Experience the unique flavor of Cincinnati Chili, a distinct spiced chili that famously graces a bed of spaghetti. Far from your average bowl of chili, this Ohio original, popularized by establishments like Skyline Chili, offers a versatile and utterly satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in various beloved “ways.” Discover why this regional specialty has captivated hearts and palates across the nation, making it a true comfort food icon.
Craving the ultimate comfort food experience? Look no further than this authentic Cincinnati Chili recipe! Its rich, spiced flavor profile and unique presentation make it an unforgettable dish. If you’re a fan of hearty, satisfying meals, you’ll also adore our Penne Pasta Bake, these savory Beef Tips and Gravy, or the melt-in-your-mouth Braised Country Style Ribs. But for something truly distinctive, Cincinnati Chili stands in a league of its own.
Cincinnati Chili: A Culinary Enigma – Is it Really Chili?
At first glance, with its robust meat sauce and medley of aromatic spices, you might instinctively categorize Cincinnati Chili as a traditional chili. However, its most defining characteristic—being served generously ladled over a bed of spaghetti—immediately sets it apart. Unlike conventional chili, which typically arrives in a bowl and is often eaten with a spoon, Cincinnati Chili is presented on a plate, inviting you to enjoy it with a fork. This fundamental difference leads many to ponder: is it truly chili in the widely accepted sense?
The answer, for purists, is often a nuanced “no.” Cincinnati Chili defies easy classification, emerging as a unique culinary creation that has forged its own identity. Its roots trace back to early 20th-century Cincinnati, where Macedonian immigrant restaurateurs, particularly the Kiradjieff brothers, adapted their family recipes. They created a highly spiced, thin meat sauce designed initially as a flavorful topping for hot dogs. This innovative creation, distinct from the chunky, bean-filled chilis of the American Southwest, quickly gained popularity. Soon, they began serving this unique “chili” over spaghetti, dubbing it “chili spaghetti.”
What began as a novel hot dog topping and then a simple pasta dish soon exploded into a regional sensation. Chili parlors, dedicated eateries specializing in this dish, rapidly appeared across Cincinnati, transforming it into a cherished local tradition. The city’s two most renowned chili parlors, Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, became synonymous with the dish, each boasting a loyal following and slightly varying secret recipes. Today, the influence of Cincinnati Chili extends far beyond Ohio, with its distinctive flavor and serving style becoming a recognized staple in American comfort food culture. It’s not just food; it’s a piece of Cincinnati history, a testament to immigrant ingenuity, and a delicious, spiced meat sauce that happens to be perfectly complemented by spaghetti.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Cincinnati Chili
Crafting the perfect Cincinnati Chili requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing its signature flavor and texture. Unlike traditional chilis, this recipe incorporates a unique blend of spices that provides a complex, savory, and subtly sweet profile. Below, we delve into the key components that bring this Ohio classic to life.
- Salt: This recipe specifically calls for table salt due to its fine grain, which dissolves quickly and distributes evenly. If you opt for coarser sea salt or kosher salt, be prepared to adjust the quantity slightly upwards to achieve the desired seasoning, as their crystal structures are less dense.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of any good chili. For the most authentic taste and texture, an 80/20% fat ratio for your ground beef is highly recommended. The higher fat content contributes significantly to the richness and depth of flavor while ensuring the meat remains tender and moist through the unique boiling preparation method.
- Oil: A neutral vegetable oil serves as the initial cooking medium for sautéeing the aromatics. It’s essential for gently softening the onions and garlic, preparing them to release their full flavor into the chili base.
- Onion & Garlic: These fundamental aromatics are indispensable for building a robust flavor base. Diced onion provides a sweet and savory backbone, while minced garlic adds a pungent, earthy depth that complements the spices beautifully.
- Spices: This is where Cincinnati Chili truly distinguishes itself. While chili powder and oregano offer familiar, comforting notes, the inclusion of Mediterranean-inspired spices elevates the dish to another level.
- Chili Powder & Oregano: These provide the classic “chili” essence, offering warmth and herbal undertones.
- Cinnamon & Allspice: These unexpected additions are key to the unique “sweet heat” and complex aroma. They don’t make the chili taste like dessert, but rather add an exotic warmth and depth that is subtly enchanting.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is a genius addition, enhancing the chili’s savoriness and lending a darker, richer color. It deepens the flavor profile without making the chili taste overtly chocolatey.
- Cayenne Pepper & Black Pepper: These are included to provide a balanced level of heat, allowing you to adjust the spice to your preference. They add a pleasant kick that awakens the palate.
- Tomato Sauce: A plain, unseasoned tomato sauce is crucial. It forms the rich, reddish base of the chili, contributing acidity and body without introducing conflicting herb or spice mixtures found in pre-seasoned varieties.
- Broth & Water: While beef broth might seem like the obvious choice, chicken broth often possesses a more nuanced and less overpowering flavor, allowing the intricate spice blend to shine. Using a combination of broth and water helps achieve the desired consistency and ensures the chili is flavorful but not overly salty or intense. You can certainly use beef broth if that’s your preference, but give chicken broth a try for a subtle difference.
- Cider Vinegar: A splash of cider vinegar is vital for brightening the chili’s overall flavor. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat and spices, adding a tangy counterpoint that prevents the dish from feeling heavy.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient does not sweeten the chili significantly but acts as a flavor balancer. The molasses notes in brown sugar help to round out the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar, harmonizing all the diverse flavors into a cohesive and delicious whole.
Crafting Your Own Cincinnati Chili: Step-by-Step Guide
The preparation of Cincinnati Chili is distinct from typical chili recipes, particularly in its initial handling of the ground beef. This unique method is key to achieving the dish’s characteristic fine, crumbly texture, which is crucial for its serving style over spaghetti. Follow these steps to create a truly authentic experience.
First, you will boil the ground beef. This may sound unconventional, but it’s the secret to getting those incredibly fine strands of meat that differentiate Cincinnati Chili. Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan or a sturdy Dutch oven. Once boiling vigorously, add 1 teaspoon of table salt to the water, followed immediately by the ground beef. Stir the beef quickly and continuously with a spoon or whisk as it enters the hot water. This rapid stirring, combined with the boiling water, will prevent the meat from clumping and help it separate into small, uniform strands. Continue to break up any larger pieces as the meat cooks. As soon as the water begins to approach a boil again, signaling that the beef is almost fully cooked, promptly remove the pot from the heat. Carefully drain the cooked beef into a fine-mesh strainer, allowing all excess water and fat to run off. Reserve the finely textured beef and set it aside.
Next, rinse the same saucepan or Dutch oven to remove any residue and place it back over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up until shimmering. Introduce the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, typically about 5-7 minutes. This gentle sautéing sweetens the onion and forms a crucial aromatic base for the chili. In the final 30 seconds of cooking the onion, stir in the minced garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Now, it’s time to introduce the heart of Cincinnati Chili’s unique flavor profile: the spices. Add the chili powder, dried oregano, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and the remaining teaspoon of table salt to the pot. Stir these spices vigorously with the onion and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute. This crucial step, known as “blooming” the spices, enhances their aromatic qualities and deepens their flavors. The kitchen will fill with an enticing fragrance. Immediately after blooming, stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate them into the sauce, adding more depth of flavor.
Finally, return the drained, finely crumbled ground beef to the pot with the sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat significantly to medium-low, allowing the chili to simmer. Cover the pot partially or leave it uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the chili cook slowly for approximately one hour, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The long simmering time allows the complex flavors from the spices to meld beautifully and fully integrate with the meat and tomato base. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or hot sauce if desired before serving.
The Art of Serving Cincinnati Chili: The “Ways” and Beyond
One of the most charming and traditional aspects of enjoying Cincinnati Chili is the personalized “way” it’s served. In Cincinnati chili parlors, you choose how many layers of deliciousness you want stacked upon your plate. Each “way” adds a new dimension of flavor and texture, transforming the dish. Prepare your spaghetti (typically 1 pound, cooked al dente, drained, and tossed with 2 tablespoons of butter for richness) and get ready to assemble your masterpiece:
- 2-Way: The simplest, yet incredibly satisfying, introduction to Cincinnati Chili. This classic presentation features the savory chili spooned directly over a generous bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a pure experience of the chili’s distinct flavor.
- 3-Way: Elevate your 2-way with a mountain of finely grated cheese. The cheese, traditionally sharp cheddar, melts slightly from the chili’s warmth, adding a creamy, tangy layer that balances the spice and richness.
- 4-Way: For those who appreciate a fresh, pungent bite, the 4-way adds diced onions to the chili, spaghetti, and cheese. The crispness and sharp flavor of the onion provide a delightful contrast to the softer textures and rich flavors of the other components.
- 5-Way: The ultimate Cincinnati Chili experience, the 5-way incorporates all the previous layers – chili, spaghetti, cheese, and diced onions – plus a serving of kidney beans. The beans add a hearty texture and earthy flavor, completing the iconic combination.
Beyond the traditional “ways,” Cincinnati Chili’s versatility makes it a fantastic topping for other dishes. Don’t limit yourself to spaghetti! It’s famously served over juicy hot dogs, transforming them into “coneys” (often topped with cheese and mustard). It also makes an incredible topping for fluffy baked potatoes, offering a filling and flavorful meal. For a twist, try it on nachos, chili cheese fries, or even as a unique base for a chili cheese dip. Don’t forget to offer optional additions like a side of crispy oyster crackers for crunch and a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick, allowing everyone to customize their plate to perfection.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cincinnati Chili
Achieving the best Cincinnati Chili experience goes beyond just following the recipe. These expert tips and tricks will help you enhance the flavors, perfect the texture, and serve this unique dish like a true Cincinnatian.
- Make It Ahead for Deeper Flavor: This chili is truly one of those dishes that improves with age. The spices and flavors require time to fully meld and deepen. Prepare the chili a day in advance, allowing it to cool completely before refrigerating overnight. Reheating it the next day allows all the complex notes to marry beautifully, resulting in an even richer, more harmonious taste. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- The Art of Finely Grated Cheese: This might seem like a small detail, but it’s paramount to the authentic Cincinnati Chili experience. When serving with cheese, ensure it is very finely grated. The delicate strands of cheese create a beautiful, fluffy pile that melts quickly into the warm chili, distributing its flavor evenly and providing a satisfying creamy texture with every bite. A coarse grate simply won’t yield the same iconic effect. Sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, offering a tangy counterpoint.
- Adjusting Consistency: As the chili simmers for an hour, it will naturally thicken. However, depending on your stove, pot, and desired consistency, you might find it too thick or too thin. If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, simply stir in additional chicken broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate.
- Optimal Beef Texture: The boiling method is crucial for the signature fine, crumbly beef. Don’t skip the initial stirring when adding the beef to boiling water. This prevents clumping and ensures the desirable “shredded” texture.
- Storage and Freezing: Leftover Cincinnati Chili stores wonderfully. Transfer any cooled chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Spice Level Adjustment: The cayenne pepper provides a gentle warmth. If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne to a half teaspoon or even more. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or omit it. A dash of hot sauce at serving time also allows individual customization.
Explore More Delicious Spaghetti Recipes
If you love the comfort and versatility of spaghetti as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! From creamy bakes to hearty sauces, spaghetti is a culinary canvas for endless possibilities. After enjoying your Cincinnati Chili, consider trying these other fantastic spaghetti-based dishes:
- Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini: A creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that’s pure indulgence.
- Spaghetti Lasagna: The best of both worlds – lasagna layers with the ease of spaghetti.
- Creamy Tomato Pasta with Shrimp: A sophisticated yet simple dish with succulent shrimp in a rich tomato sauce.
- Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta: A wonderfully seasonal and comforting vegetarian option.
- Super Easy Spaghetti Recipe: Your go-to for a quick, family-friendly weeknight meal.
- The Best Spaghetti Sauce: A timeless classic that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Recommended Tools for Crafting Cincinnati Chili
Having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in preparing this delicious Cincinnati Chili. These are a few essentials that will ensure a smooth cooking process and perfect results:
- A sturdy Dutch oven is ideal for making the chili. Its heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, preventing sticking and allowing the chili to simmer perfectly for that rich, complex flavor. It also provides ample room for all the ingredients.
- A good quality pasta pot is essential for cooking your spaghetti to al dente perfection, ensuring it’s ready to soak up all the delicious chili sauce.
- A fine-mesh strainer will be invaluable for thoroughly draining the boiled ground beef, ensuring your chili has the ideal fine texture.
- A durable whisk or wooden spoon is perfect for breaking up the ground beef as it boils, achieving those signature fine strands.
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Cincinnati Chili
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Ingredients
Chili:
- 2 teaspoons table salt divided
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 80% lean is best
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
For serving:
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked, drained, and tossed with 2 tablespoons of butter
- 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
- 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained, rinsed, and warmed
- 1 medium onion chopped
- Oyster crackers
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, then add 1 teaspoon of the salt. Add the ground beef and stir vigorously to separate the strands. Break the meat apart as much as possible. Once the water is close to boiling again, remove from the heat and drain the beef thoroughly into a strainer. Set aside.
- Rinse the pan and place it over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, and when hot, add the diced onion, cooking until it is softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it. Then, add the chili powder, oregano, cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Stir all the spices and aromatics together and cook for 1 minute to bloom their flavors.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot, turn the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, typically about an hour.
- Season the chili to taste with additional salt and hot sauce, if desired, before serving.
Serve the chili over spaghetti, traditionally in one of these “ways”:
- 2-Way: chili over spaghetti
- 3-Way: chili over spaghetti topped with finely grated cheese
- 4-Way: chili over spaghetti with diced onions and finely grated cheese
- 5-Way: chili over spaghetti with kidney beans, diced onions, and finely grated cheese
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutritional information is for chili only – no spaghetti or toppings.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 304kcal (15%),
Carbohydrates: 9g (3%),
Protein: 17g (34%),
Fat: 22g (34%),
Saturated Fat: 7g (44%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 136mg (45%),
Sodium: 355mg (15%),
Fiber: 3g (13%),
Sugar: 4g (4%)