Thick, meaty, and comforting, Skyline Cincinnati Chili is a big deal in Ohio. The flavorful meat sauce is served at “chili parlors” over a bed of spaghetti noodles or hot dogs. Top it with mounds of finely grated cheddar cheese, onions, beans, and oyster crackers for “the works”, or just stick with the a simple 3-way of chili and cheese.
Pasta & sauce is always a homerun when it comes to getting dinner on the table at our house. Some of our other favorites are Penne Alla Vodka, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, and Fettuccine Alfredo.
The most popular order is a “three-way”, which adds shredded cheese to the chili-topped spaghetti (a “two-way”), while a “four-way” or “five-way” adds onions and/or beans before topping with the cheese.
What is Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati chili isnt thick like traditional TexMex chili or thin like a soup. Its more like a really meaty spaghetti sauce. It was invented in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early 1900s by Greek-born brothers John and Tom Kiradjieff who left Greece in 1921 and opened Empress Chili Parlor in 1922. Many Greek and Macedonian immigrants settled in the Cincinnati, Ohio region, and this dish is sort of a combination of Midwest food and Greek flavors.
There are three distinguishing features of Cincinnati-Style Chili:
- Seasonings & Spices: Chili powder and cumin are in here, of course, like most any chili. But what sets Cincinnati chili apart is the unique addition of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Whether chocolate or cocoa powder should be added to Cincinnati chili is a hot topic, but it adds a layer of complexity that we like.
- Cooking Method: It might seem strange for experienced home cooks to make a recipe where you dont brown the meat first, but thats how authentic Cincinnati chili is made. The saucy ground beef is chopped up fine while it cooks so the consistency is very loose with small crumbles of meat instead of chunks of ground beef in a sauce. Otherwise the technique is pretty much just dumping everything in a pot and letting it simmer down to a nice, thick meat sauce.
- Toppings (known as “Ways”): Unlike other chili recipes, there are no beans in Cincinnati-style chili. However, you can add them on top, if you like. Finely chopped raw white onion is another popular addition, while finely grated medium cheddar cheese is common, if not mandatory (in our opinion). The different toppings you choose are designated as “ways”. You can also splash some hot sauce on top for even more flavor if you like things spicy.
This is a quick overview of some of the important ingredients youll need for this Cincinnati chili recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Ground beef: We like to use a lean ground beef like 85/15 since it has less fat and makes for a nicer, less greasy chili.
- Spices: Dont be intimidated by the long list of recipe ingredients. Its mostly just a bunch of spices already in your cupboard at home. Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper are par for the course, by a little ground cinnamon, allspice, and cloves add a new flavor dimension that sets Cincinnati chili apart.
- Chocolate: Yes, chocolate. It doesnt make the chili sweet, and you wont be able to taste it, but it adds depth and complexity to the flavors of the chili that works really well.
Best Cincinnati Chili coneys
Similar to “ways” where you get the chili ladled over spaghetti, you can also order coney dogs made with Cincinnati chili. These combinations are very typical:
- Bun, hot dog, chili
- Bun, hot dog, chili, cheese
- Bun, hot dog, chili, cheese, and mustard OR onion
- Bun, hot dog, chili, cheese, mustard AND onion
Cheesy Chili 5-Way Is An Award-Winning Midwest Staple | Worth The Drive
FAQ
What beans are in a 5-way skyline?
What is the 6 way chili at Cincinnati?
How do you make a 4-way skyline?