Description
This Smoked Cincinnati Chili takes the iconic Midwest dish to the next level by infusing it with rich, smoky flavors. Traditionally served over spaghetti or hot dogs, this version is slow-smoked to add depth to the signature cinnamon, clove, and cocoa-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal with a twist!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Smoked Ground Beef:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Chili Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
For Serving (Choose Your Style!):
- Cooked spaghetti (for Cincinnati 2-Way)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (3-Way)
- Diced onions (4-Way)
- Kidney beans (5-Way)
- Oyster crackers (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Smoke the Ground Beef
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F using a mild wood like cherry, hickory, or oak.
- Spread the ground beef onto a foil-lined tray or a wire rack, breaking it into crumbles. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Smoke for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even exposure to the smoke.
- Remove the beef from the smoker and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Sauce
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, smoked paprika, and cayenne, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Add the smoked ground beef and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Slow Simmer for Flavor
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
- Remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.
Step 4: Serve It Cincinnati-Style!
- 2-Way: Ladle chili over spaghetti.
- 3-Way: Add a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
- 4-Way: Top with diced onions.
- 5-Way: Add kidney beans for the full Cincinnati experience.
- Serve with oyster crackers on the side!
Notes
- For extra smokiness, add 1 tsp of liquid smoke to the chili while simmering.
- For a thicker consistency, simmer with the lid off for the last 30 minutes.
- Make it ahead—this chili tastes even better the next day!