Hi there! I’m Shaym, the cook and creator behind SoolFood. A few winters ago I found myself wandering through downtown Cincinnati on a chilly evening, craving something more than my usual pasta. I stumbled into a little diner and ordered what became an unexpected favourite, a bowl of rich, spiced chilli served over spaghetti. That moment planted the idea for this Dinner Recipe with Cincinnati Chili. It’s one of those meals where you feel instantly at home, yet excited by depth of flavour. I couldn’t wait to pull it into my own kitchen and share it with you all.
When I set out to craft this dinner recipe with Cincinnati chili, I wanted it to shine in all the ways great comfort food should: hearty, satisfying, manageable for a weeknight, and full of personality. The base is lean ground beef (or you can swap for turkey if you like), simmered with onions, garlic, cinnamon, cocoa powder, chili powder and a few wild card spices. Then serve it over spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar, diced onions, kidney beans, even oyster crackers if you’re feeling extra. The flavours hit that remarkable sweet‑meets‑savory note you expect from a true Cincinnati style.
This dinner recipe with Cincinnati chili works beautifully because it brings both tradition and ease. You’ll find yourself stirring the pot while the aromas fill the kitchen, and in less than an hour you’ve got a meal that feels like more than just dinner. I often pair it with a simple green salad or a side of crisp garlic bread. If you’ve explored our other hearty meals, like the high‑protein bowls in our High Protein Salad Recipes That Are Easy, Delicious & Filling article, then you’ll appreciate how this chili dinner turns into leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef (or veggie) broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Toppings: shredded cheddar, diced onions, kidney beans, hot sauce
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium‑high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin and paprika, cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 20‑25 minutes to allow the flavours to deepen.
- Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, portion the spaghetti into bowls, ladle the chili mixture over it, then add your toppings: shredded cheddar, diced onions, kidney beans (warm them first if you like). If you like a bit of heat, drizzle hot sauce or add crushed red pepper.
- Grab a fork, dig in and enjoy! For leftovers, store the chili and spaghetti separately, when reheating, warm the chili gently then pour over fresh spaghetti so it stays firm.
Because you’re reading this at SoolFood, I’ll note that this recipe pairs well with lighter dinner meals too. If you’ve tried our High Protein Burrito Bowl – 1 Easy Meal for Serious Fuel you’ll know how we love layering textures and flavours. And if you’re craving something crisp on the side, check out our tips in the High Protein Vegetarian Recipes: 15 Flavorful Ideas You’ll Love post, you can easily adapt veggie sides to go alongside this chilli dinner.
Finally, don’t hesitate to make it your own. Want more depth? Add a dash of chocolate or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Want more heat? Crank up the chili powder or stir in a chopped jalapeño. That’s the beauty of this dinner recipe with Cincinnati chili, you get the framework, and you customize the details.
Serve this dish for your next family dinner, game‑night gathering or cozy evening in. It’s humble, bold and full of flavour. Gather around, serve it up and let everyone dig in with their favourite toppings. You’ll walk away with full hearts and full bellies.
Print
Cincinnati Chili Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A bold and comforting dinner recipe with Cincinnati Chili, savory ground beef simmered with warm spices, served over spaghetti and topped with cheddar, onions, and kidney beans.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb spaghetti
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced onions
Kidney beans
Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot with onion and garlic until cooked through.
2. Add chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika; stir and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
6. Serve chili over spaghetti, then top with cheese, onions, and kidney beans.
7. Add hot sauce if desired.
Notes
You can use ground turkey for a leaner version.
Store chili and spaghetti separately for better leftovers.
For extra richness, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a small square of dark chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American