Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H. It’s a different sort of chili, so different from other chili recipes from other parts of the United States. It certainly looks like a regular chili when you include beans, similar in appearance to something like Chili Colorado or even this Classic Chili Recipe, but you’ll notice the difference once you take a taste. In Ohio, you’ll find restaurant chains dedicated to serving authentic Cincinnati chili, with Skyline Chili being the most well known, but also Gold Star Chili. Cincinnati chili is not a spicy chili. While it does contain chili powder traditionally, it is different for it’s use of more Mediterranean spices that go into it. You won’t get that spicy kick unless you alter the original recipe, though you can include chili flakes and serve it with hot sauce. Instead you’ll enjoy an unexpected touch of sweetness that typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, though other spices play an important part and, as with any recipe, variations do exist from cook to cook. This mix of spices works together quite harmoniously, and with your first bite, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And potentially hooked. They opened up the Empress Chili Parlor in 1922, and wanted to make something Americans would appreciate. What they essentially created was a stew of meat seasoned with their familiar spices, added in chili powder and other local American spices, and served it up. The locals fell in love with the dish and have continued to go for serving after serving to this day, essentially as a spaghetti chili.
Ground Beef. Water. You can also use tomato juice. Tomato Sauce. Tomato Paste. Onion and Garlic. Spices. Chili powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, red pepper flakes, sugar, cloves, bay leaves, unsweetened chocolate (or cocoa powder), salt and black pepper. Add cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Vinegar. I am using red wine vinegar. Worcestershire Sauce. For Serving. Cooked spaghetti noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, kidney beans, chopped onions, oyster crackers.
I like to use a potato masher for this, though a wooden spoon is fine. You can also brown the meat first for additional flavor. Heat the pot to medium-low heat and simmer it, uncovered, for two hours, stirring every 20 mins. It will thicken a bit and the flavors will develop through. Serve with your favorite fixins! See below for the traditional “ways” to serve Cincinnati Chili.
2 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti. 3 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese. 4 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese, with either diced onions or beans. 5 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti, with both diced onions AND beans.
They also enjoy making their favorite “Walking Tacos”, which is in a bowl with some shredded lettuce, chili, shredded cheese, sour cream and Fritos. They also mix all of that up right into a small Frito bag. Nice! I do not recommend storing leftover pasta, but would make that fresh for the next time. You can also freeze Cincinnati style chili for up to 6 months in vacuum sealed containers in the freezer. That’s it my friends! I hope you enjoy your Cincinnati chili! It really is unique! A chili like no other! I’d love to hear what you think of it. NOTE: This recipe was updated on 10/4/24 to include new video, photos and information. It was originally published on 1/30/19.
