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Real Chili Milwaukee Recipe

Real Chili Milwaukee Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American (Milwaukee-style)
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven For cooking chili
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring
  • 1 KnifeFor chopping
  • 1 Cutting board Prep work
  • 1 PotFor boiling spaghetti

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Beef
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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)
  1. If using beans, add them in the last 10 minutes.This keeps them from becoming too soft.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
  1. In a separate pot, boil spaghetti according to package instructions.Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Serve Milwaukee-Style
  1. Place spaghetti in a bowl. Spoon chili generously over it.Top with shredded cheese or chopped onions if you like.

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the chili simmer longer on low heat.
This chili tastes even better the next day.