Skyline Cincinnati Chili
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
25 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
10 servings
-
Calories
234 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Skyline Cincinnati Chili
Description
This recipe starts by softening onions in olive oil, then adding aromatic spices and minced garlic along with a small piece of unsweetened chocolate that enhances depth without making it sweet. Tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce combine to create a complex base. Ground beef is stirred in and cooked until the chili thickens, melding the savory and slightly sweet spices.
The chili is served over spaghetti noodles with various toppings including shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers, reflecting the regional "ways" of Cincinnati Chili. The spices like cinnamon and allspice give it a distinctive warm flavor profile that differs from classic chili con carne.
This recipe yields about 10 servings and can be made in a slow cooker by sautéing the onions and spices first, then combining all ingredients and cooking on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to four days, or can be frozen. This chili is hearty and unique, pairing well with simple accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onion finely chopped (plus more for topping
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate (see note 1)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ground
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 85/15, see note 2)
- spaghetti for serving, cooked
- cheese dark red kidney beans, finely chopped onions, and oyster crackers, for serving (see note 3, shredded
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Cook onions until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chocolate, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in beef and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper).
- Serve over cooked spaghetti with desired toppings such as cheese, beans, onions, and crackers.
Notes
- Use one ounce of unsweetened chocolate to add depth to the chili's flavor without sweetness.
- Ground beef with 85/15 fat ratio is recommended to maintain flavor without excess grease, since fat is not drained.
- Toppings include shredded cheddar, chopped onions, kidney beans, and oyster crackers; combinations create classic "ways" like 2-Way through 5-Way.
- The recipe makes about 10 generous servings.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to four days, or freeze in labeled containers after cooling.
- For slow cooker preparation, brown onions and spices first, then add all ingredients and cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours for developed flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 234 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 234kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 298mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 417mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 532IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
