• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beef

    Published: Sep 24, 2021 by Rachel

    Cincinnati Chili

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    299 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Ground Beef and tomatoes are simmered together with a unique blend of spices to create the iconic Cincinnati Chili recipe. Make it at home and serve in a bowl, over spaghetti, or warmed hotdogs. The coneys are the best and your kitchen will smell amazing!

    Hearty Cincinnati style chili in red bowls with mounds of shredded cheese next to mason jars of tomatoes.
    Contents show
    1 What Makes Cincinnati Chili different?
    2 Ingredients and Notes
    3 Step by Step Recipe (My Family Version)
    4 How to Serve
    5 Storage and Make Ahead
    6 FAQs
    7 Cincinnati Chili

    We all have special dishes we delight in because they mean home. I have been making this recipe for decades and spreading the joy with friends and family. I have a few hometowns because of moving as a child, but Cincinnati was my first and therefore as chili goes, Cincinnati Chili is the only chili.

    For those of you who haven’t been there, or don’t have a clue what I mean when I say Cincinnati chili… it is a joy to introduce you! First, the name is sort of a misnomer for those who haven’t had the pleasure, so suspend your pre-conceived notions for a moment. Because in Cincinnati, chili looks like this:

    Cincinnati Chili on top of spaghetti noodles on two plates.

    This chili recipe is mostly synonymous with a chain that serves it by the barrel full – Skyline Chili. Of course, when we moved, we didn’t have the luxury of a Skyline Restaurant. So, a long, long time ago, my mother and I set about figuring out the secret.

    With the help of some sleuthing, taste testing, and a 1980s article from the Cincinnati Inquirer, we put together a version that had all of the dark, smoky flavor we loved. Everyone should be able to enjoy this fabulous chili, no matter where you live!

    I always tell people who haven’t had the pleasure of this chili before, that they need to throw out their preconceived notions of what chili is. I find that when people expect one thing and don’t get it, it can ruin the experience of something new.

    What Makes Cincinnati Chili different?

    Cincinnati chili is like Texas chili’s very lost cousin. There is enough resemblance to maybe be in the same family, but far enough apart to note the striking difference.

    Compared to other chili styles, this chili has a very smoky, dark, and slightly sweet taste. It makes use of a unique combination of chocolate or cocoa, cinnamon, and cloves. There is definitely a subtle Mediterranean flavor to it, but don’t let that color your judgment before trying it.

    Traditionally served over spaghetti, you choose from a few toppings. It is THE BEST chili over hotdogs, period.

    Ingredients and Notes

    Here is an overview of the grocery list needed for the chili and notes on any substitutions or additions. for toppings.

    Ingredients for chili recipe with text labels.

    For the Chili

    Tomato Sauce or Whole Canned Tomatoes – I prefer whole canned tomatoes for a slightly chunkier or more textured chili, but I have seen other variations use tomato sauce.

    Ground Beef – The ground beef is broken up very fine for this chili. If you want to get it evenly small, I recommend popping it into a food processor for a few seconds after the meat is browned. You can use ground turkey or other ground meats if you desire.

    Spices – The spices are what gives this chili it’s distinctive flavor. I wouldn’t substitute any of them. However, you can skip the cayenne if desired although it doesn’t provide much heat.

    Unsweetened Cocoa – This is one of the secret ingredients that surprises people. If you don’t have cocoa, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate. I wouldn’t use a chocolate bar as that may be too sweet.

    Toppings / Additions

    Spaghetti – People outside of Ohio think it odd that we serve our Chili over spaghetti noodles, but it is our distinction.

    Cheddar Cheese – shredded mild or sharp cheddar is perfect.

    Yellow Onions – These are traditionally diced and served on top of the chili. I do give instructions for my version which includes cooking the onions in the pot.

    Dark Red Kidney Beans – These are a must for me, personally. The dark red ones are the best, however I have made it with plain red beans in a pinch.

    Oyster Crackers – My personal favorite for topping a yummy bowl or pile of spaghetti.

    Step by Step Recipe (My Family Version)

    The more widely known skyline-style recipe is included in the recipe card below. I have done this in order to stave off any comments that my recipe is not authentic. However, my mother and I have been making this chili for MANY DECADES and, like many family recipes, have made changes over the years.

    I have included these changes in the notes of the recipe card as well.

    Steps to make chili including browning beef, adding ingredients to pot, and simmering to develop the flavors.

    Step One: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onions. Cut into small pieces as you cook. This chili is traditionally ground up rather fine. At home, I tend to break up the beef by hand in the pan so it is heartier than what you would find at a chain. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. (Photo 1)

    Step 2: Add water and bring to a simmer.

    Step 3: I crush the whole tomatoes up slightly but they will continue to break up as it cooks. The tomatoes and liquid go into the pot. I add all of the rest of the ingredients as well. Simmer on low, uncovered, for 2 hours (Photo 2)

    Step 4: I add one (1) 14.5oz can of dark red kidney beans and the liquid into the pot. If there is any change I most recommend, this is it. It makes a noticeable difference to the chili and tastes amazing. Cook for about 15 minutes more or until the kidney beans are warmed up. (Photo 3)

    Can also be made in the slow cooker if you brown the meat first. The long cooking time helps the chili to develop the flavors.

    Hearty and comforting Cincinnati style chili with freshly grated cheddar in red bowl on burlap placemat with spoon

    How to Serve

    • 3-Way. Serve chili over spaghetti noodles and top with mounded shredded cheddar cheese.
    • 4-Way. A 3-way plus diced yellow onions.
    • 5-Way. A 3-way plus diced yellow onions and dark red kidney beans.
    • In a bowl. Add oyster crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, and onions or additional dark red kidney beans.
    • Coneys. MY FAVORITE! Serve a warm hot dog in a bun smothered with chili. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and/or dark red kidney beans if desired.
    • A burrito. Rolled soft tortilla filled with chili, tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

    Storage and Make Ahead

    Store: Leftovers are amazing! Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. You can store topped over spaghetti or separate. The recipe is good for 4-5 days. I personally skim off the layer of solidified orange grease before reheating.

    Reheat: You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave by transferring to a microwave safe bowl and microwaving for 60 seconds. Continue to microwave at 30 second intervals until heated through. Add toppings as desired.

    Freeze: This is a wonderful freezer meal. Freeze in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Lasts 4-6 months if well sealed. When you are ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stove over medium heat until piping hot.

    Looking for More Home Cooked Meals? Check these out:

    • Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Chicken Cacciatore
    • Creamy Chicken Marsala Bake
    • Baked Teriyaki Salmon

    FAQs

    What makes Cincinnati chili different?

    Cincinnati chili has a very unique blend of spices that include cocoa, cinnamon, and clove. It is not as chunky as Texas chili, but more like a meat sauce. Another difference is that it is commonly used as a topping for spaghetti noodles and Coney hotdogs.

    Is Cincinnati chili the same as skyline?

    Skyline is one of a few chains that is synonymous with the famed Cincinnati chili recipe, and probably the longest running one. However, it did not originate with them and has been changed slightly from the original version.

    Where did Cincinnati Chili originate?

    Cincinnati Chili was born at a Greek restaurant called the Empress by two Macedonian brothers, Tom and John Kiradjieff. The “chili” was served over spaghetti, and orders were taken so that customers could personalized their chili with a “way system”. Legend has it that this recipe was heavily guarded, but later modified by former employees of The Empress to create the Cincinnati Style Chili chains we see today.

    Why is there no allspice in this recipe?

    A few recipes around the internet have allspice listed in their ingredients. Allspice has a flavor similar to a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Since those ingredients are already in the spice mixture, I don’t find that the allspice really adds anything.

    Cookbook cover of Chicken and Rice casserole. The cookbook is titled Weeknight Supper Solutions

    Not Sure
    What's For Dinner?

    Signup for recipe updates and get a free cookbook of Easy Weeknight Supper Solutions!

    More Delicious Homemade Favorites

    Two Bowls of white chicken chili on white background. Chili is garnished with tortilla strips, jalapeno, avocado, and cilantro.
    White Chicken Chili
    Blackened Chicken Recipe- Cajun spices mix together with a special cooking technique for blackening to make a chicken breast that is bold and juicy.
    Spicy Blackened Chicken
    Parmesan crusted pork chops stacked and cut open with a fork on top.
    Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
    Closeup of grilled chicken thighs with grill marks on them.
    Amazing Grilled Chicken Marinade
    Cincinnati Chili on top of spaghetti noodles on two plates.

    Cincinnati Chili

    Ground Beef and tomatoes are simmered together with a unique blend of spices to create the iconic Cincinnati Chili recipe.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours
    Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 288kcal
    Author: Rachel

    Ingredients

    Chili

    • 2 lbs Ground Beef
    • 2 cups Water
    • 28 oz Canned Whole Tomatoes broken up slightly (they will break up more during cooking)
    • 4 cloves Garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ cup Chili Powder
    • 2 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
    • 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
    • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Optional
    • 1 teaspoon Salt

    5 Way Toppings

    • Spaghetti Noodles cooked
    • 1 can Dark kidney beans
    • 1 cup Yellow Onion diced
    • 6 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
    • oyster Crackers

    Instructions

    • In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Cut into small pieces as you cook. Drain.
    • Add water and bring to a simmer.
    • Add the rest of the ingredients. Taste test Simmer on low, uncovered, for 1-1.5 hours. Add water if the chili becomes too thick.
    • Serve over spaghetti noodles piled high with cheddar cheese or over hotdogs. Additional serving ideas and "ways" are included in the notes below.

    Notes

    My family recipe variation: I add 1 cup of diced yellow onions with the ground beef and cook until translucent and the beef is browned. I also add1 14.5oz can of dark red kidney beans and the liquid into the pot about 15-30 minutes before it is finished cooking. 
    How To Serve
    • 3-Way. Serve chili over spaghetti noodles and top with mounded shredded cheddar cheese.
    • 4-Way. A 3-way plus diced yellow onions.
    • 5-Way. A 3-way plus diced yellow onions and dark red kidney beans.
    • In a bowl. Add oyster crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, and onions or additional dark red kidney beans.
    • Coneys. MY FAVORITE! Serve a warm hot dog in a bun smothered with chili. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and/or dark red kidney beans if desired.
    • A burrito. Rolled soft tortilla filled with chili, tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.4g | Protein: 38.4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2.9g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 6.3g | Sugar: 8.6g | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 24.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
    « How to Paint a Refrigerator
    Chicken Tortilla Soup (Crock Pot) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Roxanne says

      January 14, 2018 at 8:08 pm

      5 stars
      Yum!!

      Reply
    2. HJ says

      September 07, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      We lived in Cincinnati for four years in the 80’s and we loved Skyline Chili. Thanks for the recipe and the memories. Enjoy your day!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity