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Best Cincinnati Chili

By: Melissa Erdelac · On: · Updated:

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Easy, authentic Cincinnati Chili, made famous by Skyline, has the perfect medley of unexpected spices and is served over spaghetti with piles of cheddar cheese. This effortless instant pot recipe can also be made in a slow cooker or on the stove for a family friendly meal!

overhead shot of cincinnati chili with a fork going into spaghetti

Ways to cook cincinnati chili – Instant pot, crock pot, or stove top

  • Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili – Making chili in a pressure cooker is my preferred method because it infuses flavor fast!
  • Slow Cooker – Perfect for a dump and start recipe when you need a meal waiting for you.
  • Stove Top – The most authentic way allows control over spice adjustments and consistency.

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What is Cincinnati Chili?

Cincinnati Chili is a Mediterranean spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti or hot dogs. Spices such as cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, cumin, ground cloves, and chili powder give it an unique taste, similar to moussaka or pastitsio.

Originally the recipe was developed by Macedonian restaurant owners in the 1920’s, but has since been made famous by Skyline “chili parlors” popular in Ohio.

Ingredients needed:

  • Lean ground beef
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Spices – chili powder, unsweetened Cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, ground cloves
  • Brown sugar
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Cider vinegar
all the ingredients to make Cincinnati Chili laid out in front of slow cooker

How to Make Cincinnati Chili Recipe

Choose between a crock pot, instant pot, or stove top when preparing this chili recipe. All the techniques are easy, but the fastest method is using an instant pot.

To achieve an authentic Skyline chili taste, do not brown the meat first before adding it to the instant pot. This gives the beef a softer texture, unlike a toothier meat sauce or traditional chili recipe.

Instant Pot cincinnati chili

a ladle of cincinnati chili coming up from instant pot

To make Skyline chili recipe in an electric pressure cooker, you have the option of browning the meat first on the SAUTE setting, or simply adding everything to the pot at once.

The only thing you will want to leave out is the tomato paste until you are finished cooking the chili. Once the meat and sauce ingredients cooks under HIGH pressure for 20 minutes, release the pressure and stir in tomato sauce to thicken.

slow cooker cincinnati chili

cincinnati chili being stirred in a crockpot
  1. Assemble all your ingredients and spices. Cincinnati Chili uses a variety of spices, so it’s best to set them out first to make sure none are missed.
  2. Mix together spices, broth, and tomato sauce in the slow cooker. Add the ground beef, breaking up with spoon. Cook on High for 6 hours or Low for 8 hours.

Stove Top method 

Cooking traditional Cincinnati-style chili on the stove top allows home cooks more control over seasonings. As the the chili simmers, they can adjust or enhance different flavors based on taste.

Like the instant pot or slow cooker, you also have the option of browning the meat first or not. Simmering the ground beef without browning it first gives a softer texture, and more authentic taste, according to Cincinnati chili lovers.

Once everything is combined the chili should simmer, uncovered, for at least an hour for the flavors to meld.

a fork going into chili topped spaghetti on a blue plate

More tips and tricks

  • Make sure to use lean ground beef, especially in the slow cooker. For the instant pot and stove top, it’s easier to drain off the excess grease.
  • Browning the meat first is a matter of preference. To achieve a more authentic texture, skip browning first and simply add all the ingredients.
  • The consistency of Skyline Cincinnati Chili is typically thinner than a traditional chili, more like a meat sauce.
  • If you need to thicken the chili use more tomato paste or simmer without a lid to cook it down.
  • This makes the perfect freezer meal. Cool completely then freeze serving size amounts in freezer ziplock bags.

Does cincinnati chili Taste Good?

I’ve found by sharing this recipe across social channels, people can be very opinionated about it! You might have grown up with Skyline or Gold Star chili and are thrilled to replicate the taste at home, without having to buy canned versions.

Or, you read the ingredient list and decide it’s a little too “adventurous” for your tastes. While you may be put off by the combination of spices, I say don’t knock it until you try it. If you love greek food, you will find the taste right up your alley!

I also find kids particularly love this meal. How can you go wrong with a base layer of spaghetti, topped with slightly sweet meat sauce, and piled high with cheese?

Plus cooking Cincinnati chili in the slow cooker or instant pot makes it a hands-off meal that takes virtually no effort!

How to Serve Cincinnati Chili

Although this recipe is described as a “chili,” it’s actually more of a meat sauce. Typically it’s served over a mound of pasta, but it can also top baked potatoes, transformed into chili hot dogs, cooked into quesadillas, or spooned over crispy french fries.

When ordering at a restaurant, the toppings are specified by a “ways” system.

Two-way: spaghetti topped with chili

Three-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese

Four-way onion: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions

Four-way bean: spaghetti, chili, cheese, kidney beans

Five-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, kidney beans

Additionally hot sauce and oyster crackers are served alongside Cincinnati chili.

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step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

a plate of skyline chili on spaghetti with lots of cheese on top

Try Other Unique Chili Recipes!

  • Buffalo Chicken Chili – The perfect amount of spice, a smooth creamy base, lots of tender chicken, and takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
  • Chorizo Chicken Chili – Tender chunks of chicken, a chorizo red sauce, beans and secret ingredient spices.
  • Pulled Pork Chili – Smoky chili nails essential savory, sweet and spicy chili flavors with pulled pork, apples, chipotles, and pumpkin.
  • Turkey Chili – An easy crock pot recipe made with lean ground turkey, peppers, fire roasted tomatoes, beans, and simple kitchen spices.

Intimidated by using an Instant Pot? Learn in minutes with this Easy Start Instant Pot Guide full of tips, hacks, and tricks.

 

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a close up of meat sauce on the pasta with cheese on top and a cup in the background

Best Cincinnati Chili

Easy, authentic Cincinnati Chili, made famous by Skyline, has the perfect medley of unexpected spices and is served over spaghetti with piles of cheddar cheese. This effortless instant pot recipe can also be made in a slow cooker or on the stove for a family friendly meal!
4.25 from 99 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

FOR SERVING: cooked spaghetti, hot dogs, or baked potatoes

    TOPPINGS: lots of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and kidney beans

      US Customary – Metric

      Instructions

      INSTANT POT:

      • Using sauté function, cook ground beef and onion together for about 8 minutes, or until beef is browned. Alternatively, do not brown beef first for a more authentic, softer texture. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more. Hit CANCEL.
      • Add the remaining ingredients EXCEPT TOMATO PASTE.  Stir to combine and secure on lid with valve sealed.
      • Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 20 minutes then use quick release. After valve goes down, take off lid and stir in tomato paste. Simmer on SAUTE for 5-10 minutes, or until desired thickness. Serve on cooked spaghetti or hot dogs with desired toppings.

      SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS:

      • In a slow cooker mix together everything except ground beef. Add ground beef to slow cooker, breaking up meat with spoon.
      • Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours. Serve on cooked spaghetti or hot dogs with desired toppings.

      STOVE TOP:

      • In a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat, sauté ground beef and onion together until beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, do not brown beef first for a more authentic, softer texture. Add garlic to pot and sauté 30 seconds more. 
      • Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to boil, then simmer UNCOVERED for 1 hour or until chili has reduced and thickened. Serve on cooked spaghetti or hot dogs with desired toppings.

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        Recipe Notes

        Nutrition calculated WITHOUT cooked spaghetti or hot dogs.

         

        Tips for making the best Cincinnati Chili

        • Make sure to use lean ground beef, especially in the slow cooker. For the instant pot and stove top, it’s easier to drain off the excess grease.
        • Browning the meat first is a matter of preference. To achieve a more authentic texture, skip browning first and simply add all the ingredients. 
        • The consistency of Cincinnati Chili is typically thinner than a traditional chili, more like a meat sauce.
        • If you need to thicken the chili use more tomato paste or simmer without a lid to cook it down.
        • Cincinnati chili is the perfect freezer meal. Cool completely then freeze serving size amounts in freezer ziplock bags.
         
        Recipe adapted from Family Circle

        Nutrition

        Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 940mg | Potassium: 802mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1040IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 4.3mg
        Course: Dinner
        Categories: Dairy Free Dinners Fall Freezer-Friendly Game Day Gluten Free Grain Free Instant Pot Pasta Recipes Slow Cooker Spring Summer Winter

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        Items used to make this recipe:

        Instant Pot  Slow Cooker  Dutch Oven

        This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.

        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. E J says

          I used your Insta pot method with great results. First, before turning on instapot, dump in liquids; broth or water, tomato paste, and sauce in pan and stir to breakdown paste. Add raw hamburger to pot by pinching handful off from the ground beef tray to make small pieces. Add all other ingredients to pot and cook per your 20 min. pressure. Tastes excellent! Will serve in 2 days so flavors blend. Thank you for the nice recipe and the choice of methods!

          broth,

          Reply

        2. Jen says

          Yum!! So nice to have homage version 🙂
          I will omit the brown sugar next time or just add a smidge, prefer the chili not to be sweet. But it is still excellent! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. Excited for a hot dog and 3 way spaghetti tonight! Woo hoo!

          Reply

        3. Nina says

          We grew up eating skyline chili! So we know Cincinnati chili! Made this recipe for my husband for valentines. We loved it! Has it over spaghetti noodles with lots of cheese… we loved it. Tonight we did chili cheese dogs with onions on top!!! So good!!! Thanks for the recipe!

          Reply

          • Melissa says

            Oh my goodness, Nina, ultimate happiness! I’m so glad it earned your stamp of approval! We have a lot of family in Ohio, so we always make a stop at Skyline. Thanks for taking the time to write!
            Best,
            Melissa

            Reply

          • Bz says

            I grew up on Skyline but no longer way red meat. I usually use ground turkey and it’s great, but wondering what kind of stock you think would be best to replace the beef stock??

            Reply

        4. Michael Maurer says

          Went to College in Cincinnati , graduating in 1980.
          I went then , and have stopped ever since then, to be some.
          This is TRULY the next best thing to being there !
          I added Kidney Beans in the Slow Cooker , to have a ” 5 Way ” , later..

          Reply

        6. Rich C says

          Made the sauce as per recipe, then divided into two pans. Added uncooked ground beef to one pot and veggie ground to the other. Simmered for about an hour and a half, hen served over spaghetti with cheese, raw finely diced onion, and red kidney beans. Both the meat and veggie versions were very nice.
          The following day, I took frozen naan bread from the freezer, spread a thin layer of the meat mixture, sprinkled diced onion and a layer of grated cheese which I topped with thin slices of tomato, then baked in a 400f fan oven for 10 minutes for quick and easy pizza. Again both the meat and veggie versions were verily yum.

          Reply

          • Melissa says

            This all sounds amazing! I love the idea of making flatbread pizzas out of it. I will give that a go next time. Thank you so much for taking the time to write!
            Best,
            Melissa

            Reply

        10. Joyce says

          Seeing the list of ingredients here makes me understand why I put my only sampling of Cincinnati chili down the garbage disposer. Also why it has to be smothered by cheese and onions.

          Reply

          • Jen says

            A real shame- you are missing out. And no need to comment if you aren’t a Cincinnati chili fan. Just scroll. 🙄

            Reply

        11. Glenda says

          I live in Cincinnati and grew up on Cincinnati chili. I don’t know how the slow cooker recipe turns out but I DO know that the stove top and instant pot recipes will not produce true Cincinnati chili. The ground beef is NOT browned first. The fine texture of the meat in true Cincinnati chili is achieved by not browning it first. It is added to the pot with all of the ingredients. As it cooks, the meat breaks up into a fine texture with no lumps. We do not use beef broth or tomato sauce or brown sugar either. This may be a tasty chili, but it is NOT true Cincinnati chili.

          Reply

          • Melissa says

            Hi Glenda,
            Thank you so much for taking the time to write. When I’ve shared this recipe on Facebook, I’ve learned people are very passionate about their Cincinnati chili versions!

            As far the consistency, when cooked in the crockpot without browning first it does mimic the “authentic” chili, and is a very fine meat sauce. I’m sure it would turn out the same in the instant pot or stove top if the meat wasn’t browned either. I guess it’s just a matter of preference because I like the texture after browning, but it’s definitely not a necessary step!

            As far omitting the broth and tomato sauce, that would definitely work on the stovetop and crockpot, but the Instant Pot version needs the liquid to come to pressure. The brown sugar can be omitted on all versions.
            Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for sharing your tips!
            Best,
            Melissa

            Reply

          • Melissa says

            Hi Holly!
            I always like to add the beans at the very end of cooking so they don’t get mushy. A lot of recipes do add them with all the ingredients, though. I’ve tested it both ways and I feel like adding it at the end slightly wins out.
            Best,
            Melissa

            Reply

        14. Kim Ryan says

          I love Skyline Chili and have made other versions and this is by far the best so far. I made as written, but cooked the beans in the chili. It was so good.

          Reply

        15. Frederick W Bauer says

          I liked this recipe and will make it again but next time I will omit the brown sugar and the tomato sauce to see if it comes out closer to Skyline’s recipe.

          Reply

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