Best 6 Authentic Skyline Cincinnati Chili Recipes

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Cincinnati chili, a local delicacy of Ohio, is a unique and flavorful dish that has garnered a devoted following. Unlike traditional chili, Cincinnati chili is a thin, meaty sauce served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and oyster crackers. Its distinct flavor profile comes from a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, along with the addition of chocolate and Worcestershire sauce. This article provides three variations of Cincinnati chili: a traditional stovetop method, a slow cooker version, and a vegetarian alternative. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips, ensuring a successful culinary experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're a chili aficionado or simply seeking a taste of Cincinnati's culinary heritage, these recipes offer an authentic and delicious exploration of this iconic dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CINCINNATI CHILI



Cincinnati Chili image

Cincinnati Chili is a classic Midwestern recipe! This chili is nothing like you have ever had before! Slow simmered meat sauce is served over spaghetti noodles.

Provided by Serene Herrera

Categories     Dinner     Main Course

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 cups water ((OR can do half water, half beef broth))
6 ounce tomato paste
2 pounds ground beef ((80/20))
½ cup onion (finely diced)
3 Tablespoon chili powder
2 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground all spice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ounce dark chocolate (OR unsweetened cocoa powder)
1 bayleaf
spaghetti noodles (cooked)
beans
onion (diced)
cheddar cheese (shredded)
oyster crackers

Steps:

  • In a large dutch oven combine the water and tomato paste. Whisk together to combine.
  • Crumble the meat with fingers and add to the liquid in the pot.
  • Add all remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Bring pot of chili to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and lower heat. Let simmer for 2-3 hours stirring occasionally. Skim grease from the top as needed.
  • Remove the chili from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Cover and store the chili in the refrigerator overnight.
  • After chili has cooled overnight, using a spoon, breakup the grease on the top of the chili and remove completely.
  • Bring the chili back to a low simmer over medium heat.
  • Serve the chili warm over spagehtti noodles or over a hot dog.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 352 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 21 g, Fat 25 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 81 mg, Sodium 924 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CINCINNATI SKYLINE CHILI



Cincinnati Skyline Chili image

I was served this dish at a friend's home when we lived in West Virginia. She was from Ohio. I love this dish and serve it often. Note: End result should have consistency of spaghetti sauce.

Provided by CLIFTONSX4

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Beef Chili Recipes

Time 1h50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound uncooked spaghetti
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup kidney beans
½ cup olives
¼ cup chopped onion

Steps:

  • Brown beef and onion in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place browned mixture in a large pot and stir in the tomato sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 1 1/2 hours.
  • When meat mixture has about 20 minutes cooking time left, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and set aside.
  • Serve meat mixture over cooked spaghetti topped with cheese, beans, olives and chopped onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579.3 calories, Carbohydrate 57.7 g, Cholesterol 82 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 34.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 668.5 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

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

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

CINCINNATI-STYLE CHILI



Cincinnati-Style Chili image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

16 ounces tomato sauce
12 ounces tomato paste
1 yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 bay leaves
2 pounds ground beef (I use chuck)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions and tossed in olive oil to prevent sticking
One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
1 white onion, diced
Two 8-ounce blocks Cheddar, grated
Hot sauce, optional
Oyster crackers, for serving

Steps:

  • For the chili: In a stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, onions, chili powder, cocoa powder, sugar, kosher salt, cinnamon, cumin, garlic salt, allspice, pepper, cayenne, cloves, bay leaves, beef (do not brown first) and 2 cups water. Mix until combined. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 2 hours. Stir in the vinegar and simmer for another 30 minutes.
  • To serve: Serve on a bed of spaghetti and top with the beans, onions and a mound of cheese (or any preferred combination). Add hot sauce, if desired, and eat with oyster crackers.

CINCINNATI SKYLINE CHILI



Cincinnati Skyline Chili image

This chili, usually served over spaghetti pasta, is quite different from the more common Southwest-style spice profile.

Provided by John Mitzewich

Categories     Dinner     Entree     Lunch

Time 11h50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1-quart water, more as needed
2 pounds ground beef
2 cups crushed tomato
2 yellow onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Add the water and beef to a 4-quart pot.
  • Bring to a simmer while stirring, until the ground beef is in very small pieces. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, vinegar, Worchestershire sauce, bay leaf, chili powder, cocoa powder, cayenne, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir well and simmer on low, uncovered, for 3 hours.
  • Stir occasionally to avoid ingredients sticking to the bottom or sides of the pot.
  • Add water as needed if the chili becomes too thick. Once the cooking time has passed, remove from heat and allow the chili to cool off, covered, to room temperature.
  • Keep covered and fefrigerate the chili overnight. The next day, remove the layer of fat that has formed on top before reheating and serving over pasta or hot dogs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 101 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 755 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 21 g, ServingSize 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 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

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!

Tips:

  • Use a variety of meats for a more flavorful chili: chuck roast, ground beef, and Italian sausage are all great options.
  • Don't skip the toasting step for the spices: this will help to bring out their flavor and aroma.
  • Use a good quality canned tomato product: diced tomatoes or tomato sauce are both good options.
  • Add a variety of beans to your chili for added texture and flavor: kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are all good choices.
  • Simmer your chili for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time: this will help to develop the flavors and make the chili more tender.
  • Serve your chili with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and oyster crackers are all classic options.

Conclusion:

Authentic Skyline Cincinnati Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, with or without beans, Skyline Cincinnati Chili is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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