Cincinnati Spiced Meat Sauce (Printable Version)
A unique spiced meat sauce with Mediterranean influences served over spaghetti, topped with cheddar, onions, and beans.
# What You Need:
→ Meat & Dairy
01 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
02 - 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
→ Vegetables & Beans
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
→ Tomato & Liquid
06 - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
12 - 1/2 tsp ground allspice
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
18 - 1 tsp salt
19 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
20 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
21 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
→ Pasta
22 - 1 lb spaghetti
# Directions:
01 - Combine ground beef and water in a large stockpot. Break up meat thoroughly with a wooden spoon—do not brown the beef. The unique texture comes from simmering raw meat.
02 - Stir in chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and all spices including cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cumin, cloves, and cayenne. Mix until well combined.
03 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim any fat that rises to the surface during cooking.
04 - Remove bay leaf and taste the chili. Adjust salt or spice levels as needed. The flavors should be rich and deeply spiced with Mediterranean undertones.
05 - While chili simmers, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
06 - Layer cooked spaghetti in bowls and ladle hot chili sauce over pasta. Top with cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans as desired. Two-way: spaghetti and chili; Three-way: add cheese; Four-way: add onions or beans; Five-way: add both onions and beans.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice blend of cinnamon cocoa and allspice creates this incredibly fragrant sauce that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing
- It comes together in one pot and actually tastes better the next day which makes it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- The customizable topping options mean everyone can build their bowl exactly how they like it
02 -
- The most critical rule is never browning the beef first which changes the entire texture and flavor profile of the dish
- Skimming the fat periodically during simmering keeps the sauce from becoming too greasy while maintaining richness
- The spice blend might seem unusual but trust the combination as the cinnamon and cocoa are what make this distinctly Cincinnati style
03 -
- Use a potato masher halfway through simmering to break down any remaining meat chunks for a smoother sauce texture
- Grate your own cheese from a block rather than using pre shredded for better melting and flavor