Best 3 Authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipes

Cincinnati chili, a local delicacy of Ohio, stands out with its unique flavor profile and intriguing history. Originating in the 19th century from Greek immigrants and perfected by Macedonian immigrants, this dish has become a beloved culinary icon. The heart of Cincinnati chili lies in its savory blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, allspice, and cinnamon, which imparts a distinctive aroma and taste. This hearty dish is typically served over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and optionally, oyster crackers. Multiple recipes exist, each offering variations on the classic, from vegetarian alternatives to a three-way chili featuring spaghetti, chili, and cheese to a four-way or five-way chili adding beans and/or onions. Delve into the authentic flavors of Cincinnati chili with our carefully curated collection of recipes, exploring the intricacies of this beloved dish that has captivated taste buds for generations.

Let's cook with our recipes!

AUTHENTIC CINCINNATI CHILI

Authentic Cincinnati Chili image

This was handed down to me by Mom, a Cincinnati native. Skimming the fat makes this a healthier version than most, and gives it the right consistency. I like mine 4-way, with spaghetti, raw chopped onions, grated mild cheddar, and oyster crackers!

Provided by Melissa Hamilton

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Chili Recipes Chili Without Beans Recipes

Time 11h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 quart water, or amount to cover
2 onions, finely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
¼ cup chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
5 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf

Steps:

Place the ground beef in a large pan, cover with about 1 quart of cold water, and bring to a boil, stirring and breaking up the beef with a fork to a fine texture. Slowly boil until the meat is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes, then remove from heat and refrigerate in the pan overnight.
The next day, skim the solid fat from the top of the pan, and discard the fat. Place the beef mixture over medium heat, and stir in the onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chocolate, chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours. Add water if necessary to prevent the chili from burning.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 673.7 mg, Sugar 4 g

AUTHENTIC CINCINNATI CHILI

Authentic Cincinnati Chili image

I feel like this is pretty close to the real thing. Tastes more like Dixie Chili than Skyline or Goldstar, but if you live in an area that you can't get to a chili parlor, this will fix your craving!

Provided by lyzzibear

Categories < 4 Hours

Time 3h55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 quart water
2 lbs ground chuck
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 large sweet onions, chopped fine
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, chopped

Steps:

Crumble raw meat into cold water in medium stock pot. DO NOT brown meat.
Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Lower heat and simmer for 3-4 hours.
Serve over spaghetti with cheddar cheese and onions, on hotdogs with mustard, cheddar cheese and onions, or in a bowl with cheddar cheese, onions and oyster crackers. I put a little hotsauce on mine!

ALMOST AUTHENTIC CINCINNATI CHILI

Almost Authentic Cincinnati Chili image

9 @ from Cincinnati and suffers pangs of withdrawal. His favorite is Skyline (personally when I've visited I preferred Goldstar, but that's heresy so don't tell Nick). I've played around with the recipe--it's still not quite perfected, but this is a version we enjoy. The best thing is that it is open to interpretation. Best served over pasta and topped with shredded cheese.

Provided by Katie Kleinhaus

Categories Meat

Time 3h30m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 quart water
2 lbs ground beef
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 garlic cloves (diced)
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper
1 tablespoon salt
3 teaspoons ground allspice
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
4 large bay leaves

Steps:

Crumble raw (do not brown first) ground beef into the quart of water.
Add all of the other ingredients.
Simmer uncovered for 1/2 hour.
Simmer for another 2 and 1/2 hours covered.
Stir occasionally.

Tips:

To achieve the authentic Cincinnati chili flavor, use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal.
Use a variety of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and oregano, to create a rich and flavorful chili.
Simmer the chili for several hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Serve the chili over spaghetti noodles with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions.
Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to the chili for a creamy and tangy flavor.

Conclusion:

Cincinnati chili is a unique and delicious dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender meat, and variety of toppings, it's no wonder that this chili has become a beloved staple of Cincinnati cuisine. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to try a bowl of authentic Cincinnati chili the next time you're in town.