Skyline-Inspired Cincinnati Chili
This Skyline-Inspired Cincinnati Chili is a beloved classic that brings the flavors of the Midwest right to your kitchen. This unique chili features a blend of spices including a hint of cinnamon, setting it apart from traditional chili recipes. It's perfect for serving over a steaming bed of spaghetti or as a hearty topping for chili dogs. Your family will adore the rich, savory depth of this dish, especially with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Whether enjoyed on game day, at a family gathering, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy to make and packed with comfort!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chuck
1 1/2 lbs (fresh)
Onions
2 cups (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (fresh)
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (fresh)
Ground Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (fresh)
Ground Cloves
1 dash (fresh)
Tomato Juice
4 cups (canned)
Kidney Beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
Spaghetti
16 ounces (hot, cooked, and slightly buttered)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large (6 qt) stockpot over medium-high heat, brown the ground chuck along with the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat until it is well-cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the chili powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of ground cloves to the pot, stirring well. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
3
Pour in the tomato juice and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
After 30 minutes, stir in the drained kidney beans. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Prepare your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once drained and slightly buttered, serve the spaghetti topped with the Cincinnati chili and a generous mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skyline-Inspired Cincinnati Chili?
It is a unique, Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti, popularized by the Skyline Chili restaurant chain in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How does Cincinnati chili differ from traditional Texas chili?
Unlike chunky Texas chili, Cincinnati chili has a thinner consistency and uses warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and is traditionally served over pasta.
What are the key spices in this recipe?
The signature flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a dash of ground cloves.
What type of meat should I use?
This recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of ground chuck for a rich, savory flavor.
Is the spaghetti mixed into the chili?
No, the chili is served as a topping over a steaming bed of buttered spaghetti.
What kind of cheese is best for Cincinnati chili?
A generous mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese is the traditional and recommended choice.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili simmers for an initial 30 minutes, followed by an additional 15 minutes after the beans are added.
Are beans included in this recipe?
Yes, two 15-ounce cans of kidney beans are stirred into the chili during the final stages of cooking.
Can I use this recipe for chili dogs?
Yes, this recipe makes an excellent hearty topping for chili dogs, often referred to as 'Coneys'.
Why do I need to cook the spices for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid?
Cooking the spices with the meat and onions for a few minutes 'blooms' the spices, enhancing their natural flavors and aromas.
Can I substitute the tomato juice?
Tomato juice provides the specific thin consistency needed for this style; if you use tomato sauce, you may need to thin it with water or beef broth.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is aromatic and flavorful rather than 'hot' spicy. The cinnamon and cloves provide a warm depth rather than heat.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the ground chuck and onions to prevent the chili from being too oily.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, Cincinnati chili often tastes better the next day as the spices have more time to meld together.
How do I prevent the chili from sticking to the pot?
Ensure you stir the pot occasionally while it is simmering on low heat, especially after the beans are added.
What size stockpot is recommended?
A large 6-quart stockpot is ideal for browning the meat and simmering the liquid components.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version of the dish, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is the spaghetti buttered?
The recipe suggests slightly buttering the drained spaghetti before topping it with chili for extra richness.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves to be cooked with the onions and meat.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, its mild flavor and familiar pasta base make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Cincinnati chili?
Yes, the chili portion freezes very well. Simply thaw and reheat, then serve over freshly cooked spaghetti.
What are the kidney beans for?
In Cincinnati chili terminology, adding beans makes it a '4-Way' or '5-Way' style, adding texture and protein to the dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of juice?
While you can use fresh tomatoes, you would need to blend and strain them to match the smooth, liquid consistency of tomato juice.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this specific recipe does not add extra sugar, relying on the tomato juice and warm spices for flavor.
What type of onions are best?
Yellow or white onions work best for browning with the meat.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales well for game days or large family gatherings.
Is this dish considered gluten-free?
The chili sauce is gluten-free, but you would need to serve it over gluten-free pasta or a baked potato to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Can I add more cloves?
Ground cloves are very strong, so start with the recommended 'dash' before deciding to add more.
What makes it 'Skyline-Inspired'?
It mimics the flavor profile of the famous Cincinnati restaurant chain, specifically using the cinnamon and clove spice notes they are known for.