Sweet and Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili Con Carne
A rich chili with a balance of sweet and spicy elements inspired by Cincinnati’s vibrant food culture, featuring tender beef and warm spices. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, rinsed and drained cooked kidney beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 cups beef broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili thickens.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup cooked kidney beans and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili Con Carne take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 Sweet and Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili Con Carne?
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 Sweet and Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili Con Carne?
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 Sweet and Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili Con Carne 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 Sweet and Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili Con Carne?
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.
