This hearty Queen City Chili is a Kansas City classic that transforms simple ground chuck into a deeply flavorful, spice-laden stew. Unlike traditional Texas chili, this version features a unique blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, along with a touch of unsweetened chocolate for richness. The chili is simmered slowly to develop a thick, robust texture, then served in the traditional “5-way” style: over buttered spaghetti, topped with kidney beans, raw chopped onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, savory dish perfect for cold evenings or casual weekend dinners. The flavors meld beautifully, especially if made a day ahead, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy families.
Queen City Chili
Description
This hearty Queen City Chili is a Kansas City classic that transforms simple ground chuck into a deeply flavorful, spice-laden stew. Unlike traditional Texas chili, this version features a unique blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, along with a touch of unsweetened chocolate for richness. The chili is simmered slowly to develop a thick, robust texture, then served in the traditional "5-way" style: over buttered spaghetti, topped with kidney beans, raw chopped onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. It&# 226;ÂÂs a comforting, savory dish perfect for cold evenings or casual weekend dinners. The flavors meld beautifully, especially if made a day ahead, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy families.Ingredients
Directions
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Finely chop two of the onions and set aside; finely chop the remaining onion for topping.
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Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground chuck, two chopped onions, and minced garlic.
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Break up the meat with a fork and cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the barbeque sauce, water, chili powder, black pepper, grated unsweetened chocolate, cumin, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cardamom, and salt.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to very low and cover.
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Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding tomato juice if the mixture becomes too dry.
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Cook 9 oz of spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and toss with butter.
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To serve, layer the buttered spaghetti on a plate, top with hot chili, heated kidney beans, reserved raw chopped onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
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Serve immediately with oyster crackers on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 284.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.1g24%
- Saturated Fat 4.1g21%
- Cholesterol 90.8mg31%
- Sodium 365.0mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 10.9g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.3g10%
- Sugars 5.6g
- Protein 25.5g51%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Serving Style:** This is traditionally served "5-way," meaning the chili is poured over spaghetti and topped with kidney beans, raw onion, and cheddar cheese.
**Ingredient Note:** The original recipe snippet cuts off at "Barbeque sauce (I think I". Ensure you have a standard BBQ sauce on hand. If you prefer a less sweet chili, use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce or reduce the amount used.
**Spice Blend:** The unique flavor profile comes from the addition of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and unsweetened chocolate. Do not skip these for an authentic Kansas City taste.
**Make Ahead:** The flavors improve significantly if the chili is made a day ahead and reheated, allowing the spices to meld fully.
