Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a legendary Midwestern comfort food that will make your taste buds dance? Cincinnati Chili isn't just another chili recipe—it's a culinary adventure that breaks all the traditional chili rules! Unlike classic chili, this unique dish is typically served over spaghetti and features a complex blend of spices that will transport you straight to the heart of Ohio. With our pressure cooker method, you'll have this mouthwatering meal ready in under 45 minutes, proving that incredible flavor doesn't have to mean hours of cooking.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 cups of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions in the pressure cooker and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the pressure cooker. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, stir in the chili powder and cumin, mixing well to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
- After all the pressure has been released, open the lid and give the chili a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Cincinnati chili hot, traditionally over spaghetti, and topped with shredded cheese, diced onions, or kidney beans if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose the right ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The fat content helps create a rich, robust chili.
- Don't skip the spice layering: Toast your chili powder and cumin briefly before adding liquids to enhance their depth of flavor.
- Natural pressure release is key: Allow the chili to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to help the flavors meld and the meat become tender.
- Customize your serving style: Traditionally, Cincinnati Chili is served "ways" - try a 3-way (over spaghetti with cheese), 4-way (add onions), or 5-way (add kidney beans).
- Make ahead and store: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat for an easy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
