Unlock the Secret: Authentic Skyline Cincinnati Chili Copycat Recipe

Cincinnati Chili is a culinary marvel that defies conventional chili definitions. It’s a unique, flavorful blend of finely ground beef and an extraordinary array of spices, traditionally cooked without beans. This iconic dish is most famously served atop a comforting mound of spaghetti noodles, lavishly finished with a generous heap of shredded cheddar cheese. Revered by many, the quintessential Cincinnati Chili experience is synonymous with restaurant chains like Skyline Chili. If you yearn for that distinctive taste but find yourself far from a chili parlor, this meticulously developed recipe is your gateway to recreating their famous, one-of-a-kind chili right in your home kitchen.

Cincinnati Chili over a bed of spaghetti noodles in a bowl, garnished with shredded cheese

Did you know that October proudly celebrates National Chili Month? As a passionate food enthusiast, I felt it was my duty to introduce you to a truly exceptional chili experience this month. Cincinnati Chili stands apart from any other chili recipe you might encounter, and featuring an authentic Cincinnati Chili recipe on my website has been a long-held ambition. My goal was always to ensure absolute authenticity – the *real thing*, a taste so true it could transport you straight to Ohio.

To achieve this, I reached out to our friend Joe, a Cincinnati local, hoping he could share a time-tested family recipe. His response was succinct: “I don’t need one.” Initially, I was a bit puzzled, thinking, “That doesn’t quite help me, Joe!” But he quickly clarified, explaining that when the craving for Cincinnati Chili strikes, they always head to Skyline Chili because, in his words, “it’s the best around.” This provided a crucial starting point for my culinary detective work.

Given that chili parlors are a rarity where I live, embarking on extensive research became my only option. I delved deep into online forums, historical accounts, and countless attempted recreations. The result of this dedicated investigation is the copycat Skyline Chili Recipe presented here, which we’ve found to be astonishingly close to their closely guarded secret blend.

Where Can You Find a Skyline Chili Near You? The Quest for Authentic Flavor

The original Skyline Cincinnati chili recipe is legendary, an incredibly well-guarded secret. In fact, even many Skyline franchisees are not privy to the exact formula. This necessitated some serious culinary detective work on my part. My journey led me to quiet, mysterious corners of the internet, where I meticulously sifted through clues and whispers to unearth the nuances of this iconic dish.

I was determined to get it right, to capture the *true essence* of authentic Cincinnati Chili. While my mission was to create a perfect homemade replica, for those who crave the original experience, you can find one of their many franchises across the country. However, since there isn’t a Skyline Chili parlor close to my home, deciphering the secret spice blend and cooking methods was my only viable path. With my husband, a seasoned veteran of Skyline Chili visits, serving as my ultimate taste tester, I confidently believe this recipe is an incredibly close copycat! If you’ve never had the pleasure of dining at Skyline Chili, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable and truly fantastic plateful of Cincinnati Style Chili!

What Exactly is Cincinnati Chili? Defining a Culinary Enigma

Yes, there are those who staunchly argue that Skyline chili isn’t “real” chili. As the saying goes, “haters are always going to hate.” But let’s take a closer look: a fundamental chili recipe includes meat and chili powder. And while Cincinnati Chili features an abundance of other ingredients and an unusually diverse blend of spices, these additions merely enhance its character, making it a uniquely interesting and delicious chili, not less of one.

It’s true that it possesses a more liquid, saucy consistency than many traditional chilis, and it doesn’t typically include beans as an inherent ingredient (though beans are a popular topping option). Its most distinctive serving method, over spaghetti, often leads to it being affectionately called “spaghetti chili.” Regardless of how it’s classified or served, its rich flavor profile and comforting warmth firmly establish it as a beloved chili variation.

The Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili: A Greek-American Legacy

Why is it called Cincinnati Chili? While the name suggests an Ohio origin, the full story is much richer and more global. A closer look at the ingredients provides intriguing clues. The original Skyline recipe was the brainchild of its founder, Nicholas Lambrinides, who hailed from Greece. This Greek heritage profoundly influenced the dish, suggesting a Mediterranean-style stew as its true culinary ancestor.

Nicholas Lambrinides, an astute Greek immigrant, was not only a skilled cook but also understood the power of effective marketing. In the era when he established his business, chili was a wildly popular food in America. Faced with the choice of introducing customers to a “Mediterranean stew” versus a more familiar “Ohio Chili,” he opted for simplicity and market appeal. The name “chili” was a strategic choice, making his unique creation more accessible and appealing to the local palate.

Since his restaurant offered a prime view of the stunning Cincinnati skyline, the name “Skyline Chili” naturally followed. It had a memorable ring to it, perfectly blending local identity with a dish that, while unique, resonated with American comfort food traditions. This clever branding, combined with a truly distinctive flavor, cemented Cincinnati Chili’s place in culinary history.

A collection of ingredients for Cincinnati Chili, including ground beef, onions, tomato paste, and various spices, arranged in bowls on a wooden table

The Essential Ingredients in Copycat Skyline Style Cincinnati Chili

To craft your own bowl of authentic Cincinnati Chili, sometimes affectionately known as “Ohio Chili,” you’ll need a foundation of ingredients common to many chili recipes. However, prepare to be surprised, as this unique dish also incorporates a few unusual elements that are absolutely crucial for its distinctive flavor profile!

FOR THE CHILI BASE:

Water: The primary liquid base for the chili’s signature thin consistency.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor; for a slightly different texture, some prefer tomato sauce, in which case you might omit or reduce the added water.
Lean Ground Beef: Essential for a rich flavor without excessive grease. Using lean beef is key to achieving the correct texture and fat balance after skimming.
Onion: Finely diced white or yellow onion forms the aromatic foundation.
Chili Powder: The cornerstone spice, providing classic chili warmth.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A vital ingredient that adds a subtle tang and brightens the overall flavor, cutting through the richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a deep, umami savory note.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is one of the “secret” ingredients! It doesn’t make the chili taste like chocolate but adds a depth of color and a subtle bitterness that enhances other savory spices. You can also use melted unsweetened chocolate.
Cinnamon: Another unexpected yet crucial spice that imparts a warm, aromatic sweetness, reflecting its Mediterranean influences.
Cumin: Provides earthy, warm notes characteristic of many chili recipes.
Cayenne Pepper: Allows you to adjust the heat level to your personal preference. My recipe leans towards a slightly spicier kick for a more vibrant flavor.
Allspice: Contributes a complex, warm, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Cloves: A small but mighty spice, adding a distinctively sweet and pungent aroma.
Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic provides a foundational savory punch.
Bay Leaf: Infuses the chili with a subtle, aromatic herbal note during simmering.
Sugar or Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the savory and spicy elements, playing off the cocoa and cinnamon.

FOR SERVING:

Cincinnati Chili offers a variety of delightful serving styles, often referred to as “ways.” Here are the essential toppings and options:

Cheddar Cheese: Finely shredded cheddar cheese is unequivocally non-negotiable for an authentic experience. A generous portion is a must!
Diced Raw Onion: I typically use yellow onion for its crisp bite, but white or red onions are also excellent choices for those who enjoy a sharp contrast.
Red Kidney Beans: Crucially, these are served *on top* or *on the side*, not cooked within the chili itself, maintaining the chili’s unique texture.
Oyster Crackers: A classic accompaniment, offering a crunchy texture and salty balance.
Spaghetti Noodles: The traditional foundation for most “ways” of serving Cincinnati Chili, providing a comforting carb base.
On Top of a Hot Dog on Steamed Buns (Coney Style): A popular alternative, creating a hearty chili dog experience.

Cincinnati Chili Coney style hot dog with cheese and onions

The two most iconic and beloved ways to enjoy Skyline Cincinnati Chili are draped over a bed of spaghetti noodles or served “coney style.” The coney style involves a plump hot dog nestled in a soft, steamed bun, generously topped with chili, shredded cheese, and often a squiggle of mustard and a sprinkle of raw white onion for that perfect zing.

For an truly authentic coney experience, remember this vital tip: always steam those hot dog buns! Steaming them makes them wonderfully warm and soft, the ideal vessel for your chili dog masterpiece.

Various spices for Cincinnati chili, including cinnamon sticks, star anise, cocoa powder, and chili powder, arranged on a plate

Is There Really Chocolate in Cincinnati Chili? The Sweet Secret Revealed

Indeed, there is! This is one of the most surprising and unique characteristics of authentic Cincinnati Chili. It contains a subtle but essential sweetness that skillfully cuts through and balances the rich, spicy, and savory notes of ingredients like cumin and chili powder. This distinctive sweetness comes from a strategic combination of unsweetened cocoa powder (or sometimes unsweetened chocolate), warm cinnamon, and a touch of added sugar or brown sugar. These elements don’t make the chili taste like a dessert, but rather contribute to its deep, complex, and utterly addictive flavor profile, setting it apart from any other chili you’ve tasted.

How to Make Cincinnati Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide for Flavor Perfection

Just like many other beloved chili and stew recipes, Cincinnati-style chili profoundly benefits from a “low and slow” cooking method. This gentle, extended simmer allows the unique blend of spices to meld perfectly and the flavors to deepen, resulting in an incredibly rich and satisfying dish. The preparation is straightforward, but patience is your secret ingredient for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Base. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, begin by whisking together the water and tomato paste over medium-high heat until smoothly combined. This creates the foundational liquid for our chili.

Step 2: Incorporate the Beef. Add the raw lean ground beef directly into this mixture. Using your fingers, break the beef apart and crumble it thoroughly into the liquid. This unconventional method ensures the beef cooks directly in the seasoned liquid, absorbing all the flavors from the start and yielding a very fine, distinctively loose texture characteristic of Cincinnati Chili.

Step 3: Add Spices and Simmer. Next, incorporate all the remaining ingredients – the onions, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, allspice, cloves, minced garlic, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors will become.

Step 4: Chill for Flavor and Texture. Once the simmering is complete, remove the chili from the stove and allow it to cool completely. This is a crucial step for achieving the authentic Cincinnati Chili texture and flavor. Transfer the covered pot to the refrigerator and chill overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to truly meld and intensify.

Step 5: Skim and Serve. The next day, you’ll find a layer of solidified grease on top of the chilled chili. Carefully skim this off. Once the grease is removed, gently warm the chili to serving temperature. This chilling process not only makes grease removal effortless but also dramatically enhances the depth and complexity of the chili’s flavor, transforming it into the truly authentic experience you’re seeking.

How to Serve Cincinnati Skyline Chili: Deciphering the 2-Way, 3-Way, 4-Way, and 5-Way Experience

One of the most unique and beloved aspects of Cincinnati Chili lies in its distinctive serving traditions, often referred to as “ways.” First and foremost, remember that beans are *not* cooked into the chili itself. They are always served as a topping or on the side. Another delightful local custom is the enjoyment of oyster crackers, which are frequently crumbled on top of Cincinnati Chili. While a generous topping of grated cheddar cheese isn’t particularly unusual for chili, the concept of serving this rich Ohio chili over a mound of spaghetti noodles truly sets it apart.

This might sound unconventional to newcomers, but it’s a staple at local eateries, sports arenas, and any of the popular Skyline Chili franchises. In Cincinnati, you’d only get a strange look if you *expected* beans to be mixed into the chili rather than served as a topping! And while some purists might opt for a simple bowl of chili, the most popular preparations involve serving it over spaghetti, or “coney style” atop hot dogs, always with an abundant layer of shredded cheddar cheese!

These combinations of chili and toppings have evolved into a specific terminology: “2-way,” “3-way,” “4-way,” and “5-way.” And yes, I’m sure there are plenty of amused glances when someone orders a “3-way” for the first time outside of Cincinnati. Let’s just be adults and appreciate the deliciousness! Here’s what each “way” traditionally means:

2-Way Chili: The simplest form, consisting of Cincinnati Chili served over spaghetti noodles.
3-Way Chili: Cincinnati Chili on spaghetti, generously topped with shredded cheddar cheese. This is arguably the most popular way to enjoy it.
4-Way Chili: There are two common variations for the 4-way:
- Chili on spaghetti, with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
- Chili on spaghetti, with shredded cheddar cheese and kidney beans.
5-Way Chili: The ultimate Cincinnati Chili experience! This includes chili on spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced raw onions, *and* kidney beans. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors.

For the absolute best texture and flavor, remember this golden rule of chili toppings: Why You Should Grate Your Own Cheese for your Cincinnati Chili! It truly makes a difference.

Love It? Pin It! Share the Flavor!

Can’t wait to try this incredible Copy Cat Skyline Cincinnati Chili recipe? Make sure to save it for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find this delicious recipe whenever that Cincinnati Chili craving strikes!

Explore More Chili Recipes to Spice Up Your Meal Plan!

I’m thrilled to be participating in this year’s Chili Cook-Off alongside some fantastic blogger friends! You can discover all of their mouth-watering contributions at the very bottom of this post. Beyond this amazing Cincinnati Chili, my website is home to several other beloved chili recipes, as well as creative ideas for using up those delicious chili leftovers. Here are a few of my personal favorites that I highly recommend you try:

White Chicken Chili (pictured above)
Three Bean Chili
Chili Cheese Bean Dip
Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Oktoberfest Chili
Five Bean Chicken Chili

cincinnati chili promo graphic with spaghetti

So, the next time you’re searching for a truly distinctive and satisfying meal, don’t hesitate to whip up the best chili: Cincinnati Chili, my friends! It’s a flavor experience you won’t soon forget.

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Cincinnati Chili over spaghetti white plate

4.49 from 158 votes

Print Recipe

Cincinnati Chili (Skyline Chili Copycat)

If you don’t have a Skyline Chili near you and you are craving the comfort of an authentic Cincinnati Chili I have you covered with this Skyline Chili Copycat recipe!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

2 hours

Additional Time

8 hours

Total Time

10 hours

10 minutes

Course:
Soup

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
3 way, 4 way, 5 way What is Cincinnati chili?, Cincinnati Chili, Cincinnati Chili recipe, cincinnati style chili, copy cat Skyline Chili recipe, how to make cincinnati chili, How to serve Cincinnati Skyline Chili – 2 way, ingredients in Skyline Chili, Ohio Chili, Skyline Chili

Servings:

6
-8

Calories:

522
kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

1 1/2
pound
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

Toppings and Servings

Grated cheddar cheese
is a must. Other optional toppings are chopped onions, kidney beans, oyster crackers and hot chili sauce. Serve in a bowl, on a hot dog or on top of the spaghetti noodles. Optional side: a traditional Greek salad.

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, whisk together water and tomato paste over medium-high heat.
Add the raw ground beef to the mixture by breaking it apart and crumbling it with your fingers.
Add in all of the other ingredients, and stir to combine. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot and let simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Remove the chili from the stove, and cool. Transfer the covered pot to the refrigerator, and chill overnight.
The next day, skim the grease from the top of the chili, before warming it to serve.

Notes

In a pinch, you can attempt to skim the grease from the top of the chili to serving it the same day, but I highly recommend refrigerating it overnight. It not only makes removing that grease easy, but it also does wonders for enhancing the flavor of the chili itself.

Chili leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

To make this recipe in your slow cooker, simply follow the cooking instructions, using your crock pot and slow cook for 6 hours before refrigerating.

Nutrition

Welcome to our 2021 Chili Cook-Off!

October is Chili Cook-Off month! We have delicious recipes from across the country to get your chili-making to the next level of deliciousness!

#ChiliCookOff is an annual blogging event that is hosted by Ashley from Cheese Curd In Paradise

Venison Chili from Cheese Curd In Paradise
Colorado Green Chili fromThe Fresh Cooky
Leftover Roast PorkChili from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili from Sweet Beginnings
Instant Pot Chili from Devour Dinner
Chili con Carne from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Smoked Turkey Chili from Palatable Pastime
My Dad’s Contest Winning Chili from The Spiffy Cookie
Instant Pot Pork Green Chili from Hostess At Heart
Black Eyed Pea Chili from Leftovers Then Breakfast
Pork Chili from Art of Natural Living
Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili from Life Love and Good Food
White Chicken Chili from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
Pumpkin Chili from Jen Around The World
Vegan Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili from Magical Ingredients
Cincinnati Chili from An Affair from the Heart
Grilled Pork TenderloinChili from The Freshman Cook
Texas Chili from SmartyPantsKitchen