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Home » Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

by Mike Hultquist · Jan 30, 2019 · 24 Comments

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Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati chili is a chili unlike any other, filled with a beguiling mix of Mediterranean spices and served over spaghetti, a beloved regional favorite. Make it tonight with this authentic recipe.

Cincinnati Chili on a plate, ready to eat

If you've never had Cincinnati chili, I urge you to give this recipe a try. Right away. Tonight.

It's a different sort of chili, so different from other chili recipes from other parts of the United States. It certainly looks like a regular chili when you include beans, similar in appearance to something like Chili Colorado or even this Super Easy Chili Recipe, but you'll notice the difference once you take a taste.

What is Cincinnati Chili?

Cincinnati chili is a unique type of chili from Cincinnati, Ohio, usually served over cooked spaghetti. It is more like a meat sauce, like a bolognese, meant to be served over spaghetti or pasta with a choice of toppings.

In Ohio, you'll find restaurant chains dedicated to serving Cincinnati chili, with Skyline Chili being the most well known.

Cincinnati chili is not a spicy chili. While it does contain chili powder traditionally, it is different for it's use of more Mediterranean spices that go into it.

You won't get that spicy kick unless you alter the original recipe, though you can include chili flakes and serve it with hot sauce.

Instead you'll enjoy an unexpected touch of sweetness that typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, though other spices play an important part and, as with any recipe, variations do exist from cook to cook.

This mix of spices works together quite harmoniously, and with your first bite, you'll be pleasantly surprised. And potentially hooked.

Cincinnati Chili on a plate of noodles, ready to eat

The History of Cincinnati Chili

The story of Cincinnati chili starts with two brothers, Tom and John Kiradjieff, who immigrated to Cincinnati in the early 1920 from troubled Greece.

They opened up the Empress Chili Parlor in 1922, and wanted to make something Americans would appreciate. What they essentially created was a stew of meat seasoned with their familiar spices, added in chili powder and other local American spices, and served it up.

The locals fell in love with the dish and have continued to go for serving after serving to this day, essentially as a spaghetti chili.

My Cincinnati Chili Recipe

My Cincinnati chili recipe was given to me from a friend named Jerry I met as we were both visiting Florida. I struck up the conversation about making chili, and he said I MUST try his recipe, but he vehemently insisted I change NOTHING.

No alterations. No substitutions. NADA! I have made no changes to Jerry's Famous Cincinnati Chili recipe, so here it is!

Thanks, Jerry!

Cincinnati Chili on a plate of noodles with shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ready to eat

Cincinnati Chili Ingredients

Typical ingredients in Cincinnati chili include ground beef, tomato paste or tomato sauce, spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, cumin, chili powder, bay leaf, dark chocolate (though this is more of a home cook option), simmered in water or stock.

Toppings include cheese, onions and beans, and sometimes garlic. Cooked spaghetti is extremely common for serving.

How to Make Cincinnati Chili - the Recipe Method

Combine the following ingredients in a large pot.

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 1 quart + one cup tomato juice (canned)
  • 1 whole large onion
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder (more or less as desired)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground all spice
  • 1 teaspoon milled black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 whole bay leaves
  • 1.5 teaspoons vinegar (I used red wine vinegar)
  • 2 large dashes Worcestershire sauce

Submerge the onion and break up the uncooked beef as fine as you can.

All Cincinnati Chili ingredients added to a pan, cooked down, and simmering

Bring to a boil then reduce the heat. Cook on medium-low heat, uncovered, for two hours, stirring every 20 mins. Everything will break down and meld together quite nicely.

Remove onion and bay leaves. Looks just like any chili!

Cincinnati Chili simmering in a pot, then served with cheese as a topping

How to Serve Cincinnati Chili

Serving up Cincinnati is another way it is differentiated from other American chili recipes.

  • 2 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti.
  • 3 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese.
  • 4 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese, with either diced onions or beans.
  • 5 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti, with both diced onions AND beans.

Oyster crackers are very popular as well. Jerry and his wife, Pam, who adore their Cincinnati chili, love to serve theirs over spaghetti, but also on hot dogs, and with Fritos over the top.

They also enjoy making their favorite "Walking Tacos", which is in a bowl with some shredded lettuce, chili, shredded cheese, sour cream and Fritos. They also mix all of that up right into a small Frito bag. Nice!

Storage & Leftovers

Store any leftover Cincinnati chili meat in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy it again, simple reheat gently in a pan and serve over spaghetti with your preferred toppings.

I do not recommend storing leftover pasta, but would make that fresh for the next time.

You can also freeze Cincinnati chili for up to 6 months in vacuum sealed containers in the freezer.

That's it my friends! I hope you enjoy your Cincinnati chili! It really is unique! A chili like no other!

I'd love to hear what you think of it.

Try Some of My Other Popular Chili Recipes

  • Chili con Carne
  • Chili Colorado
  • Texas Chili
  • Chili Verde
  • Slow Cooker Southwest Beef Chili
  • White Bean Chicken Chili
  • Shrimp and Red Bean Chili
Cincinnati Chili - Recipe

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Print

Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Cincinnati chili is a chili unlike any other, filled with a beguiling mix of Mediterranean spices and served over spaghetti, a beloved regional favorite.
Save Recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 336kcal
Author: Mike Hultquist
Servings: 8
Tap or hover to scale
4.84 from 12 votes
Leave a Review

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 1 quart + one cup tomato juice canned
  • 1 whole large onion
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder more or less as desired
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground all spice
  • 1 teaspoon milled black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 whole bay leaves
  • 1.5 teaspoons vinegar I used red wine vinegar
  • 2 large dashes Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Submerge the onion.
  • Break up the uncooked beef as fine as you can.
  • Cook on medium-low heat, uncovered, for two hours, stirring every 20 mins.
  • Remove onion and bay leaves.
  • Serve with your favorite fixins.

Notes

Heat Factor: Mild
To Serve:
  • 2 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti
  • 3 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese
  • 4 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese, with either diced onions or beans
  • 5 Way - Cincinnati chili over spaghetti, with both diced onions or beans
Or, serve it over a hot dog with mustard, onions and shredded cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 336kcal   Carbohydrates: 11g   Protein: 21g   Fat: 23g   Saturated Fat: 8g   Cholesterol: 80mg   Sodium: 1032mg   Potassium: 756mg   Fiber: 2g   Sugar: 6g   Vitamin A: 1890IU   Vitamin C: 29.6mg   Calcium: 58mg   Iron: 3.8mg
Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

Categories: Chili Tags: Chili Pepper Madness, chili pepper recipe, game day and superbowl parties, low budget/inexpensive meals, tailgating

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Sandy says

    December 09, 2022 at 7:37 am

    Do you have to use cheddar cheese? Can you use any other cheese?

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      December 09, 2022 at 9:56 am

      You can use whatever cheese you'd like, Sandy! Go for it!

      Reply
  2. Katy says

    June 26, 2020 at 3:20 am

    5 stars
    I've cooked this twice in the last 10days....absolutely love it. I also have the Spicy food lovers cookbook and so far everything i've cooked has been amazing. Definitely the best book for a spice lover. Thank you thank you thank you!

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      June 26, 2020 at 5:33 am

      Thanks so much, Katy! Super happy you like it! It's really good, isn't it? YUM! I'm glad you are enjoying my book! Take care.

      Reply
  3. Jeremie says

    March 10, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe a few months ago and I must admit that I wasn't totally convinced. Tonight, I did it again and it was very very good! So, there is a time for everything! I'm intrigued, Mike, you are always very precise in your recipes but here you only specify "chili powder more or less as desired": what exact chili peppers do you use, here? I was unsure, so I added chipotle in adobo sauce with the tomatoes then guajillo and ancho powder: the result was very good!

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      March 11, 2020 at 7:27 am

      Thanks, Jeremie. It is pretty unusual and unique to Cincinnati. Certainly different! I was going by my friend's recipe. I used 4 tablespoons of a typical American chili powder blend (there are many brands, yes - I use my Homemade Chili Powder Recipe), but according to the recipe, you can adjust it to your taste. Your options are perfect!

      Reply
  4. Gerald Hayes says

    April 02, 2019 at 6:35 pm

    5 stars
    Very unique tangy flavour. Can't wait to try some on hot dogs.

    I do have one complaint. You failed to warn of the mouth watering aroma that permeates from the kitchen causing everyone to go mad!

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      April 02, 2019 at 10:28 pm

      True, Gerald! This chili recipe should come with a warning! Too good to wait!

      Reply
  5. Frank Buhrman says

    February 02, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    No wonder it also goes on hot dogs - except for the beans, it's close to the recipes in many areas for hot dog chili, which also came from Greek origins, rather than Tex-Mex, like chili con carne. In most cities it was originally called hot dog sauce until the similarity with chili con carne lead to the name cross-over. Isn't hybridizing of food traditions wonderful for the taste buds?

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      February 03, 2019 at 8:52 am

      It is fun, isn't it? I love it!

      Reply
    • William D Ward says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:09 pm

      3 stars
      Recipe sounds great But No Chili Parlor in Cincinnati cook the beans in the Chili. Beans are cooked separately and added when requested when ready to serve. But only when requested.

      Reply
      • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

        June 14, 2019 at 3:37 pm

        5 stars
        William, the bean issue is discussed in the post, and this is a homemade Cincinnati Chili recipe with beans added. Don't go messin' with Jerry's recipe. LOL.

        Reply
  6. Yurika says

    January 31, 2019 at 10:56 pm

    5 stars
    very delicious. i want try it

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      February 01, 2019 at 6:43 am

      I hope you love it!

      Reply
  7. Veena Azmanov says

    January 30, 2019 at 11:02 am

    5 stars
    Looks yummy and delicious with all the amazing flavors. Love the recipe and need a try.

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      January 30, 2019 at 11:04 am

      It's a great one!

      Reply
  8. Taylor Kiser says

    January 30, 2019 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    This needs to happen for dinner! Looks so hearty and delicious!

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      January 30, 2019 at 10:35 am

      Quite hearty for sure! Thanks, Taylor.

      Reply
  9. Dannii says

    January 30, 2019 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    That looks like a really hearty and comforting chili. The sauce looks lovely and rice too.

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      January 30, 2019 at 10:34 am

      Thanks, Dannii!

      Reply
  10. Pam Greer says

    January 30, 2019 at 10:01 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for reminding me it's been way too long since I've had Cincinnati chili! And, thanks for sharing Jerry's recipe with us, I won't change a thing!

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      January 30, 2019 at 10:02 am

      Thanks, Pam! Jerry don't want no changes! Haha.

      Reply
  11. Jill says

    January 30, 2019 at 8:58 am

    5 stars
    Looks like Jerry has it right! I didn't grow up in Cincinnati but I've lived here for almost 20 years now. It was definitely an acquired taste when I first moved here. But now I love it! You can find Skyline's in certain parts of Florida - so Cincinnatians can still get their fix while vacationing, LOL

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      January 30, 2019 at 9:29 am

      Excellent! I can see how it's an acquired taste, so I'm glad I loved it at first taste!

      Reply

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