SPAGHETTI SQUASH CINCINNATI CHILI

Spaghetti Squash Cincinnati Chili image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground beef chuck
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Oyster crackers and shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Halve and seed the spaghetti squash; roast, then scrape into strands (see Cook's Note).
Meanwhile, put half of the onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water; set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the beef, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 7 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups water to the beef mixture. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chili is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes; season with salt and black pepper.
Drain the reserved onion; pat dry. Top each serving of chili with the spaghetti squash, kidney beans, onion, oyster crackers and cheese.