Gold Star Chili's 3-Way Chili features a hearty bowl of spicy, seasoned ground beef chili layered over tender spaghetti noodles and topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, delivering a savory blend of robust flavors and contrasting textures.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
The blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, and cloves creates the signature robust flavor of Gold Star Chili's 3-Way Chili. Ground beef should be browned thoroughly in a skillet to develop a rich base before adding the seasoned tomato sauce mixture. Using beef broth and Worcestershire sauce enhances the depth and savoriness of the chili, while apple cider vinegar and sugar balance the acidity. Cooking the spaghetti al dente and draining it well ensures perfect texture when layering the chili on top. Your 3-Way Chili copycat will capture the hearty, spicy, and cheesy essence that Gold Star Chili is famous for.
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Grate cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef, if needed.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, allspice, and cloves.
- Cook spices with the beef mixture for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
- Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust salt or seasonings if needed.
- While chili simmers, bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti using a colander.
- Portion cooked spaghetti into serving bowls.
- Ladle hot chili generously over spaghetti.
- Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Gold Star Chili's 3-Way Chili is a classic Cincinnati dish combining spicy ground beef chili, tender spaghetti, and melted cheddar cheese. If you don't have spaghetti on hand, elbow macaroni or egg noodles make excellent substitutes without compromising texture. Ground turkey or plant-based beef alternatives can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner or vegetarian option. When shredded cheddar cheese is unavailable, Monterey Jack or Colby cheese provide a similar melt and flavor. Be mindful of chili powder brands, as their heat levels vary, so adjust cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Tips
Ensure you drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to prevent an overly greasy chili. When simmering the chili, keep the pot uncovered and stir occasionally to concentrate flavors and avoid burning on the bottom. Use salted water when boiling your spaghetti to enhance its taste and cook it just until al dente for the best texture contrast with the chili. Your cheddar cheese should be freshly grated and added right before serving to achieve a perfect melt and rich flavor balance.
Nutritions
Gold Star Chili's 3-Way Chili offers a balanced mix of protein from the ground beef and carbohydrates from the spaghetti, providing sustained energy. The chili is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the inclusion of spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, which may support metabolism and digestion. The generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese contributes calcium and fat, essential for bone health and satiety. Your meal delivers a flavorful combination that supports both taste and nutritional needs in one hearty serving.
Storage
Store any leftover Gold Star Chili's 3-Way Chili in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer in your refrigerator. Keep the chili and spaghetti separately to avoid sogginess, placing the shredded cheddar cheese in a small sealed container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Your leftovers can be safely refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, and reheating should be done gently on the stove or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to create a leaner version of the chili. Consider adding diced green bell peppers or jalapenos during the sauteing step to introduce additional layers of flavor and heat. For a richer taste, swap out the beef broth with a combination of beef and chicken stock. If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid before serving over your spaghetti.
Allergies
Gold Star Chili's 3-Way Chili contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential trace amounts of gluten if the beef broth or Worcestershire sauce contain wheat-based ingredients. Your sensitivity to garlic and onions, present in the chili, might also trigger reactions if you have allium allergies. Always check product labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
The 3-Way Chili from Gold Star Chili combines a hearty blend of Cincinnati-style chili, tender spaghetti, and shredded cheddar cheese, creating a unique and satisfying flavor profile. Fans appreciate the perfect balance of spices and the rich, meaty sauce that complements the soft pasta and sharp cheese. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste while enjoying this iconic dish anytime. Your homemade 3-Way Chili delivers the authentic comfort and bold taste that keep people coming back for more.