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Cincinnati Chili Inspired Meatballs

These sweet and spicy meatballs are inspired by the classic Skyline Chili.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Course Dinner, Lunch
Servings 10 medium/large meatballs

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1.3 lb meatloaf mix
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp all spice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp worchestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 c panko crumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Sauce

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 1 c water
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp all spice
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 2-3 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp worchestershire sauce

Instructions
 

Meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a bowl, combine all ingredients except the butter. Combine until spices are well mixed, but being careful to not overmix.
  • Form the meatballs; I used an ice cream scoop and got 10 medium-large meatballs from this mix.
  • Melt the butter in a large oven safe skillet.
  • Brown the meatballs in the skillet over medium heat.
  • Once browned, remove the meatballs and set aside. Follow steps for the sauce.

Sauce

  • In the hot skillet, add the onions to the pan (with drippings and butter). Sautee over medium heat until softened.
  • Add minced garlic and sautee until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and stir until onions and garlic are well coated and red.
  • Add tomato sauce, water, spices, apple cider vinegar and worchestershire to the mixture and gently whisk until well combined.
  • Bring to a boil. Taste for salt and adjust if necessary.
  • Remove from the heat, and add the meatballs back to the pan.
  • Place skillet in the oven for 20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
  • Remove from oven, serve over spaghetti, with cheddar, onions, beans - however you enjoy your cincy chili!