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!
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.
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
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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!
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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Best Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds LEAN ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
FOR SERVING: cooked spaghetti, hot dogs, or baked potatoes
TOPPINGS: lots of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and kidney beans
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.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?? DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AND/OR CLICK A STAR RATING ON THE RECIPE CARD!
Recipe Notes
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.
Nutrition
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KK says
The feel of autumn was in the air yesterday, pushing me to try this recipe. My old stove top recipe for Cincinnati chili was my favorite (until now), but was so laborious that I hesitated making it. THIS recipe is easy, versatile, and QUICK! Thank you so very much. <3
The only change I will make next time is slightly less tomato sauce, as I like the flavor of the cocoa to come through a little stronger…based only on personal preference.
Melissa Erdelac says
Thank you so much for writing! This is such a compliment, made my day!
Best,
Melissa
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,
Melissa Erdelac says
You’re so welcome! And I completely agree, it is definitely better after sitting for a day or two.
Best,
Melissa
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!
Melissa Erdelac says
Thanks for taking the time to let me know, Jen! I really appreciate it!
Best,
Melissa
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!
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
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??
Melissa says
Hello,
You can replace the beef broth with chicken. In fact, I do that sometimes when I’ve been out of beef broth.
Best,
Melissa
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..
Melissa says
This is fantastic to hear, Michael! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with me.
Best,
Melissa
Margaret Cain says
This was delicious!
Melissa says
Hi Margaret,
So glad to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Best,
Melissa
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.
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
Gretchen Pike says
Very good! Next time, I would reduce the sugar just a bit. Otherwise, it’s perfect.
Melissa says
Glad you enjoyed, Gretchen! That seems like an easy enough adjustment for next time.
Best,
Melissa
Marci Camenisch says
Can ground lamb be used?
Melissa says
Yep! That wouldn’t be a problem. 🙂
Best,
Melissa
mary mcguire says
Excellent….even better than their chili!!!
Melissa says
Wow! Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Thanks,
Melissa
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.
Jen says
A real shame- you are missing out. And no need to comment if you aren’t a Cincinnati chili fan. Just scroll. 🙄
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.
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
Jennifer says
🙄
Sarah says
It makes me nervous to put raw hamburger meat in the crockpot. Would browning it first be a problem?
Melissa says
Hi Sarah,
No that wouldn’t be a problem at all. You can decrease the cooking time for 2 hours. Enjoy!
Melissa
Holly Conway says
This looks yummy! If I wanted to add Kidney beans to it when would you suggest adding them?
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
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.
Melissa says
Hi Kim,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Best version is quite a compliment!
Best,
Melissa
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.
Melissa says
Hello,
Thanks for the tips! I’m sure other readers will appreciate the variations.
Best,
Melissa
Evy says
Made this tonight in my instant pot amd it was incredible!
Melissa says
Thank you so much Evy! I’m so glad you liked it. Cincinnati Chili is the best, isn’t it?
Tiffanie says
I loved it! My family is getting used to it haha
Melissa says
They’ll learn to love it, but if they don’t cook’s opinion trumps all! Thanks Tiffanie 🙂