1-Preparation: Let’s jump into making this Cincinnati chili that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. I remember my first try at this recipe; I was amazed at how those spices turned simple ingredients into something magical. Start by getting all your items ready, like chopping onions and mincing garlic, to keep things flowing smoothly in the kitchen.

2-Gathering and Prepping Ingredients: Before you turn on the stove, take a moment to measure everything out. This step makes cooking less stressful and more fun, especially if you’re cooking with kids. You’ll need that 2 pounds of ground beef and all those spices lined up to add at the right time.

3-Cooking: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm, add the finely chopped onions and cook them until they soften, which takes about 5 minutes. This builds a solid base for the flavors to shine.

4-Cooking: Next, stir in the unsweetened chocolate, minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Let them cook for about 30 seconds until you smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. It’s like a little adventure in a pot!

5-Cooking: Then, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the ground beef and bring everything to a boil. For a fun twist, if you want to try something similar, check out our easy spaghetti recipes that pair perfectly with this chili.

6-Cooking: Once it’s boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until it thickens up. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. This is where you can make it your own, just like I do when experimenting in my kitchen.

7-Serving It Up: Finally, serve it hot over cooked spaghetti and pile on those optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or kidney beans. Prep time is just 5 minutes, cook time is 25 minutes, and total time is 30 minutes, so it’s quick for a weeknight win. If you’re looking for more hearty meals, our red beans and rice recipe makes a great side.

8-Serving It Up: This method creates about 10 generous servings, and you can use a slow cooker by sautéing the onions and spices first, then transferring everything to cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. It’s all about making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.