Easy Cincinnati Chili Skyline-Style: A Cozy Homemade Recipe

Chili enthusiasts spark joy with this Cincinnati chili skyline-style spiced meat chili recipe that delivers pure comfort in every bite.

The Motor City’s beloved culinary treasure blends unexpected flavors into a rich, hearty dish.

Warm spices dance through ground beef, creating layers of complex taste sensations.

Cinnamon and cocoa peek through the robust sauce, giving this chili a distinctive character.

Served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar, this recipe transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Regional pride shines through each carefully crafted spoonful.

Savor the unique blend of Mediterranean and Midwestern influences that make this chili a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Keep Chili Fresh and Tasty

• Store Cincinnati chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods and maintain its unique taste.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Move frozen chili to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even thawing. Never leave at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Heat until thoroughly hot, reaching 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• What makes Cincinnati chili different from traditional chili?

Cincinnati chili is uniquely spiced with Mediterranean-inspired flavors like cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate, creating a distinct sweet-savory profile that sets it apart from other chili styles.

• Is Cincinnati chili always served with spaghetti?

Yes, traditionally Cincinnati chili is served over spaghetti in a classic “way” system where locals order by the number of “ways” – like 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (adds onions), or 5-way (adds beans).

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version. Just ensure the meat is finely ground to maintain the authentic Cincinnati chili texture.

Cincinnati Chili Skyline-Style: Classic Midwest Favorite

• Cincinnati chili delivers a surprising blend of spices that sets it apart from traditional chili, offering a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
• This recipe requires minimal prep work and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Perfectly adaptable to multiple serving styles – whether over spaghetti, on hot dogs, or as a standalone dish, it provides endless meal possibilities.
• The overnight refrigeration method allows flavors to deepen and develop, creating a richer taste while simplifying meal preparation for busy households.

Ingredients for Authentic Skyline-Style Chili

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat base that provides the hearty foundation for Cincinnati chili.
• Water: The essential liquid that helps create the signature thin and saucy texture of Cincinnati-style chili.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that adds deep, robust tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves: A complex blend of warm spices that gives Cincinnati chili its unique and distinctive flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chili.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Ingredients that add depth and tangy complexity to the chili's flavor.

Kitchen Gear for Cincinnati Chili Success

• Large Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow simmering and even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending tomato paste and water into a silky base.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during long cooking process.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately portion ingredients for consistent flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for any preliminary ingredient preparation needed.
• Colander or Fine-Mesh Strainer: Optional for skimming excess grease from the chili's surface.

Cooking Spiced Meat Chili the Skyline Way

Step 1: Craft The Flavor Base

Grab your trusty Dutch oven and create a delicious foundation by whisking water and tomato paste until smooth.

This simple step builds the rich, deep flavor profile that makes Cincinnati chili legendary.

Step 2: Introduce The Protein

Gently crumble the ground meat with your fingers, letting it fall naturally into the pot.

Break up any large chunks to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture throughout the chili.

Step 3: Spice Up Your Creation

Sprinkle in your carefully selected seasonings.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Allspice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the spices to dance and mingle with the meat and base.

Step 4: Slow And Steady Simmering

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let the chili bubble softly.

Stir occasionally and skim away any excess grease that rises to the top.

This slow cooking process will develop deep, complex flavors for about 2-3 hours.

Step 5: Chill And Rest

Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and let the chili cool to room temperature.

Cover and tuck into the refrigerator overnight.

This resting period allows flavors to intensify and meld together.

Step 6: Reheat And Serve With Flair

The next day, remove any solidified fat from the top.

Gently reheat over medium heat.

Serve your Cincinnati-style chili traditionally over spaghetti or as a delicious hot dog topping.

Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions for the full Skyline experience.

Tips for Robust, Flavorful Chili Every Time

• Crumble ground beef finely with fingers for a smooth, consistent chili texture that blends perfectly with the sauce.
• Regularly remove excess grease during simmering to keep the chili light and prevent oily residue.
• Refrigerating the chili overnight allows flavors to deepen and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Customize heat levels by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit personal preference.
• Enjoy over spaghetti, hot dogs, or as a standalone dish to experience traditional Cincinnati-style chili variations.

Variations on Classic Cincinnati Chili

• Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the classic spice profile.
• Turkey Cincinnati Chili: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey to create a lighter, lower-fat alternative while preserving the traditional Cincinnati flavor.
• Gluten-Free Cincinnati Chili: Use gluten-free tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce and serve over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for celiac-friendly option.
• Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop with minimal hands-on preparation time.

Serving Up Skyline Chili with Traditional Toppings

• Noodle Nest Delight: Ladle the warm Cincinnati chili over a bed of cooked spaghetti noodles, creating a classic Cincinnati-style serving that allows the rich, spiced meat sauce to cascade through the pasta.
• Chili Dog Extravaganza: Top a hot dog with this flavorful chili, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and add a handful of finely chopped onions for a hearty and satisfying street food experience.
• Comfort Bowl Bliss: Serve the chili in deep bowls, garnish with oyster crackers, additional shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creamy texture and add extra layers of flavor.
• Game Day Champion: Present the chili in individual small bowls or cups with toothpicks for easy party snacking, perfect for sports gatherings.

Cincinnati Chili Skyline-Style Spiced Meat Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Skyline-style Cincinnati chili brings Midwestern comfort to your table with its unique spice blend. Cincinnati’s beloved dish offers a hearty, flavorful experience perfect for chili enthusiasts craving authentic regional cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 bay leaf

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Liquids and Other Ingredients:

• 4 cups water (or half water, half beef broth)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 ounce dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, blend water and tomato paste into a smooth, uniform mixture using a whisk until fully incorporated.
2. Gently crumble the ground meat into small, even pieces directly into the liquid base, ensuring no large clumps remain.
3. Incorporate all seasonings and spices into the meat and liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly and create a cohesive blend.
4. Position the pot on medium heat and gradually bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow the chili to develop its rich flavors for 2-3 hours, intermittently stirring and removing excess fat from the surface.
5. After cooking, transfer the chili from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. Seal the container and refrigerate overnight to enhance the depth of flavors.
6. The following day, carefully remove the solidified grease layer from the top of the chili. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and reaching a consistent temperature.
7. Serve the aromatic Cincinnati-style chili traditionally over al dente spaghetti noodles or as a savory topping for hot dogs, creating a classic regional culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content for richer taste and smoother texture.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chili powder quantities to match personal heat preference.
• Allow overnight refrigeration to deepen complex flavor profiles and help fat separation, creating a more concentrated chili base.
• Consider gluten-free adaptation by using gluten-free spaghetti or serving over roasted vegetables for low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg