This Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe that turns out rich, flavorful chili every time. It’s my absolute go-to when I need a no-fuss dinner packed with bold, aromatic spices and tender beef, all while saving hours in the kitchen.

Traditionally, Cincinnati chili can take hours of attention on the stove, but why work harder when your slow cooker can do it for you? This version captures all the signature notes—cinnamon, cocoa, and a hint of sweetness—and lets you handle your busy to-do list while dinner practically cooks itself. Trust me, once you try this, your family will think you’ve been simmering it all day (and your secret’s safe with me!).

Why This Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili Is a Game-Changer

All-Day Flavor Without the Fuss: The slow cooker brings out deep, rich flavors while you’re busy doing anything else.
Hands-Off Cooking: Prep your ingredients in under 30 minutes, set it, and walk away—seriously, that’s it!
Saves Time vs. Traditional Methods: Stovetop Cincinnati chili can tie you to the kitchen for hours. This? Total hands-on time is under 30 minutes.
Feeds a Crowd or Meal Preps Like a Pro: With six hearty servings, this is perfect for feeding the family or freezing leftovers for easy weeknight dinners.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Let’s talk gear. The magic of this recipe comes from the slow cooker—it’s what gives you deep, simmered flavor with zero babysitting. Here’s what you’ll need:

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker or larger is ideal for this recipe. Bonus points if your slow cooker has a timer function so it switches to “warm” when cooking’s done.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: You’ll use this to crumble the beef and stir everything together before cooking.
Serving Options: Have plates or bowls ready, along with pans if you’re cooking spaghetti to serve with your chili.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Don’t let the long ingredient list fool you—most items are pantry staples with a few fun additions like unsweetened chocolate that give Cincinnati chili its iconic taste. Here are the highlights:

Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef to keep things on the healthier side. You can sub with ground turkey if that’s your preference.
Unsweetened Chocolate and Cocoa Powder: These might seem unusual, but they add a depth of flavor that makes Cincinnati chili stand out.
Beef Broth: This thins out the chili just enough without watering down the flavor.
Spices: A mix of cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and allspice gives this chili its signature aromatic warmth.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 medium yellow onions, chopped (plus extra for serving, optional)
29 ounces canned diced tomatoes
8 ounces canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth (plus more as needed for desired consistency)
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Cooked spaghetti (optional, for serving)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Cooked beans (optional, for topping)

How to Make Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to crumble the beef evenly.
Add the yellow onion, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine the base ingredients.
Next, add the unsweetened chocolate, chili powder, garlic, paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar, soy sauce, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.
Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6–8 hours. Stir occasionally to break up any remaining large pieces of beef.
Serve your chili one of Cincinnati’s “ways”: over spaghetti, topped with cheddar cheese, beans, onions—or all of the above!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

If you’re short on time, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and go!
Don’t skip the unsweetened chocolate—it’s a game-changer for authentic flavor.
Want finer-textured beef? Stir more frequently while cooking to break it apart.
Freeze leftover portions in single-serving containers to grab for fast weeknight lunches or dinners.
Use a fat separator on the beef broth for an even leaner chili.

Easy Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Kick: Double the cayenne pepper or stir in diced jalapenos for extra heat.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the spaghetti and enjoy the chili as-is with a hearty sprinkle of cheese.
One-Pot Meal: Add kidney beans directly into the chili before cooking for built-in protein and fiber.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili FAQs

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work just as well, though the flavor will be slightly different. Make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using leaner meats to avoid over-drying.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat this easy Cincinnati chili recipe in the microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I make this without spaghetti?

You bet! Enjoy homemade Cincinnati chili with spaghetti the traditional way, or skip the spaghetti altogether and serve it alone or with keto-friendly cauliflower rice.

What are some popular Cincinnati chili topping options?

Cincinnati chili toppings options include shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, cooked beans, and oyster crackers. Customize it your way!

Do I have to stir the chili while it’s cooking?

Not often—just an occasional stir helps break up chunks of beef and mix flavors evenly.

Ready to try this Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili? I can’t wait to hear how you top yours! Share your version below or let me know your favorite kitchen shortcuts!