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How to make Cincinnati style chili (Skyline Chili)

How to make Cincinnati style chili (Skyline Chili)

This is a very different style of chili from the traditional southwest style chili, but personally I think it is waaay better.  I know that there are chili purists out there, but seriously, give this stuff a try and you won't be disappointed.  Traditionally this is made only with kidney beans, but I like to add a variety of beans to give it a little more flavor.  And yes, that is spaghetti under the chili.  That's how they serve it at Skyline Chili (famous place that serves this style of chili) in Cincinnati.  Trust me...yummm! 

 
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Step 1Ingredients

Ingredients
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What you will need...This can be a bit pricey the first time only because spices are not cheap! Once you have everything though, you will have plenty of leftover spices for other batches!
-2 lbs lean ground beef
-4 beef boullion cubes
-4 cups water
-1/4 to 1/3 cup chili powder
(to taste)
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
(I tried this once with fresh garlic and it wasn't as good)
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1 to 1 1/2 teaspoon red pepper
(depending on how spicy you like it.  1 teaspoon will make a milder chili, but it will still have a bit of kick)
-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
-1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
-1 bay leaf
-1/2 square unsweetened baker's chocolate
(yes, chocolate in chili...delicious)
-3 tablespoons white vinegar
-4 cans of beans,
rinsed and drained ( I like to use 2 cans of dark red kidney beans, one can of black beans, and one can of white beans)
-1 15 oz. can tomato sauce (just use plain old tomato sauce from a can. Do not use prepared spaghetti sauce as it will affect the ratios of spices and flavors)
-1 large brown/yellow onion (I have seen these called both brown or yellow, just don't use white onion.  Red onion is good too, but it gives the chili a different flavor.)
-1-2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for cooking the onion)
-One package Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (not in the picture...oops) 
-one package of spaghetti or angel hair (optional, but if you want the authentic Cincinnati chili experience, this is how you do it.  Either that or chili dogs)

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23 comments
Oct 24, 2011. 7:20 AMsquarerootofpi says:
Made a pot of this on Friday. It was a huge success and popular with the family and friends. A little sad this morning, because I am eating the last of it for lunch today.

Very easy recipe to follow, cooks up nicely and makes the house smell great while doing so.

Adding this to my list of repeat recipes.

Oct 17, 2010. 3:11 PMdenverrob says:
I am from ohio but now live in Denver and we don't have Skyline chili. I've tried about 20 different recipes and this is the best. Adding beans to the chili isn't traditional--they are usually put on top at the end, but I think it tastes better to cook them in the chili like this recipe calls for.
Jul 4, 2010. 11:24 AMnickstewartroc says:
I must say this has got to be the best chili ever! My girlfriend and I make this all the time and everyone loves it!
Sep 22, 2010. 7:10 AMlignaur says:
http://www.lignaur.ru
Feb 16, 2010. 5:27 PMClayOgre says:
You might mention what size that can of tomato sauce is.  Looks like about a 16oz. can, but I could be wrong.
Feb 15, 2010. 10:06 AMwww.microbike.ie says:

What do you mean by following?

1 can tomato sauce

Do you actually mean tomato puree or ketchup or cooked chopped tomatoes? 

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoon red pepper

Do you mean red pepper or cayenne pepper or paprika powder. 
Feb 13, 2010. 3:52 PMBen.land101 says:
 I decided to make this chili today, and i must say it has a different taste than what i'm used to, but it is some amazing chili.(i just used 3lbs. of beef instead of 2)
Feb 14, 2010. 2:46 PMBen.land101 says:
 and also my whole family also liked it, and of course i think the 3lbs. instead of 2 made it more to what i am used to. 
Feb 11, 2010. 10:47 PMkelseymh says:
Two comments on your ingredients list.  You wrote,

-1 tablespoon garlic powder (I tried this once with fresh garlic and it wasn't as good)

Garlic powder, despite the misleading name, usually has some salt incorporated. You've evolved to like salt (since it was rare while we were evolving).

-1/2 square unsweetened baker's chocolate (yes, chocolate in chili...delicious)

Yowza! You're making a mole chili. Two great tastes that can't help but taste great together. I will have to make this. I think even my wife will like it :-)
Feb 12, 2010. 3:45 PMBright Shadow says:
 Ahh... Skyline Chili makes me proud to be a Cincinnati-an.

And just something I think you should add--when making a chili dog, put a bit of mustard on the hot dog.
Feb 12, 2010. 10:19 AMliljohn says:

dis is awesome

Feb 12, 2010. 10:04 AMtakco says:
I love it!
Feb 12, 2010. 9:45 AMNinzerbean says:
There is a place in my town called Skyline Chili (Ft Lauderdale) and I went in there about 10 years ago thinking they would have all different types of chili, think veggie chili, green chili, steak chili, etc. I walked out once I found out they only had one type of chili. Now I know why, thanks, great 'ible.
Feb 12, 2010. 9:39 AMkissiltur says:
I had a work buddy who swore by this kind of chilli, although he always made it with meat so I never had any. Thanks for the recipe; I will have to give it a try!
Feb 12, 2010. 8:11 AMAmbroziak says:
MMMM.... pile that cheese up high, douse it with hot sauce, get some oyster crackers on there.... I can see it now. I've made this for some friends since i moved out to california, everyone is hesitant at first, but loves it in the end. Awesome instructable, everyone should know about Cincinnati chili.
Feb 11, 2010. 10:49 PMkelseymh says:
By the way, you know that you can go back and edit your I'ble once it's published, right?  So just add the veg. oil (how about olive oi?) to the ingredients list, eh?

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