The first time I heard about Real Chili Milwaukee Recipe, I was curious. Chili over spaghetti? That sounded different.
But the moment I tasted it, I understood. It was warm. Spiced. Comforting. The kind of food that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite.
It reminded me of simple evenings. A big bowl in front of you. Steam rising. Maybe a little shredded cheese on top. Nothing fancy. Just real comfort.
So I came home and tried to recreate it in my own kitchen. After a few tries, I finally got that deep, slightly sweet, gently spiced flavor that makes Milwaukee-style chili so special.
Today, I’m sharing my homemade version with you.
Hi, I’m Mayank, the home cook behind The Calorie Curry. I spend most of my time experimenting in my kitchen, cooking for friends and family who often say my food tastes like it came from a pro chef. Their honest feedback and my love for simple, homemade cooking inspire every recipe I share here.
Why You’ll Love This Real Chili Recipe
Rich, deep flavor with warm spices
Easy chili recipe for beginners
Perfect for meal prep
Tastes even better the next day
Can be served traditionally over spaghetti
Feels like an award winning chili recipe without complicated steps
What Makes This Chili Special?
This Real Chili Milwaukee Recipe is a unique Midwestern-style chili that’s slightly thinner than Texas chili and traditionally served over spaghetti. It has warm spices like cinnamon and cumin that give it a subtle depth.
It’s not just a regular easy chili recipe — it’s a comforting, flavorful dish with its own personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Amount | Unit | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | grams | Ground beef | 80/20 works best |
| 1 | medium | Onion | Finely chopped |
| 3 | cloves | Garlic | Minced |
| 2 | tbsp | Tomato paste | Adds depth |
| 1 | can (400g) | Crushed tomatoes | Base of sauce |
| 2 | cups | Beef broth | Adjust thickness |
| 1 | tbsp | Chili powder | Main spice |
| 1 | tsp | Ground cumin | Warm flavor |
| ½ | tsp | Cinnamon | Signature touch |
| ½ | tsp | Paprika | Mild smokiness |
| 1 | tsp | Salt | Adjust to taste |
| ½ | tsp | Black pepper | Freshly ground |
| 1 | cup | Kidney beans | Optional |
| 200 | grams | Spaghetti | Traditional serving style |
Equipment Needed
| Amount | Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Large pot or Dutch oven | For cooking chili |
| 1 | Wooden spoon | For stirring |
| 1 | Knife | For chopping |
| 1 | Cutting board | Prep work |
| 1 | Pot | For boiling spaghetti |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Why Each Ingredient Matters
Ground beef gives body and richness.
Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor.
Cinnamon gives that subtle secret chili recipe warmth.
Chili powder + cumin create the signature spice base.
Beef broth keeps the texture slightly saucy.
Spaghetti makes it authentic Milwaukee-style.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Simple & Clear)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Place your pot on medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This builds the base flavor.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Now add the chopped onion. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll smell the aroma immediately.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add tomato paste and cook it for 1–2 minutes. This deepens the flavor.
Then stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast slightly.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well.
Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30–35 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Add Beans (Optional)
If using beans, add them in the last 10 minutes.
This keeps them from becoming too soft.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
In a separate pot, boil spaghetti according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Serve Milwaukee-Style
Place spaghetti in a bowl. Spoon chili generously over it.
Top with shredded cheese or chopped onions if you like.
Tips for Best Results
Use fresh spices for maximum flavor
Simmer gently, don’t rush
Taste and adjust salt at the end
Slightly thinner consistency is authentic
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking spaghetti
Skipping cinnamon (it’s important)
Cooking on high heat
Not simmering long enough
Healthier Adjustments
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef
Reduce salt
Skip spaghetti and serve over zucchini noodles
Add extra beans for fiber
Variations You Can Try
Add dark chocolate (small piece) for depth
Make it vegetarian with lentils
Add jalapeños for heat
Try it as a secret chili recipe with smoked paprika
What to Serve with Real Chili
Garlic bread
Cornbread
Simple side salad
Shredded cheddar and sour cream
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Real Chili Milwaukee Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place your pot on medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This builds the base flavor.
- Now add the chopped onion. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll smell the aroma immediately.
- Add tomato paste and cook it for 1–2 minutes. This deepens the flavor.Then stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast slightly.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well.Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30–35 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- If using beans, add them in the last 10 minutes.This keeps them from becoming too soft.
- In a separate pot, boil spaghetti according to package instructions.Drain and set aside.
- Place spaghetti in a bowl. Spoon chili generously over it.Top with shredded cheese or chopped onions if you like.
Notes
This chili tastes even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Real Chili Milwaukee different?
It’s thinner, slightly sweet-spiced, and often served over spaghetti.
Is this an easy chili recipe for beginners?
Yes, it’s simple and very forgiving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown beef first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Is this an award winning chili recipe?
Many people consider Milwaukee-style chili unique and memorable. The warm spices make it stand out.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
This Real Chili Milwaukee Recipe is simple but special. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t try too hard — it just delivers comfort in every bite.
If you love bold but balanced flavors, this chili recipe easy version will quickly become your favorite. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s so loved.
Happy cooking,
Mayank
The Calorie Curry
