Manwich Cincinnatti Chili
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
I have a fun and easy Manwich Cincinnati Chili recipe to share today. I always love the weekend, but there is also something nice about Monday and getting back into the rhythm of a regular routine. Even so, Mondays can still feel pretty busy around here.
It is usually the day I run errands and restock the pantry after everything gets picked over during the weekend. It is also one of those weekdays filled with after-school activities. My daughter has dance, and before long, my son will be adding swim practice to the schedule, too. On days like that, having a simple dinner plan makes all the difference.
That is one reason I love the idea of Manwich Monday. It is such an easy way to start the week with a meal that is quick, hearty, and family-friendly. When dinner needs to come together fast, Manwich makes it easy to get a flavorful meal on the table without a lot of extra work.
One of the great things about Manwich is that it is a versatile sauce you can use in more than just sandwiches. It works well in pastas, casseroles, and other easy family dinners too. It also comes in three tasty varieties including Original, Bold, and Thick & Chunky. For this recipe, I used Manwich Thick & Chunky to create a simple version of Cincinnati chili. Since the sauce already has so much flavor, I do not need to add much else to make it taste delicious. It turned out great and was a hit with my whole family.
I also love that it is such an easy pantry ingredient to keep on hand for busy days. Recipes like this help bring everyone back to the table, even when the day has been full of distractions and activity. It is a simple way to make mealtime feel a little more manageable and a lot more enjoyable.
Manwich has that hearty, sweet-and-tangy flavor that makes family meals fun and satisfying. And because it is the kind of meal you really need both hands to eat, it just might be enough to pull the kids away from screens and get everyone to focus on dinner for a little while.
Ingredients for Manwich Cincinnati Chili
- GROUND BEEF
- MANWICH THICK & CHUNKY
- CHILI BEANS WITH MILD SAUCE
- SPAGHETTI
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
- ONION, OPTIONAL
Instructions for Manwich Cincinnati Chili
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is done, drain off any excess grease.
Next, stir in the Manwich sauce and the chili beans until everything is well combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend together and the sauce can heat through.
To serve, spoon the chili over cooked spaghetti and top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onion if desired. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this taste like traditional Cincinnati chili?
This is an easy shortcut version inspired by Cincinnati chili. It has similar sweet and savory flavors, but it is a quicker, simpler recipe made with Manwich.
Which Manwich variety works best for this recipe?
Manwich Thick & Chunky is a great choice because it has plenty of flavor and texture, which helps create a hearty sauce with very little extra effort.
What toppings go well with this recipe?
Shredded cheddar cheese is a great topping. You can also add chopped onions or oyster crackers if you want to make it more like traditional Cincinnati chili.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken can work in place of ground beef if you want a lighter option.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Let the chili cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It should freeze well for a later meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is usually mild, especially if you are using Manwich as the base. You can always add a little hot sauce or chili powder if you want more heat.
What can I serve with Manwich Cincinnati chili?
It is great with spaghetti, but you can also serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, or crackers on the side.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips and Tricks
- Drain the beef well. If there is excess grease after browning the meat, drain it off so the sauce stays rich and flavorful without becoming oily.
- Let it simmer if you have extra time. Even though this is a quick recipe, letting it simmer a little longer can help the flavors blend together even more.
- Serve it the classic way over spaghetti. That is one of the things that makes Cincinnati chili unique, and it turns this into a hearty and filling meal.
- Do not skip the cheese topping. A generous amount of shredded cheddar on top adds great flavor and makes it feel even more like classic Cincinnati chili.
- Set out extra toppings. Chopped onions and oyster crackers are great additions if you want everyone to customize their own.
- Make it ahead if needed. This recipe reheats well, which makes it a great option for busy nights or meal prep.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. Depending on your family’s preferences, you can always add a little more spice or sweetness to make it just right.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Manwich Cincinnatti Chili and a Giveaway
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can Manwich Thick & Chunky
- 16 oz can chili beans with mild sauce
- 1 lb. spaghetti cooked
- cheddar cheese shredded
- onion diced
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the Manwich and chili beans to the beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with cheddar cheese and diced cheese. Serves 6.
Nutrition
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
