Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti features tender spaghetti noodles generously topped with savory Cincinnati-style chili, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of warm spices, creating a hearty, flavorful dish with a rich, saucy texture.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Grater (if shredding cheese for garnish)
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
- Cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Oyster crackers (for garnish, optional)
Ground beef should be fresh and ideally lean to prevent excess grease in your chili, ensuring a balanced flavor and texture. Measuring spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder accurately is crucial, as they provide the unique warmth and depth characteristic of Cincinnati-style chili. Use tomato paste and tomato sauce of good quality to maintain the rich, robust base needed for the sauce's savory profile. When cooking spaghetti noodles, timing and al dente texture are essential to complement the hearty meat sauce without becoming mushy. Your Gold Star Chili copycat chili spaghetti replicates the classic dish with tender noodles and a perfectly seasoned, saucy chili topped with garnishes like cheddar cheese and optional oyster crackers.
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic on the cutting board using the chef's knife.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with the wooden spoon.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Transfer beef mixture to a medium saucepan.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, black pepper, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer uncovered on low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In the large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain pasta using the colander.
- Divide cooked spaghetti among serving plates or bowls.
- Ladle chili over the spaghetti.
- Grate cheddar cheese using the grater for garnish.
- Sprinkle cheese over the chili spaghetti.
- Top with oyster crackers if desired.
- Serve immediately with tongs or a ladle as needed.
Substitution
Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti is a rich combination of tender spaghetti noodles and savory Cincinnati-style chili seasoned with a unique blend of spices including cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa powder. If ground beef is unavailable, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option without compromising flavor. When tomato sauce is out of reach, crushed tomatoes or an equal mix of fresh tomatoes and tomato paste can provide a similar texture and taste. You can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or swapping it with smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor. Using freshly grated cheddar cheese enhances garnish quality, but pre-shredded cheese works well for convenience without significantly changing the dish's cheesy texture.
Tips
Ensure you finely chop the onion and garlic to evenly distribute their flavor in the chili. Simmering the chili uncovered on low heat for at least 45 minutes allows the spices and beef broth to meld for a rich, robust taste. When cooking your spaghetti, use well-salted water and follow package instructions closely to achieve perfect al dente texture. Grate fresh cheddar cheese just before serving to keep the garnish flavorful and melt smoothly over your chili spaghetti.
Nutritions
Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti offers a balanced mix of protein from 1 lb of ground beef and complex carbohydrates from 12 oz of spaghetti noodles, providing sustained energy. The dish is rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, essential for blood health and metabolic functions, thanks to the beef and tomato base. A blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon not only enhances flavor but may also support digestion and inflammation reduction. Your meal is further complemented by optional cheddar cheese, contributing calcium and additional protein for muscle maintenance.
Storage
Store any leftover Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili and spaghetti separately in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Your leftovers will taste best when reheated thoroughly and garnished fresh before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to create a lighter version of Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti while maintaining a similar texture. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add chopped jalapenos during the saute step. For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of dark chocolate or a splash of strong brewed coffee during simmering. Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti to suit dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Allergies
Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti contains common allergens such as wheat from the spaghetti noodles, which can trigger gluten intolerance or celiac disease in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes dairy in the form of cheddar cheese, which may cause reactions for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. You should consider these allergens carefully if you have any food sensitivities or allergies before enjoying this flavorful meal.
Why this recipe?
Gold Star Chili's Chili Spaghetti menu draws fans with its unique blend of Cincinnati-style chili, featuring a rich, savory sauce made from a special mix of spices that sets it apart from regular chili dishes. The combination of perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with their signature chili and shredded cheddar cheese delivers a comforting yet flavorful experience that satisfies diverse taste preferences. If you're craving a hearty meal with a distinctive twist, recreating this recipe at home allows you to customize the heat and seasoning while enjoying the authentic taste that has made Gold Star Chili a local favorite. Trying the copycat recipe is worth the effort for those who want to bring a beloved regional classic into their own kitchen.