Cincinnati-Style Spiced Chocolate Beef Chili

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Cincinnati-Style Spiced Chocolate Beef Chili brings a unique blend of flavors to your table, combining rich ground beef with aromatic spices and a hint of unsweetened chocolate. This American cuisine classic is perfect for warming up on chilly nights, with a flavor profile that balances sweet and spicy notes. Ideal for meal prep, this chili is versatile enough to be served on its own, over spaghetti, or topped with your favorite garnishes. With easyChef Pro, you can easily select this recipe and access personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and a smart shopping list for effortless meal planning. Get started today and create a comforting bowl of Cincinnati-Style Spiced Chocolate Beef Chili that will impress your family and friends!

Overview

This Spiced Chocolate Beef Chili is a unique twist on traditional chili, inspired by the flavors of Cincinnati. The combination of cinnamon and unsweetened chocolate gives this dish a rich and aromatic depth, perfect for satisfying your chili cravings. It's best enjoyed the day after cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Diet Type

Non-Vegetarian

Allergies

None specified

Cuisine

American

Serving Size: 8

Cooking Time: 200 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds (lb) extra lean ground beef, ground
• 2 Medium onions, minced
• 1 Quart (qt) water
• 4 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) ground cumin
• 2 Teaspoons (tsp) ground cinnamon
• 1.5 Teaspoons (tsp) ground allspice
• 1.5 Teaspoons (tsp) ground cloves
• 1.5 Teaspoons (tsp) salt
• 2 Teaspoons (tsp) black pepper
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) cayenne pepper
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Whole bay leaves
• 15 Ounces (oz) can tomato sauce
• 0.5 Ounce (oz) unsweetened baking chocolate

Steps

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onions, breaking the beef into tiny pieces, until the meat is no longer pink.
2. Drain the beef and onion mixture and transfer it to a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
3. Stir in the water, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cloves, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, tomato sauce, and unsweetened baking chocolate.
4. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. For best results, refrigerate the chili overnight and reheat before serving to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy your Spiced Chocolate Beef Chili with your favorite toppings or over spaghetti for a classic Cincinnati-style experience!