Name: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili stands out from traditional chili thanks to its distinctive sweet-and-savory spice blend. The slow cooker enhances every layer of flavor, resulting in a smooth, hearty sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying.

It’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it “two-way” over spaghetti, “three-way” with cheese, or load it up with beans and onions for a more classic presentation. It’s also ideal for feeding a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
yellow onion, finely chopped
garlic cloves, minced
tomato sauce
tomato paste
beef broth
chili powder
ground cumin
ground cinnamon
unsweetened cocoa powder
ground allspice
cayenne pepper
brown sugar
apple cider vinegar
bay leaves
salt
black pepper

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into very fine crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cayenne, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaves.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
For a smoother texture, use a spoon to break up the meat even further before serving.
Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or spooned over hot dogs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people.

Preparation time: 15–20 minutes
Cooking time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: about 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes depending on the setting used

Variations

For a traditional “three-way,” serve over spaghetti and top with a generous mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese.

Add kidney beans to create a heartier version or serve the beans separately as a topping.

For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

Use ground turkey in place of ground beef for a lighter option.

For a thicker chili, reduce the beef broth slightly or simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

What makes Cincinnati chili different from traditional chili?

Cincinnati chili includes warm spices like cinnamon, cocoa, and allspice, giving it a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor profile unlike typical Tex-Mex style chili.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

Yes, browning the beef helps develop flavor and ensures the proper texture in the finished chili.

Can I skip the cocoa powder?

The cocoa powder adds depth rather than sweetness. While you can omit it, it contributes to the authentic flavor.

Is this chili spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily adjust the cayenne to suit your taste.

What does “two-way” or “three-way” mean?

These terms refer to how the chili is served. Two-way is chili over spaghetti, three-way adds shredded cheese, and additional “ways” include onions and beans.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors improve after resting overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

Can I cook it entirely in the slow cooker without browning?

While possible, browning first improves flavor and texture significantly.

How do I get the chili smoother?

Breaking the beef into very fine crumbles while browning and stirring during cooking helps create the signature smooth consistency.

What type of cheese is best for topping?

Finely shredded mild cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully over hot chili.

Can I serve this without spaghetti?

Absolutely. It’s also delicious over hot dogs, baked potatoes, or even as a topping for fries.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili offers a unique twist on classic chili with its warm spice blend and rich, smooth texture. Perfect for serving over spaghetti or hot dogs, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this flavorful chili is sure to become a favorite.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

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Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili is a rich, uniquely spiced chili made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and warm spices like cinnamon and cocoa. Slow simmering creates a smooth, savory sauce perfect for serving over spaghetti or hot dogs.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 7 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into very fine crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cayenne, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaves.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
For a smoother texture, break up the meat further with a spoon before serving.
Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or spooned over hot dogs.

Notes

For a traditional three-way, serve over spaghetti and top with finely shredded cheddar cheese.
Add kidney beans as a topping for a heartier version.
Increase cayenne or add hot sauce for extra heat.
Ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option.
For thicker chili, reduce the broth slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 860 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg