Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Years and years ago my sweet friend, Barb, introduced me to Cincinnati Chili. I remember it like it was yesterday!
We used to be able to buy a seasoning packet at the grocery store that you just added the water, tomato paste and ground beef. But when I moved away from NC, I couldn’t find them anywhere here!
I decided to stop bothering her and try making it myself. I am so happy to say that, after much trial and error, I have mastered it!
You just have to try it if you never have. It has such a unique flavor. And the smell that fills your house while cooking is divine. Every time I make it, they come through the door with an “AHHHH, I know what we are having for dinner smile”.
Ingredients for Cincinnati Chili
The complete list of ingredients with amounts are listed in the full recipe card below.
6 ounces tomato paste, 1 small can
.5 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, ½ a square
¼ cup chili powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
5 cups of water
1 ¼ pound lean ground beef
How to Make Cincinnati Chili
1. Add the 5 cups of water in a large cooking pot.
2. Add the tomato paste and chocolate and heat of medium heat stirring to mix about 3 minutes. (I press the tomato paste with a fork)
3. Add the all other ingredients
4. Next, crumble the raw ground beef into the pot. I break it into small pieces and then stir to break it up more. Then I press it against the sides of the pot to continue to crumble it. It will become very fine which is what you want.
5. Turn heat up to bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, turn the heat down to med-low, so it is at a slow boil.
7. Cook uncovered for 1 to 1 ½ hours stirring occasionally. You will want it to thicken substantially. I have coked it for up to 2 hours.
8. Serve over Thin spaghetti.
Optional toppings for traditional Cincinnati Chili
2-way: chili and spaghetti
3 -way: chili, spaghetti, and cheese
4-way: chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions
5-way: chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans
Diane
Have been looking for a good skyline chili type recipe for years! Can’t wait to try this. Perfect fall/winter meal. Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to try this!
Jimmy
Made it last night and it was so GOOD !!! Great recipe Sherri.
Kallie
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Kallie
Isn’t it missing salt?? Anyways I am making this right now and the house smells amazing!!
Sherri
I just chose to leave salt out for ours. 🙂
Kallie
It was great, I just added it to taste! My husband had ever had Cincinnati chili over spaghetti and he LOVED it. It is SPOT ON to Skyline. Thank you!!!
Melody Moore
I grew up eating this. My mom actually worked at Skyline Chili. She made this all the time! We all loved it! This recipe is pretty darn close to hers! Good job 😉
Melody Moore
I grew up eating this. My mom actually worked at Skyline Chili. She made this all the time! We all loved it! This recipe is pretty darn close to hers! Good job 😉
Amanda
I have this simmering right now and ohhhh wow does it smell good!!! I’ve lived in Cincinnati my whole life and am a Cincinnati chili lover… so happy to be making it at home, and with no packets or expensive cans!
Sherri
I am SO glad! I absolutely love it too Amanda!
Nikki
I had to comment, this was AMAZING!!! We always bought the packets but definitely making this from now on. My 9 year old made it by herself!
Sherri
I am so happy to hear you all loved it!! No more packets for us for a while now 🙂 Yay!
Carole from Carole's Chatter
Oooh, forgot to ask you to let me know after you’ve checked it out whether you would like a reminder email each week.
Carole from Carole's Chatter
Sherri, love your chili. I hope you’ll bring it over to Food on Friday: Chillies over at Carole’s Chatter. Found you via Miz Helen! Cheers
Kelli Miller
OMG, Sherri! That looks fabulous – I love chili over rice with cheese, but never tried it over spaghetti noodles!
Holly Homer
Yum! I think dinner has been solved.