Gold Star Chili's 5-Way Chili features hearty chili seasoned ground beef layered over spaghetti, topped with creamy chili beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions, delivering a flavorful blend of savory, cheesy, and spicy textures.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 lb dried spaghetti
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced onions
Ground beef is the cornerstone of this recipe, so selecting lean beef with around 80% lean-to-fat ratio will ensure a rich, juicy chili. The combination of spices, including chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, and cloves, creates a complex flavor profile that is key to mimicking Gold Star Chili's signature taste. Using dried spaghetti rather than fresh is recommended to achieve the authentic texture that holds up well under the layers of chili and cheese. Freshly chopped onions enhance the dish with a crisp bite, balancing the savory richness of the meat and beans. Your Gold Star Chili 5-Way Chili copycat will layer chili-seasoned ground beef over spaghetti, topped with creamy chili beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions for a bold, hearty experience.
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in skillet, breaking it up with wooden spoon.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cocoa, allspice, cloves, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Simmer chili mixture in large pot for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook dried spaghetti in medium saucepan of salted boiling water according to package directions; drain with colander.
- Warm chili beans in a separate saucepan.
- Shred cheddar cheese using cheese grater.
- Dice onions with chef’s knife on cutting board.
- Assemble: Place spaghetti in serving bowls using tongs.
- Ladle chili over spaghetti.
- Top with warm chili beans.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add diced onions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Gold Star Chili's 5-Way Chili copycat combines seasoned ground beef chili over spaghetti, topped with creamy chili beans, shredded cheddar, and diced onions. If you don't have dried spaghetti, you can substitute with any sturdy pasta like penne or elbow macaroni, which holds up well under the chili's rich sauce. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. You can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder if fresh cloves are unavailable, adjusting to taste to avoid overpowering the dish. When shredded cheddar is not on hand, a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses can provide a similarly creamy and melty topping for your 5-Way Chili.
Tips
Brown the ground beef thoroughly to ensure even cooking and avoid any pink spots that can affect the chili's texture and safety. When simmering the chili mixture, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. Cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will absorb some of the chili's moisture and soften further once combined. Your toppings like shredded cheese and diced onions should be fresh and added just before serving to maintain their flavor and texture.
Nutritions
Gold Star Chili's 5-Way Chili provides a rich source of protein primarily from the 2 lbs of ground beef, supporting muscle repair and growth. The combination of chili beans and cheddar cheese adds dietary fiber and calcium, beneficial for digestive health and bone strength. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper contribute antioxidants and may help boost metabolism. Your meal also includes onions and garlic, which offer vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds to support immune function.
Storage
Store leftover Gold Star Chili's 5-Way Chili in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent spills. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, warm thoroughly in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) to ensure your food is safe to eat.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to create a leaner chili variation while retaining rich flavor. Try using ground chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of cayenne pepper to add a smoky heat to the chili. Instead of dried spaghetti, swap in elbow macaroni or egg noodles for a texture change that still complements the hearty chili. For a creamier topping, mix cream cheese into the chili beans before warming to add a smooth, tangy element to your dish.
Allergies
Gold Star Chili's 5-Way Chili contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential soy or gluten from Worcestershire sauce depending on the brand. Ground beef and chili beans may trigger specific protein allergies in some individuals, while spices like chili powder and cayenne pepper might cause sensitivity or reactions. To ensure your safety, always check ingredient labels and consult your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Gold Star Chili's 5-Way Chili features a unique blend of seasoned beef, fresh spaghetti, rich cheese, and beans, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to chili lovers. The combination of robust flavors and textures delivers a distinctive taste experience not easily found elsewhere. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize the ingredients and savor the authentic Cincinnati-style chili anytime. Your taste buds will appreciate the layered complexity and comforting warmth of this iconic dish.