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Cincinnati Chili Recipe is a meaty chili that is loaded with flavor and simple spices. Serve over spaghetti for a classic dish.
This Cincinnati chili is a delicious chili recipe that is an easy stovetop recipe. This is a twist on your classic chili but is quickly becoming a family favorite. The ingredients cooks easily in one large pot making this the perfect weeknight meal.
We have even made Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili for our game day parties.
Table of Contents
What is Cincinnati Chili?
This Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti made famous by a restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio called Skyline Chili. It is traditionally served over spaghetti noodles or hot dog coney. It is very meaty and seasoned with traditional chili spices plus a few not so traditional.
Serve this chili with your favorite toppings and sides but don’t forget the huge helping of cheese.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Tomato Sauce (8 ounces each)
- Tomato Paste
- Chili Powder
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Grated Unsweetened Chocolate
- Lean Ground Beef
- Chicken Broth
- Water
- Minced Garlic
- Ground Cinnamon
- Dried Oregano
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Ground Allspice
- Ground Cloves
- Bay Leaf
For Serving:
- Cooked Spaghetti
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Chopped Onions
- Red Kidney Beans
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Change Meat – Feel free to use different types of meat. You can use ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and turkey.
- Broth – Beef broth will also work in this recipe.
- Seasoning – Instead of adding in the grated chocolate you can substitute it with cocoa powder.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium high. Add in the onions and cook until soft (4-5 minutes).
Step 2 – Then stir in the chocolate, minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for about 30 seconds.
Step 3 – Then stir in the broth, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4 – Stir in the ground beef. Break it up and bring to a low boil. Then add in the bay
- Step 5 – Simmer on low for 1 hour until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6 – Stir in the salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Step 7 – Remove the bay leaf and serve over spaghetti with your desired toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Combining Ingredients – There is no need to cook the ground beef prior to adding to the other ingredients. Slowly add the beef to the mixture and allow everything to cook together. Simmer the chili for about hour to thicken. I like to stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks together.
Ways to Serve
Cincinnati Style Chili can be ordered different ways when ordering at the restaurant. There are many ways to serve it and these are the different ways.
Don’t forget the side of oyster crackers when serving Cincinnati Chili.
- 2-Way – Chili served over spaghetti
- 3-Way – Chili served over spaghetti topped with shredded cheese
- 4-Way – Chili served over spaghetti, diced yellow onions and cheese
- 5-Way – Chili served over spaghetti, red kidney beans, cheese and onions
This meat sauce chili can also be served the traditional way in a bowl or on a hot dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Yes, you can place your leftover chili in the freezer. Place in an airtight freezer container and it will last about 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
More Easy Chili Recipes
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Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 cans tomato sauce 8 ounces each
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce grated unsweetened chocolate
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoons Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- For Serving:
- Cooked Spaghetti
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Chopped Onions
- Red Kidney Beans
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium high. Add in the onions and cook until soft (4-5 minutes).
- Then stir in the chocolate, minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for about 30 seconds.
- Then stir in the broth, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the ground beef. Break it up and bring to a low boil. Then add in the bay
- Simmer on low for 1 hour until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve over spaghetti with your desired toppings. Enjoy!
