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
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
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, blend water and tomato paste into a smooth, uniform mixture using a whisk until fully incorporated.
- Gently crumble the ground meat into small, even pieces directly into the liquid base, ensuring no large clumps remain.
- Incorporate all seasonings and spices into the meat and liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly and create a cohesive blend.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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