Family Friendly Cincinnati Style Chili

Here's a recipe that's sure to be a hit with the whole family. Chili with chocolate and cinnamon! Served on top of spaghetti. Topped with cheese. I mean seriously, what little kid (or big kid for that matter) wouldn't love this? Michael & I first had Cincinnati chili on the way back from our honeymoon. We met our friend, Jeff, in his hometown of Cincinnati at a Skyline Chili restaurant. Needless to say, we were instant fans! On our recent trip to Cincinnati, we took Annalyn to Skyline for her first "3-way" (spaghetti topped with chili and cheese). Before I could even give her a bite, she grabbed a handful of the cheese and fell in love. It may not be Skyline, but here's how Mama makes it:

Cincinnati Style Chili

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef, browned
- 1 c. diced onion
- 2 T. minced garlic
- 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 c. water
- 2 T. cider vinegar
- 2 T. cocoa powder
- 4 T. chili powder
- 1 1/2 t. cumin
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 1 t. black pepper
serving suggestion:
- 1 box whole wheat spaghetti
- shredded cheese
- spoon over hot dogs

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef, drain, and pour into the bottom of a slow cooker. Add chopped onions and minced garlic.



2. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and paste. Stir to combine.



3. Add water, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir again.



4. Add cocoa and spices, stir one last time to mix evenly, then cover and slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.



5. Cook pasta according to package directions. Serve chili over pasta and top with shredded cheese for a perfect 3-way Cincinnati style.

first, I made some Peanut so it had time to cool

I may have added some cooked carrots to hers

ssshhh... don't tell, she couldn't!

a perfect Cincinnati 3-way chili starts with spaghetti...

then the chili...

(FYI, adding chopped fresh onions or beans next makes it a 4-way!)

then lots of shredded cheese!

printable recipe

Daddy even snuck Peanut some extra cheese

spoiled little lady!



I'd have to say it was a hit...

this was her second helping!

 she even licked her fingers :)

whoa, Mama, this spaghetti is blowing my mind!