The Perfect Easy Cincinnati Chilli Recipe 

There’s nothing quite like Cincinnati Chilli! This delightful midwestern delicacy is sure to remind Cincy natives of home-cooked dinners with the family or local homestyle restaurants at the nearest Chili parlor! 

Here’s a great Cincinnati Chilli recipe with an ingredients list and full instructions. Then, you can scroll to the bottom of this recipe for a helpful guide! 

Best Cincinnati Chili Recipe 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 onions finely chopped 
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 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 and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds ground beef (see tips)
• Cooked spaghetti for serving
• Shredded cheese, dark red kidney beans, Skyline Chili Hot Sauce 

Instructions: 

1. In a Dutch oven or big cooking pot, heat oil until it simmers over medium-high heat. Cook your onions until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. 
2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Stir in beef and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve over cooked spaghetti with any desired toppings. Usually, these will be cheese, beans, onions, and/or crackers.

Tips and Cincinnati Chili Recipe Guide

Now, let’s go over some tips and other helpful information about this Cincinnati Chili recipe. First, we’ve got to address the unsweetened chocolate. One ounce is all you will need, but this ingredient is key for developing uniquely tangy flavors. If you know, you know! Authentic Cincy chili absolutely requires this unique savory touch! 

Next, let’s talk about the ground beef in this chili. The beef you use should be as lean and flavorful as possible. After all, you won’t be able to drain the excess grease or fat. For the best balance of flavor and fat, we recommend 85/15 beef.

Lastly, let’s go over toppings. You’re going to want to build each bowl with spaghetti on the bottom, followed by a heaping portion of fresh chili, topped with cheese. However, you may also want to add onions, beans, or oyster crackers on top. A splash of Skyline Chili Hot Sauce adds some amazing and authentic Cincinnati spice as well!      

What’s Great About Cincinnati Chili 

Cincinnati chili is tangy-sweet, savory, and super unique. It’s the perfect dish for Cincy natives trying to give others a taste of home! As a kind of Mediterranian-style meat sauce, it beautifully accentuates spaghetti noodles! Since 1920, this dish has been enjoyed in the Cincinnati area. It can be served in a range of ways and is often found in Cincinnati chili parlors! For a dash of spice, you should definitely consider adding a splash of Skyline Chili Hot Sauce to your Cincinnati chili bowl.

To buy this unique sauce and many other amazing ingredients for any Cincinnati Chili recipe, check out this link! Here at CincyDirect.Com, you can buy a range of regional ingredients including Skyline Chili Hot Sauce and pre-made Cincinnati chili in a can!