Polenta-Served Cincinnati-Style Beef Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered beef chili with warm spices, served over creamy polenta for a comforting meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 65 minutes pairs ground beef, medium, finely diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 medium diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until beef is no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice, and 1/4 tsp cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: While chili simmers, prepare polenta: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Divide polenta among bowls, top with 1/2 cup chili, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Polenta-Served Cincinnati-Style Beef Chili take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Polenta-Served Cincinnati-Style Beef Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Polenta-Served Cincinnati-Style Beef Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Polenta-Served Cincinnati-Style Beef Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Polenta-Served Cincinnati-Style Beef Chili?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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