Cincinnati Chili: A Copycat Recipe For Hot Dogs, Spaghetti, & More! (2024)

Cincinnati chili is a regional delicacy in the Midwest that you have to try because it is so uniquely flavorful! This copycat recipe is just like the version they make at Gold Star and Skyline restaurants and makes a wonderful hot dog chili! Or, you can do like the locals do and serve it over spaghetti!

Easy Homemade Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati chili is not your regular chili; it's a beloved dish that is held near and dear to those from the Midwest. It features a wonderfully warm blend of spices and even a little chocolate!

The texture and consistency is more of a sauce than a stew, so it is best served over spaghetti, hot dogs, or anything that could use a meaty topping. Whether you're trying this type of chili for the first time or looking to satisfy your Skyline chili cravings, I have the perfect copycat recipe for you!

🌎 Origin

Cincinnati chili, originating in Cincinnati, Ohio, was initially crafted by Tom Kiradjieff in 1922. Tom and his brother John developed a signature chili recipe to accompany hot dogs called "coneys."

This creation was served at their hot dog stand called the "Empress," which is widely recognized as Cincinnati's first chili parlor. The brothers were immigrants from Macedonia, so they blended Mediterranean spices with classic American ingredients.

Instead of being a thick stew-like chili con carne, this chili took the form of a thin meat sauce. This wonderfully spiced meat sauce was served over hot dogs or spaghetti and could be customized in various "ways".

Two-way with chili and spaghetti, three-way includes cheese, four-way added onions or beans, and five-way has everything on it. Oyster crackers optional.

Skyline Chili Origin

Skyline Chili was founded by Nicholas Lambrinides in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1949. He played an important role in popularizing Cincinnati chili and contributing to its unique serving style.

Nicholas developed his own version of the sauce-like chili, which became the signature dish at all Skyline Chili restaurants.

While Skyline Chili's recipe remains a closely guarded secret, Nicholas certainly drew inspiration from the original Cincinnati chili created by the Kiradjieff brothers.

🥘 Cincinnati Chili Ingredients

These are not your typical chili seasonings. It may sound weird to have warm spices and chocolate in chili, but the combination creates the signature flavor that made this dish famous!

• Water - 2cups ofwater, plus more as needed.
• Ground Beef - 1 ¼pound oflean ground beef. You don't drain the beef in this recipe, so I recommend using 85/15 ground beef so that it isn't too greasy.
• Onion - 1largewhite or yellow diced onion. Don't forget to reserve some for serving!
• Tomato Sauce - 8ounces of tomato sauce or atomato sauce substitute.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - 1tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or anapple cider vinegar substitute.
• Garlic - 2teaspoons of mincedgarlic(about 2 cloves).
• Chili Powder - 2tablespoons of chili powder or achili powder substitute.
• Seasoning - ½teaspoon each ofground cinnamon, ground cumin, salt, and granulated sugar. ¼ teaspoon each of ground allspice, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper, plus ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper.
• Baking Chocolate - ½an ounce ofunsweetened baking chocolate(about ¼ of a square of chocolate).
• Bay Leaf - 1wholebay leaf, removed before serving. You could also use a bay leaf substitute.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Cincinnati Chilli

There may be a lot of ingredients, but everything is cooked in one pot! You'll need your measuring utensils, a knife and cutting board, a stockpot, and a silicone spatula to get started.

This makes 6 hearty servings of chili, especially when served on spaghetti!

1. Break up the beef. Add the2 cups (473 milliliters) of waterand1 ¼ pounds (567 grams) of lean ground beefto a large pot. Break up the beef as much as possible and bring it to a boil.
2. Boil. Slowly boil until the meat is cooked through and tender(about 30 minutes),breaking it up into a fine texture as it cooks. Skim any fat off the top and discard.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Add1 large diced white onion (150 grams),8 ounces (227 grams) of tomato sauce,1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of apple cider vinegar,2 teaspoons (6 grams) of minced garlic,2 tablespoons (16 grams) of chili powder,½ teaspoon (1 gram) of ground cinnamon,½ teaspoon (1 gram) of ground cumin,½ teaspoon (3 grams) of salt,½ teaspoon (2 grams) of sugar,¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) of ground allspice,¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) of ground cloves,⅛ teaspoon (0.25 grams) of ground black pepper,½ ounce (14 grams) unsweetened baking chocolate, and1 whole bay leaf (0.1 grams). Stir to combine.
4. Simmer on low. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Enjoy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. There is an official 'guide' for how Skyline Chili serves its Cincinnati chili: 2-way is just spaghetti topped with chili. 3-way is spaghetti and chili topped with cheddar cheese. 4-way is spaghetti, chili, cheese, and beans OR onions. Lastly, 5-way (also known as 'the works') is spaghetti, chili, cheese, beans, and onions!

🥗 Sides

Serving Cincinnati chili on top of spaghetti is the true way to eat it like an Ohioan. However, it's equally delicious on top of hot dogs or cornbread! Also, check out my post on what to serve with chili for more ideas; enjoy!

💭 Tips & Notes

• Add a splash or two of water as needed, or remove the chili from the heat once it has thickened.
• Cincinnati chili is not watery like soup or thick like traditional chili. Instead, it should be a consistency similar to ground beef pasta sauce like bolognese.
• If desired, an immersion blender or potato masher can be used to get the chili to a super fine and 'soft' consistency.
• Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day! For the best flavor, let it cool and refrigerate overnight. Then, reheat and serve!

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Let the chili cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cincinnati Chili

Once the chili has cooled, transfer it to a heavy-duty freezer bag and flash-freeze it flat on a baking sheet for easy storage. Thaw frozen chili in the fridge overnight and enjoy it within 6 months.

Reheating Cincinnati Chili

Add leftover chili to a large pot over medium-low heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

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❓ FAQ

🐄 🥩 More Ground Beef Recipes

• Ground Beef Stew - A rich and hearty beef stew that has plenty of veggies to enjoy!
• Ground Beef Tacos - Perfectly seasoned ground beef tacos are great for taco Tuesdays!
• Slow Cooker Goulash - This family favorite dinner recipe practically cooks itself!
• Taco Pasta - A one-pot pasta dinner that combines Mexican and Italian flavors!
• Ground Beef Stir-Fry - This quick and easy ground beef stir fry makes a great lunch or dinner!
• Ground Beef Stroganoff - Classic comfort food made with ground beef in a creamy stroganoff sauce with mushrooms and egg noodles!

📖 Recipe Card