Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili features tender chili-seasoned ground beef and kidney beans topped with a generous layer of shredded Cincinnati-style cheddar cheese over a bed of spaghetti, delivering a hearty and savory dish with rich, cheesy, and comforting flavors.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Mixing spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pasta fork/tongs
- Cutting board (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing your 4-Way Chili, choose ground beef with a moderate fat content to ensure a juicy, flavorful base for the chili. Fresh garlic and onion enhance the overall aroma and depth of the dish, while the blend of chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper creates a signature savory-spicy profile unique to Cincinnati-style chili. Using kidney beans canned in water or low-sodium broth maintains the dish's texture and balances the richness without overpowering the flavors. The spaghetti should be cooked al dente to serve as a firm foundation for the chili and the generous layering of shredded Cincinnati-style cheddar cheese melts perfectly, adding a creamy finish. Your hearty 4-Way Chili, inspired by Gold Star Chili's copycat recipe, combines tender beef, flavorful beans, and rich cheese over spaghetti for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Grate the cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In the large pot or skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat, if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until spices are well combined with the beef mixture.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Rinse and drain kidney beans in a colander.
- Stir beans into the chili and heat through for 5-10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti using a colander.
- Portion spaghetti onto serving plates.
- Ladle chili over the spaghetti.
- Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili copycat recipe uses a blend of chili-seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and Cincinnati-style cheddar cheese over spaghetti to replicate the original's bold and comforting flavors. If kidney beans are unavailable, pinto beans make a suitable substitute without drastically altering the dish's texture or taste. When a specific spice such as ground cloves or cinnamon is missing, consider omitting it or using a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for a comparable warm flavor. For optimal results, ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente to support the hearty chili topping without becoming mushy. You can adjust the heat level by modifying the cayenne pepper quantity to better suit your spice preference.
Tips
Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to prevent a greasy chili. Simmer the chili uncovered for the full 30-40 minutes to develop rich flavors and proper thickness. When cooking the spaghetti, salt the water well to season the pasta evenly before draining. You should add the shredded Cincinnati-style cheddar cheese immediately after ladling chili over spaghetti to achieve the perfect melty texture.
Nutritions
Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili offers a substantial source of protein from the ground beef and kidney beans, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The kidney beans also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Your meal includes essential minerals like iron and zinc from the beef, and calcium from the shredded Cincinnati-style cheddar cheese. This combination ensures a nutritious balance that fuels your body and satisfies hunger with a hearty, flavorful dish.
Storage
Store leftover Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, ensuring you cool it completely before freezing. When reheating, gently warm the chili on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, then add fresh shredded cheddar cheese to your dish for optimal taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to create a lighter version of Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili. Instead of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans offer a different texture and flavor profile while maintaining the dish's nutritional value. Cooking the chili in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low enhances the depth of the spices, resulting in a richer taste. For a creamier topping, try mixing shredded cheddar cheese with a little cream cheese before sprinkling it over your spaghetti and chili.
Allergies
Your Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and gluten in the spaghetti, which may affect individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The ground beef and kidney beans should be noted for people with legume allergies or red meat sensitivities. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens like Worcestershire sauce, which can contain anchovies or other allergens.
Why this recipe?
Gold Star Chili's 4-Way Chili menu is loved for its signature blend of seasoned chili, spaghetti, shredded cheddar cheese, and onions, offering a hearty and satisfying meal. The unique Cincinnati-style chili recipe features a perfect balance of spices that sets it apart from typical chili dishes. Making a copycat version lets you enjoy this iconic flavor at home while customizing ingredients to your preference. Your taste buds will appreciate the authentic, rich taste that has made Gold Star Chili a regional favorite.