The Regular Chili Bowl from Gold Star Chili features tender ground beef simmered in a bold blend of spices, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions, all served piping hot over a bed of soft spaghetti noodles for a hearty and savory meal.
Equipments
- Saucepan or stockpot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
- Colander
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
When preparing your chili, use fresh ground beef for optimal flavor and ensure the spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika are fresh to bring out the bold taste. The combination of cocoa powder and tomato paste creates a rich depth that balances the heat from cayenne pepper, so measure these carefully. Use high-quality beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory profile of your dish. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions add texture and richness, so prepare these just before serving to maintain freshness. Your homemade Regular Chili Bowl from Gold Star Chili will deliver the same hearty and savory experience as the original restaurant favorite.
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion on the cutting board with the knife.
- Grate the cheddar cheese using the cheese grater.
- Fill the large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles in the boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti in the colander and set aside.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned.
- Add half of the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and cocoa powder, stirring to combine.
- Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the chili uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Place a portion of cooked spaghetti noodles in each serving bowl.
- Ladle the hot chili over the spaghetti.
- Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and remaining diced onions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Regular Chili Bowl from Gold Star Chili copycat recipe allows some flexibility in ingredient substitutions to suit your pantry or taste preferences. If ground beef is unavailable, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative while maintaining the texture of the chili. You can replace shredded cheddar cheese with any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, depending on your preference. When it comes to spaghetti noodles, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used without drastically changing the dish's integrity. Keep an eye on seasoning adjustments when swapping ingredients to retain the rich, bold flavor profile characteristic of the classic chili bowl.
Tips
To ensure your Regular Chili Bowl turns out flavorful and well-textured, consistently stir the chili during simmering to prevent burning and uneven cooking. Use fresh spices like chili powder, cumin, and cocoa powder for a rich, authentic taste that enhances your ground beef base. When cooking spaghetti noodles, salt the boiling water generously to infuse subtle flavor and cook until just al dente to avoid mushiness under the chili. Remember to reserve some shredded cheddar and diced onions for topping, which adds freshness and a creamy contrast to your hearty dish.
Nutritions
The Regular Chili Bowl from Gold Star Chili provides a balanced source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Ground beef contributes high-quality protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc, supporting muscle health and immunity. The spaghetti noodles deliver complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D for bone strength. You can enjoy a flavorful meal that also offers a range of spices known for their antioxidant properties.
Storage
Store any leftover chili and cooked spaghetti separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, warm your chili thoroughly in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, and heat the spaghetti separately to retain its texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to create a lighter version of Gold Star Chili. Incorporate diced bell peppers or jalapenos with the onions for added texture and a mild kick. Slow-cooking the chili in a stockpot for an hour can deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat. Consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to enhance the smoky aroma of your chili bowl.
Allergies
The Regular Chili Bowl contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and gluten from the spaghetti noodles, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or celiac disease. Ground beef and beef broth may cause concerns for those with meat allergies, while Worcestershire sauce includes anchovies and other potential allergens. You should carefully review all ingredients and consult with a healthcare provider if you have known food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Gold Star Chili's Regular Chili Bowl is popular for its unique Cincinnati-style chili, blending a special mix of spices including cinnamon, allspice, and cocoa, creating a rich, savory flavor that stands out from traditional chili recipes. The dish features tender ground beef, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans, offering a satisfying and hearty meal that appeals to chili enthusiasts. You can replicate this iconic taste at home, saving money while customizing spice levels and ingredients to suit your preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy Gold Star Chili's beloved menu item anytime, capturing the authentic taste that has made it a local favorite for decades.