Description
Cincinnati Chili (Skyline Chili Copycat) is a comforting Ohio-style classic made with lean ground beef, rich tomato base, and warm spices like cocoa, cinnamon, and cloves. Serve it 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way for the ultimate cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups water
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, whisk together water and tomato paste over medium-high heat.
2. Add raw ground beef to the mixture, breaking it apart with your fingers and stirring to combine.
3. Stir in onion, chili powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, allspice, cloves, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor and easy grease removal.
6. The next day, skim off any grease from the top, reheat over medium heat, and serve hot.
Notes
For authentic Skyline flavor, do not brown the beef first. Simmering it raw in the sauce gives the chili its smooth texture.
Serve Cincinnati Chili 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (add onions or beans), or 5-way (add both).
Letting the chili chill overnight deepens the flavor and makes it easier to remove excess fat.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course, Soups, Chili
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Simmer
- Cuisine: American (Ohio Style)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 522
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 1186
- Fat: 31
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 37
- Cholesterol: 115