cincinnati chilli recipe

Introduction

cincinnati chilli recipe Cincinnati chili is a dish like no other. Often debated whether it qualifies as a traditional chili or not, it has a unique combination of Mediterranean spices, slow-cooked ground beef, and an unexpected serving style—over spaghetti! Originating in the 1920s from Greek immigrant brothers in Ohio, this dish has gained a cult following. Whether you’re nostalgic for the authentic Skyline Chili or trying it for the first time, this recipe will guide you through making the perfect Cincinnati chili at home.

Recipe Ingredients

The Heart of the Dish: The Spices

Cincinnati chili is defined by its blend of bold and aromatic spices. Unlike Texas-style chili, which leans heavily on heat, Cincinnati chili embraces warm, fragrant spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.

Core Ingredients (1x, 2x, 4x measurements)

• Ground beef – 2 lbs (1x) | 4 lbs (2x) | 8 lbs (4x)

• Water or beef stock – 4 cups (1x) | 8 cups (2x) | 16 cups (4x)

• Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz) (1x) | 2 cans (2x) | 4 cans (4x)

• Tomato paste – 4 oz (1x) | 8 oz (2x) | 16 oz (4x)

• Onion, diced – 1 large (1x) | 2 large (2x) | 4 large (4x)

• Garlic, minced – 4 cloves (1x) | 8 cloves (2x) | 16 cloves (4x)

Signature Spices

• Chili powder – ¼ cup (1x) | ½ cup (2x) | 1 cup (4x)

• Salt – 1 tbsp (1x) | 2 tbsp (2x) | 4 tbsp (4x)

• Cinnamon – 1 tsp (1x) | 2 tsp (2x) | 4 tsp (4x)

• Cumin – 1 tsp (1x) | 2 tsp (2x) | 4 tsp (4x)

• Allspice – 1 tsp (1x) | 2 tsp (2x) | 4 tsp (4x)

• Black pepper – 1 tsp (1x) | 2 tsp (2x) | 4 tsp (4x)

• Red chili flakes or cayenne – 1 tsp (1x) | 2 tsp (2x) | 4 tsp (4x)

• Ground cloves – ½ tsp (1x) | 1 tsp (2x) | 2 tsp (4x)

• Sugar (optional) – 1 tsp (1x) | 2 tsp (2x) | 4 tsp (4x)

• Unsweetened chocolate – 1 oz (1x) | 2 oz (2x) | 4 oz (4x)

• Bay leaves – 5 (1x) | 10 (2x) | 20 (4x)

• Vinegar – 1½ tsp (1x) | 3 tsp (2x) | 6 tsp (4x)

• Worcestershire sauce – A few dashes (adjust to taste)