How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Cincinnati Chili?

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 lb. ground beef, 1 qt. water, 2 medium onions, chopped finely, 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce, and more.

Is Cincinnati Chili suitable as soups & stews?

Yes, Cincinnati Chili falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Cincinnati Chili?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Name: Cincinnati Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lb. ground beef; 1 qt. water; 2 medium onions, chopped finely; 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce; 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper; 1 tsp. cumin powder; 4 Tbsp. chili powder; 1/2 oz. (1/2 sq.) unsweetened chocolate; 4 garlic cloves; 2 Tbsp. vinegar; 1 large bay leaf; 5 whole cloves; 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. cinnamon

Warm up with this hearty Cincinnati Chili recipe. Made with ground beef, water, onions and tomato sauce. Easy step-by-step instructions included.

This Cincinnati Chili relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as ground beef, qt. water, (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce and ground red pepper. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 781 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Soups & Stews

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Cincinnati Chili

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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