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Authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Reviewers say this authentic Cincinnati chili recipe tastes just like what you get at Skyline but its easy enough to make in the comfort of your own kitchen!
What Is Cincinnati Chili? Cincinnati chili (or Cincinnati-style chili) is a meat sauce with Mediterranean-inspired flavors thats traditionally used to top spaghetti or hot dogs. Its similar to chili con carne, but its different in flavor and texture. Its also used primarily as a topping, while chili con carne is usually served in a bowl.
Cincinnati Chili Ingredients
- Beef: This Cincinnati chili recipe starts with two pounds of lean ground beef.
- Water: Boil the meat in about a quart of water.
- Onion and garlic: Finely chopped onions and garlic lend bold flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce is the perfect rich base.
- Vinegar: Two tablespoons of vinegar bring welcome brightness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce takes the flavor up a notch.
- Chocolate: Unsweetened chocolate is the secret ingredient that adds rich flavor.
- Seasonings: Season the Cincinnati chili with chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and a bay leaf.
How to Make Cincinnati Chili
Follow these simple steps to make this Cincinnati chili:
- Step 1: In a large pan, place the ground beef and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, stirring and breaking up the beef with a fork to a fine texture. Boil until the meat is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onions, tomato sauce, vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and unsweetened chocolate. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Stir in the chili powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until everything is well mixed.
- Step 4: Add the whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and bay leaf to the mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3 hours.
- Step 5: If necessary, add more water during the cooking process to prevent the chili from burning. Stir regularly to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
Recipe Tip
Overnight option: After boiling the meat, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Refrigerate the beef in the pan overnight. The next day, skim off the solid fat from the top and discard it. This step helps to make the chili leaner and gives it the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is often ordered by the "way" system, where the number before the "way" indicates the toppings:
- 2-Way: Chili + spaghetti
- 3-Way: Chili + spaghetti + shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4-Way: Chili + spaghetti + diced onions + shredded Cheddar cheese
- 5-Way: Chili + spaghetti + red kidney beans + diced onions + shredded Cheddar cheese
How to Store Cincinnati Chili
Store this Cincinnati chili in an airtight in the fridge for up to seven days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Cincinnati Chili?
Yes, you can freeze Cincinnati chili for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
This recipe is fantastic, says betelach. It's earthy, spicy, and savory all at the same time. I only made one change and that was to use homemade beef stock instead of water.
Tastes like the Skyline chili I grew up with, says Be Loeb. I highly recommend that after cooking, you let the finished chili sit in the fridge for at least a day.
I admittedly have not had the authentic Skyline Chili in Cincinnati, but I made this tonight and it was delicious, shares Amy Louise. I think this will also be a great meat sauce to add to chili fries, nachos, etc.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 251 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Sodium | 723mg |
| Cholesterol | 81mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Iron | 4mg |
Note: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cincinnati chili is a unique and beloved dish from the Midwestern United States. It is different from the typical chili con carne, blending Mediterranean-inspired spices with a hearty beef base, resulting in a distinctively rich, flavorful sauce that is traditionally served over spaghetti. This dish has become an iconic comfort food in Cincinnati, where it is served in a variety of ways at local chili parlors, with the most famous being Skyline Chili. Here's a look at its origins and how it stands out from other chili recipes.
History of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili was created in the 1920s by Macedonian immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, who opened the first Skyline Chili restaurant in Cincinnati. Drawing from his Mediterranean heritage, Lambrinides crafted a recipe that included unique spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate. This innovation helped distinguish Cincinnati chili from other American chili styles, which typically focus on chili powder and beans. Over time, this dish gained popularity and became a staple in the Cincinnati food scene. Today, Skyline Chili and other local establishments continue to serve it, with the recipe remaining a closely guarded secret.
Regional Characteristics
Cincinnati chili differs from other regional chilis due to its thinner, more flavorful sauce and its signature use of Mediterranean spices. Unlike Texas chili, which emphasizes meat and chili peppers, Cincinnati chili incorporates a combination of sweet and savory flavors, with ingredients like cocoa, cinnamon, and cumin. Its traditional use as a topping for spaghetti is also a hallmark, unlike most chili dishes that are served as a standalone stew. The chili is served using a "way" system, where the number indicates the toppings: 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way, adding cheese, onions, and beans depending on the choice.
What Sets Cincinnati Chili Apart
While Cincinnati chili shares some similarities with other chili recipes, it stands apart primarily in its preparation and serving style. Most chili recipes involve browning the meat first, but Cincinnati chili calls for the beef to be boiled, which results in a much finer texture and less grease. Additionally, the inclusion of chocolate, cinnamon, and other spices gives Cincinnati chili its signature, mildly sweet and complex flavor. Its also typically served over spaghetti, a unique presentation compared to chili served in a bowl.
Where Its Served
Cincinnati chili is a popular dish served in various forms throughout Cincinnati and beyond. The city's chili parlors, particularly the iconic Skyline Chili, serve the dish in an array of "ways," allowing customers to customize their experience with toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, and beans. This dish is also often enjoyed at home, especially during cold weather or gatherings, and can be found on menus in other parts of the U.S. that embrace regional American foods. Many Cincinnati natives take great pride in their hometown chili and enjoy sharing this recipe with those unfamiliar with it.
Interesting Facts
- Cincinnati chili is commonly served with spaghetti, hot dogs, or even as a topping for French fries.
- The dish's signature use of chocolate and cinnamon gives it a unique, aromatic flavor that sets it apart from traditional chili recipes.
- Cincinnati chili is often enjoyed by locals as a late-night snack, with many chili parlors remaining open into the early hours of the morning.
- The Way system for ordering Cincinnati chili (2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way) is unique to the region and adds a fun, personalized element to the meal.
- Skyline Chili, one of the most famous Cincinnati chili chains, was founded in 1949 and has since become a beloved local institution.
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FAQ about Authentic Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Comments
Benjamin Evans
11/29/2023 11:57:43 AM
I absolutely adore this dish! I've already prepared it twice. For my version, I added 1/2 tsp of ground cloves, 1/2 tsp of allspice, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. I cooked the ground beef in the morning, refrigerated it for about 4 hours, and then skimmed off the excess grease. While I appreciate the idea of removing the grease, I believe leaving a bit enhances flavor and helps the spaghetti hold better. The aroma while it cooks fills the house wonderfully. I suggest not adding onions during the cooking process; they are best served raw on top.
Andrew Lopez
10/11/2022 08:31:15 PM
Attended college in Cincinnati and survived on this food for a decade. This is the most authentic version I've ever tasted.
Nancy Roberts
05/04/2023 05:50:28 AM
Its simple design is what elevates its quality.
Carolyn Diaz
10/15/2024 04:01:53 AM
I customized the recipe to my liking by increasing the amount of chocolate and including a teaspoon of espresso powder. Absolutely delicious!
audio version
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