Description
Hearty Cincinnati-style chili blends Mediterranean spices with classic Midwestern comfort. Savory beef and unique layered flavors create a memorable meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Bean Base:
- 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
Spices:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbly, approximately 7-8 minutes. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
- Introduce finely diced onions and crushed garlic into the pot, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle in robust spice blend of chili powder, ground cumin, smoky paprika, and dried oregano. Toast spices for 60 seconds to intensify their flavors, stirring continuously.
- Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, rich tomato paste, savory beef broth, tender kidney beans, and hearty black beans. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Elevate heat momentarily to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to low simmer. Allow chili to gently bubble and meld flavors for 35-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Calibrate seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
- Ladle steaming chili into deep bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- Enhance the spice blend by toasting whole spices and grinding them fresh for a more intense, robust flavor profile.
- Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture.
- Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick, catering to different spice tolerances.
- brown meat first, then transfer all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more melded flavors.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg