Cincinnati Chili (Skyline Chili Copycat) Recipe
A savory and aromatic Cincinnati Chili recipe inspired by the famous Skyline Chili, featuring a unique blend of spices and slow-simmered lean ground beef. This flavorful chili is perfect served over spaghetti, hot dogs, or in a bowl with classic toppings like grated cheddar cheese, onions, and kidney beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Overnight (approx. 2 hours cooking + chilling time overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Cincinnati)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups water
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 Tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
- Grated cheddar cheese (must-have)
- Chopped onions (optional)
- Kidney beans (optional)
- Oyster crackers (optional)
- Hot chili sauce (optional)
- Spaghetti noodles (for serving)
- Hot dogs (for chili dogs)
- Traditional Greek salad (optional side)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, whisk together 4 cups of water and a 6-ounce can of tomato paste over medium-high heat until smooth and combined.
- Add ground beef: Break apart and crumble 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef into the tomato mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine raw beef with the base.
- Add seasonings: Incorporate diced onion, salt, black pepper, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, allspice, cloves, minced garlic, bay leaf, and sugar or brown sugar. Stir well to integrate all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld flavors.
- Cool and refrigerate: After 2 hours, remove the chili from heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the covered pot to the refrigerator and chill overnight to develop deeper flavors.
- Final preparation before serving: The next day, skim any grease that has risen to the top. Warm the chili on the stove before serving hot with your choice of toppings and side dishes.
Notes
- Simmering the chili for 2 hours and chilling overnight helps the spices meld for a richer flavor.
- Skimming grease before serving reduces fat content and improves texture.
- Grated cheddar cheese is essential for authentic Cincinnati chili taste.
- Optional toppings like kidney beans, chopped onions, and oyster crackers provide traditional serving variations.
- Serve over spaghetti noodles or as a chili dog topping for classic Cincinnati meals.
Keywords: Cincinnati chili, Skyline chili copycat, ground beef chili, slow simmer chili, Midwestern chili recipe, chili with spices, chili over spaghetti
