Home & Kitchen

Cincinnati Chili – Served Over Spaghetti!

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2023

If you’ve never had Cincinnati Chili, you’re in for a treat.

This beefy seasoned sauce is different from our usual chili recipe because it has a special blend of spices and is cooked and served in a unique way!

Served over hot spaghetti, Cincinnati chili is traditionally served with toppings like cheese, onions and/or beans!

Unlike a typical chili recipe, Cincinnati Chili is made with unexpected seasonings that include cocoa powder, cinnamon, and allspice!

What is Cincinnati Chili?

Named for the city of Cincinnati, this chili has a unique flavor and is served differenrlt than our traditional chili recipes.

It has been around since the 1900s and has been tagged as one of the “moist iconic foods in America” by the Smithsonian. It was made popular by the Skyline diners chain and if visiting their restartants, you must try Skyline Chili!

Seasonings: Some belive the seasonings are derived from the Greek dish moussaka or other similar Greek dishes. The seasonings include cocoa powder (or sometimes unsweetened chocolate), cinnamon, and allspice. Some use cumin or a pinch of ground cloves. It’s usually served over spaghetti with special toppings as below.

How to Make Cincinnati Chili

This Cincinnati chili recipe is easy to make. It does take some time, most of which is hands off as it simmers on the stove.

Sauté onions in a dutch oven. Add the uncooked beef and other ingredientsto the same pot (the beef is not browned first).Simmer for 2 hours, skimming fat off the top as needed.Serve over spaghetti Cincinnati style (more serving info below).

You can adjust the spices and add a bit of Tabasco or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor if you’d like.

Ways to Serve Cincinnati Chili

To serve Cincinnati style chili, traditional toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and/or chili beans (or kidney beans) to name a few. Not only are the flavor and toppings unique, but instead of twirllling the spaghetti like spaghetti and meatballs, pile on the toppings and cut the spaghetti with a fork.

Here are the traditional ‘ways’ to top Cincinnati chili:

2-way: topped with chili.3-way: topped with chili and shredded cheese.4-way onion: topped with chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions,.4-way bean: topped with chili, shredded cheese, and beans.5-way: the works! Top with chili, shredded cheese, chopped onions, and beans.

Serve this with the toppings on the side and to let your family choose their own way! Don’t limit yourself to these ways, add your own toppings from hot sauce to oyster crackers.

What to Do With Leftover Chili

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to four months.

To reheat, just replace in a pot on the stovetop or in a dish in the microwave and heat until bubbling hot. No need to thaw in advance.

Stretch the leftovers by serving them with a hot dog in a bun. Top with chili, mustard and other toppings.

If your family loves chili but hasn’t tried the Cincinnati version yet, they’re in for a real treat!

More Ways to Love Chili

4.97 from 52 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!Or to leave a comment, click here!

Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati chili isn’t your usual chili. This meaty sauce has unique blend of spices and is served over spaghetti with some special toppings!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings 6 servings

▢ 1 onion finely chopped▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil▢ 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef▢ 4 cups water▢ 15 ounces tomato sauce▢ 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar▢ 4 cloves garlic minced▢ 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder▢ 1 tablespoon tomato paste▢ 3 tablespoons chili powder▢ 1 teaspoon oregano▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon▢ ¼ teaspoon ground allspice▢ ½ teaspoon salt▢ 1 bay leaf

For Serving

▢ spaghetti▢ cheddar cheese▢ white onion chopped▢ beans kidney or chili beans

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender.

Add the uncooked beef and the remaining ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer skimming any fat that rises to the top. Simmer for 2 hours or until the sauce has thickened.

Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Serve over hot spaghetti with toppings per the notes below.

How to Serve Cincinnati Chili

Start by spooning the chili over hot spaghetti and then add the following toppings:2-way: topped with just chili.
3-way: topped with chili and shredded cheese.
4-way onion: topped with chili, chopped onions, and shredded cheese.
4-way bean: topped with chili, beans, and shredded cheese.
5-way: the works! Top with chili, beans, onions, and cheese.
Nutrition information is for the sauce only and does not include pasta or optional toppings.

4.97 from 52 votes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Like our recipes?Follow us on Pinterest!

Source: spendwithpennies.com

Home & Kitchen

Easy Layered Salad – Perfect to Make Ahead

Published

3 days ago

January 26, 2023

Holly Nilsson

This overnight 7-layer salad recipe is everyday easy in addition to being party perfect!

Layers of fresh lettuce, veggies, cheese, and bacon are topped with a creamy dressing to make this seven layer salad!

What’s in Seven Layer Salad?

Mix and match the ingredients, I add 7 layers but you can add as many as you’d like to this overnight salad.

Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce will stay extra crunchy due to its high water content, so it’s great in an overnight salad. Wash it first and then dry it very well (I use a salad spinner).

Vegetables – Tomatoes, peas, and sliced green onions add visual interest to a 7 layer salad, but so can chopped celery, sliced radishes, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, shredded zucchini, corn, sundried tomatoes, and even shredded brussels sprouts. This is a great recipe for using up leftover bits of veggies in the fridge.

Bacon & Eggs – Bacon and hard-boiled eggs add texture, color, and a boost of healthy protein. I keep the bacon on the side and sprinkle it on just before serving.

Cheese – Cheddar cheese has a sharp flavor that tastes great with sweet peas and salty bacon. Blue cheese crumbles or parmesan cheese are other excellent options.

Dressing for Overnight Salad

This mayo-based sour cream dressing is traditional and it is super easy to make. It’s thicker than a traditional dressing, so it holds up well.

Add in your favorite herbs or ranch-style seasonings to change it up.

Keep leftover 7-layer salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will blend and taste even better the next day!

Did you make this 7 Layer Salad for a crowd? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

5 from 24 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!Or to leave a comment, click here!

7 Layer Salad

A delicious medley of layers topped with a creamy homemade dressing and bacon crumbles makes for a colorful and hearty salad!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 12 servings

1 Trifle Bowl to show layers

Salad Spinner

▢ 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped▢ 2 cups tomatoes diced, or sliced cherry tomatoes▢ 2 cups frozen peas defrosted (uncooked)▢ ½ cup green onions or red onions, sliced▢ 8 hard boiled eggs cooled, peeled and chopped▢ 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded▢ 8 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled

DRESSING

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and seasoned salt for the dressing. Set aside.

Wash and dry the lettuce very well. Place lettuce in the bottom of a large trifle bowl (or 9×13 pan).

In order, top with tomatoes, peas, green onions, and boiled eggs. Spread the dressing on top right to the edges.

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Top with cheese and bacon before serving.

Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the layers. Options include bell peppers, corn, sliced celery, mushrooms, or radishes, sundried tomatoes or shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini, or brussels sprouts!
To make ahead, assemble all the layers except cheese and bacon, cover, and chill. Just before serving, layer cheese and bacon on top.
Optional Ranch Style Dressing1 cup mayonnaise¾ cup sour cream½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder1 tablespoon fresh dill1 tablespoon fresh parsleysalt & pepper to taste

5 from 24 votes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Like our recipes?Follow us on Pinterest!

Article: spendwithpennies.com

Home & Kitchen

Turkey Noodle Casserole

Published

3 days ago

January 26, 2023

Holly Nilsson

Turn leftovers into a cozy turkey noodle casserole that the whole family will love!

This noodle casserole has packed with tender veggies, turkey, and pasta baked in a simple homey sauce. It’s all baked under buttery bread crumbs.

Ingredients for Turkey Noodle Casserole

This basic casserole is simply turkey, veggies, and pasta cooked in a simple homemade sauce.

Turkey: Use leftover turkey or use rotisserie chicken. Leftover ham is another great variation in this recipe.

Vegetables: This turkey noodle casserole is so versatile. Use either frozen mixed vegetables or veggies from your crisper drawer (see recipe notes for fresh vegetables).

Pasta: Any medium shape can be used in this recipe. Try penne or rotini, and be sure to cook it al dente (firm) so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.

Sauce: The sauce below is a very simple cream sauce, almost reminiscent of chicken pot pie sauce. You can swap it out for cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery soup or a jar of Alfredo sauce. Be sure to add the poultry seasoning; it adds great flavor.

Swap in Your Leftovers

Sauce

If you’ve got leftover gravy or cheese sauce, they can be used in this recipe (you’ll need about 4 cups of sauce) instead of making a from-scratch sauce.

If you don’t have 4 cups of sauce, use what you have and add either a jar of alfredo sauce or a can of condensed mushroom or chicken soup.

Vegetables

Add leftover vegetables from last night’s dinner or even leftover green bean casserole (sauce and all)!

Assemble turkey noodle casserole up to 1 day ahead, but leave off the topping and refrigerate overnight.

Remove the casserole from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking and sprinkle with the topping. Add an extra 5-7 minutes of baking time.

Did your family love this Turkey Noodle Casserole? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

5 from 8 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!Or to leave a comment, click here!

Turkey Noodle Casserole

The best way to use up leftover turkey and veggies from the holidays is with this Turkey Noodle Casserole!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 6

9″x13″ Casserole Dish

Creamy Sauce (see notes for shortcut)

▢ ⅓ cup butter▢ 1 small onion diced▢ 2 cloves garlic minced▢ ⅓ cup flour▢ ¾ teaspoon poultry seasoning▢ ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves▢ 3 cups chicken broth▢ 1 ½ cups light cream or half and half▢ 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh▢ ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or more to taste▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Casserole

▢ 3 cup frozen mixed vegetables thawed, see notes for fresh vegetables▢ 2 cups cooked turkey cubed, or chicken▢ 12 ounces medium pasta such as rotini or penne

Topping

▢ ¼ cup melted butter▢ ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 or 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and seasonings and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Add flour and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly stir in chicken broth and evaporated milk, until the mixture is smooth. The mixture will be very thick at first.

Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring over medium heat. Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and parsley.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than directed on the package. Drain well.

Combine cooked pasta, thawed vegetables, cubed turkey or chicken, and sauce in the prepared casserole dish.

In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter and seasoned breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the casserole.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is browned.

Sauce: To make a shortcut sauce, replace the sauce with a jar of alfredo sauce and add in the seasonings. Cream can be substituted for evaporated milk.
Cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese like cheddar can be added to the sauce.
To use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen mixed vegetables. I would suggest 3 chopped carrots, 2 ribs of celery, and 1 cup of corn (although any combination will work). Add the fresh vegetables to the boiling pasta water for the last 4 minutes in step 7 or steam the vegetables until tender.
Store leftover casserole covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until heated through.

5 from 8 votes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Casserole, Dinner, Turkey

Cuisine American

Like our recipes?Follow us on Pinterest!

Article: spendwithpennies.com

Home & Kitchen

Easy Lemon Chicken

Published

3 days ago

January 26, 2023

Holly Nilsson

Tender chunks of chicken are pan-fried and tossed in a simple tangy-sweet lemon sauce. You can’t beat the flavor of fresh lemon. Serve this over rice for the perfect weeknight dinner.

Have you ever had a stir-fry and wondered how the get the meat so darn tender? Most often it’s due to a technique called velveting.

Meat (beef or chicken) is marinated in a combination of egg white, cornstarch, oil, and often other additives like vinegar. Cornstarch is a natural tenderizer (and used in this recipe as well as many other stir fry favorites and even Mongolian Beef)!

Pour the sauce right over if you are in a hurry, but I like to remove the chicken from the pan, deglaze the pan using the sauce, then add the chicken back in.

Garnish with lemon slices, green onion or chives and sesame seeds.

Lemon Chicken is a great dish to make ahead or make a double batch so that you’ll have lots of leftovers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days for easy lunches!

4.95 from 17 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!Or to leave a comment, click here!

This easy lemon recipe is a sweet zesty favorite, made in under an hour!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinate Time 15 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 4 servings

▢ 1 pound boneless chicken breast diced▢ 1 large egg▢ 3 tablespoons cornstarch▢ 2 tablespoons soy sauce▢ 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Sauce

▢ ¾ cup chicken broth▢ 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch▢ ¼ cup sugar▢ 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnish

▢ sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onion

In a bowl, combine chicken with egg, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.

In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients.

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade.

Add chicken to the pan in batches and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Stir the sauce well to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Pour it into the pan with the chicken. Let it simmer on low heat until it thickened, about 3-4 minutes

Garnish with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onion, and lemon wedges if desired.

This recipe comes together quickly; prepare all of the ingredients before beginning to cook.
Chicken: For easy handling, place chicken in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting (optional). Chicken thighs work well in this recipe.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe. If using fresh lemon, ½ teaspoon of lemon zest can be added to the sauce for an extra boost of lemon flavor.
Vegetables: Vegetables can be added to this chicken, asparagus, or green beans are great options. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Trim the vegetables and add them to the pan. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are tender crisp. Add the chicken and the sauce and continue to cook as directed.
For a crispy chicken, marinated chicken can be dusted in corn starch and deep fried in small batches at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. Thicken sauce and toss with chicken.

4.95 from 17 votes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian Fusion

Like our recipes?Follow us on Pinterest!

Source: spendwithpennies.com