Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
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Servings
6 -8
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Calories
171 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili
Description
The recipe starts by dissolving tomato paste and unsweetened baking chocolate in water over medium heat to form the chili base. A blend of spices such as chili powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, sugar, and apple cider vinegar are then added, creating a balanced heat and sweet-spice depth.
Raw lean ground beef is crumbled finely into the pot and broken down further with utensils for small meat pieces that integrate into the sauce. The chili is brought to a low boil and simmered uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours to thicken and develop flavors fully. The cooking process results in a thick, intensely flavored chili with a subtle warmth from spices and the slight bitterness of baking chocolate.
Typically, this chili is served over thin spaghetti noodles or used as a sauce for hot dogs, a traditional Cincinnati way. Optional toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, kidney beans, oyster crackers, and hot sauce to personalize the dish.
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 6 oz tomato paste canned
- 1/2 oz baking chocolate unsweetened, Baker's brand
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp cloves ground
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or less, depending on your desired heat level
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/4 lb ground beef lean
Instructions
- Add the water to a large pot. I like to use my dutch oven for this.
- Add the tomato paste and chocolate and heat over medium heat stirring to combine for about 3 minutes. (I stir with a whisk to really break up the tomato paste)
- Add chili powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, sugar and vinegar.
- Next, crumble the raw ground beef into the pot with your fingers, then use a potato masher, whisk or fork to break up the meat into very fine pieces.
- Turn heat to high to bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn the heat down to med-low.
- Cook, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, at a low boil.. stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened quite a bit.
- Serve over thin spaghetti or a hot dog.
Notes
- Serve the chili over thin spaghetti or on hot dogs for authentic Cincinnati style.
- Optional toppings like shredded cheddar, onions, kidney beans, oyster crackers, and hot sauce can enhance texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6-8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 171 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 171kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 590mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 646mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 455IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 6.2mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3.8mg | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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