If you’ve never tried Cincinnati chili before, get ready to have your mind blown. This Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining a unique blend of spices with tender ground beef served right over a bed of spaghetti. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — it’s rich, savory, with just the right amount of sweetness and warmth from the spices. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Unique Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, cocoa, and chili powder creates a chili unlike any you’ve tasted before.
Hearty & Filling: Ground beef with beans and spaghetti makes this a satisfying meal for any appetite.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish — it’s always requested at gatherings and game nights.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can simmer it low and slow then reheat, which means less fuss on busy days.

The image shows a white plate with three main layers. The bottom layer is a pile of light brown spaghetti noodles arranged in a loose small mound. On top of the noodles, there is a thick layer of dark reddish-brown chili with visible kidney beans and a chunky texture. To one side of the noodles and chili, there is a small group of round, pale beige crunchy chips neatly placed. The noodles and chips sit on a white marbled surface with a soft grey cloth draped around the plate. In the corner of the photo, part of another similar plate with the same food is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti, Cincinnati chili recipes, easy Cincinnati chili, Cincinnati-style chili, comfort food spaghetti dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe, I use ingredients that balance each other perfectly to capture that iconic Cincinnati-style chili taste. Don’t worry if some of these spices sound unusual — they pull everything together beautifully.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh raw ground chuck meat shaped naturally, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced white onions, a small white ceramic bowl with minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden apple cider vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl each holding tiny piles of ground cloves, ground cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice arranged symmetrically, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small piece of unsulphured molasses block, a neat bundle of uncooked dry spaghetti pasta, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with rinsed black beans, a small white ceramic bowl with rinsed red kidney beans, a whole uncracked brown onion, and a small white ceramic bowl full of oyster crackers, all carefully balanced and evenly spaced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti, Cincinnati chili recipes, easy Cincinnati chili, Cincinnati-style chili, comfort food spaghetti dishes

Ground chuck: I recommend ground chuck for its rich flavor and fat content, which keeps the chili juicy and tender.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic without overpowering the dish.
Onions: Both sautéed and raw onions are used, adding layers of flavor and crunch.
Garlic: Just a touch — garlic brightens the sauce without stealing the spotlight.
Tomato paste: This thickens the chili and adds depth of tomato flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami richness.
Spices (cloves, cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, allspice): The heart of that warm, comforting flavor this chili is known for.
Williams Chicken & Original Chili Seasoning: Adds complexity with its unique blend of spices — you can find these in specialty stores or online.
Sugar: Dissolved in hot water, it cuts through acidity and rounds out the flavors.
Unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate square: This might sound strange, but it adds earthiness and richness.
Molasses: Another layer of sweet and smoky depth, enhancing the chili’s signature taste.
Dry spaghetti: The base of the dish — don’t overcook it! Al dente is best to hold up under the chili.
Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess and tang.
Black and red beans: Optional but highly recommended for extra texture and protein.
Oyster crackers: The perfect crunchy topping to finish off the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe my own by tweaking a few things here and there depending on the occasion or my mood — feel free to experiment and find the version you like best.

Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped the beef for lentils or textured vegetable protein, and it still delivers that bold, signature chili flavor.
Spice Level: If you like it hotter, add more cayenne or red pepper flakes; for milder, reduce them or omit entirely.
Beans Optional: Sometimes I skip beans, especially if I want a more traditional, meat-focused chili.
Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar is classic, but I’ve used mozzarella or even pepper jack for a fun twist.

How to Make Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Ground Chuck

This might sound odd if you’re not used to it, but boiling the ground chuck is a game changer for Cincinnati chili. It helps render out any excess fat and keeps the meat tender and juicy. Just bring a large pot of water to boil, break up the chuck, and cook until fully browned. Drain the water and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic during the last minute, so it doesn’t burn but releases that wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Now it’s time to build the magic: stir in the boiled ground beef, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spices, sugar mixture, cocoa powder, molasses, and water. Mix well, bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer low and slow for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of water if the chili looks too thick. This slow simmering lets all the flavors meld into that unforgettable Cincinnati chili taste.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

About 15-20 minutes before your chili is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti following package instructions, aiming for al dente so it holds up under the chili sauce. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Serving It Up

Ladle the rich chili generously over the hot spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, drained black and red beans, diced raw onions for crunch, and don’t forget those oyster crackers — they add an addicting crispy texture that my family can’t get enough of.

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Pro Tips for Making Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe

Boil Before Browning: Boiling the ground chuck first prevents greasy chili, a trick I learned from a Cincinnati native that really elevates the dish.
Low & Slow Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering time — it’s essential for the spices to fully marry and mellow.
Balance Sweet & Tangy: Adjust sugar and vinegar gently to suit your taste; this balancing act brings the chili’s unique profile to life.
Reserve Spaghetti Water: If your chili gets too thick, a splash of reserved pasta cooking water can help smooth it out without diluting flavor.

How to Serve Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe

A white plate holds a layer of cooked spaghetti pasta, light yellow and smooth in texture, arranged in a loose pile. On top of the pasta is a thick layer of chili made with ground meat and red kidney beans, rich brown in color with chunks and a slightly glossy texture. Sprinkled over the chili is a generous amount of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, adding a soft but firm texture. Scattered around the plate's edges are small round oyster crackers, pale cream in color and crunchy. The plate rests on a white marbled surface partially covered by a gray cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti, Cincinnati chili recipes, easy Cincinnati chili, Cincinnati-style chili, comfort food spaghetti dishes

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this chili with plenty of shredded sharp cheddar cheese because it melts beautifully, adding creamy richness. Raw diced onions add a fresh crunch that contrasts perfectly with the warm chili. Don’t skip the oyster crackers — they absorb some of the chili and give a satisfying crisp texture every bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple and comforting — think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli. Cornbread is also a classic pairing that my family loves for soaking up every last drop of chili.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chili in individual bowls with layers: spaghetti first, then a ladle of chili, a generous sprinkle of cheddar, diced raw onions, and oyster crackers on top. You can even offer a “toppings bar” so everyone can customize their bowls — it’s always a hit at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I store leftover Cincinnati chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which means it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chili multiple times with great results. Just let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the chili in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, a splash of water or broth thinned it right out. Just heat your spaghetti fresh or reheat carefully in the microwave to keep it from getting mushy.

FAQs

What makes Cincinnati chili different from regular chili?

Cincinnati chili is unique because it features a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile. Unlike traditional chili, it’s served over spaghetti and is usually much thinner, more like a sauce than a stew.
Can I make Cincinnati chili without the special Williams Seasoning packets?

Yes! While the Williams Seasonings add authentic flavor, you can replicate the taste with a combination of ground cloves, cinnamon, allspice, chili powder, cocoa powder, and other common spices listed in the recipe. It might take a bit of tweaking, but it’s absolutely doable.
Is Cincinnati chili suitable for freezing and meal prep?

Definitely. Cincinnati chili freezes really well, and it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks. Just freeze it in portions and reheat gently to maintain the best flavor and texture.
What toppings should I serve with Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe?

Classic toppings include plenty of shredded cheddar cheese, diced raw onions, and oyster crackers. Some people also like to add kidney beans or jalapeños for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

This Cincinnati Chili Over Spaghetti Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. From how the spices gently mingle during that long simmer to the simple joy of toppings that bring crunch and creaminess, it’s a meal that always makes me smile. If you want a dish that’s different from your everyday chili but just as comforting, give this recipe a whirl — I promise you won’t regret it and will be hooked from the first bite!