chili over the spaghetti. Top with finely shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, warmed kidney beans, and oyster crackers.
Macros Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
Why This Recipe Works: Quick Science
Cincinnati chili has a special flavor because it uses warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Cocoa powder adds deep flavor without making it taste like chocolate.
The slow cooker helps the beef, tomatoes, broth, and spices blend together. Low heat gives the sauce time to thicken and taste rich.
Browning the beef first also adds flavor. It makes the meat taste deeper and keeps the chili from being greasy.
Pro Tips
- Break the beef into very small pieces. Cincinnati chili is best when the meat is fine, not chunky.
- Do not skip the cinnamon and cocoa powder. They give this chili its classic taste.
- Drain the beef well so the chili is not oily.
- Let the chili cook low and slow if you have time. The flavor gets better.
- Set toppings out in bowls so everyone can build their own plate.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much liquid. Cincinnati chili should be saucy, but not watery.
- Skipping the browning step. Raw beef in the crockpot can make the texture too soft.
- Forgetting to remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Using chunky toppings in huge pieces. Finely diced onion and finely shredded cheese work best.
- Expecting it to taste like Texas chili. This is a different style.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Use chicken broth if you do not have beef broth.
- Use mild chili powder for less heat.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you like spice.
- Serve it over hot dogs for Cincinnati chili dogs.
- Skip the kidney beans if you want a classic 3-way style.
What to Serve With
- Simple green salad
- Garlic bread
- Cornbread
- Roasted green beans
- Coleslaw
- Hot dogs
- Extra oyster crackers
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the chili 1 to 2 days ahead. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the crockpot or on the stove.
The flavor gets even better the next day.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze chili without spaghetti for up to 3 months.
Store spaghetti, chili, and toppings in separate containers if you can. This keeps the noodles from getting too soft.
FAQ
Q: Is Cincinnati chili spicy?
A: It is warm and flavorful, but not usually very spicy.
Q: Can I put raw beef in the crockpot?
A: You can, but browning it first gives better flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
A: Yes. Freeze just the chili, not the spaghetti or toppings.
Q: Why is there cocoa powder in the chili?
A: It adds deep flavor. It does not make the chili taste sweet.
Q: What is a 3-way Cincinnati chili?
A: It is spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cincinnati Chili is easy, cozy, and full of bold flavor. Make a big batch, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl that feels warm and fun. Leave a comment with how it turned out or any questions you have.