Skyline Chili (Cincinnati Chili)
Cost $11.70 recipe / $2.92 servingRecreate the famous Skyline flavor with this authentic Cincinnati Chili recipe! The spiced beef sauce is simmered, not browned, and served over spaghetti with cheddar and onions.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp tomato paste (divided, (6 oz. can) $0.86)
- 5 cups cold water ($0.00)
- 1 lb. ground beef (80/20, $5.94)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped, (1 cup, 150g), $0.70)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced, (1 Tbsp) $0.21)
- 2 Tbsp chili powder ($0.16*)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon ($0.06)
- ½ tsp ground allspice ($0.04)
- ¼ tsp ground cloves ($0.02)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ($0.04**)
- 1 tsp ground cumin ($0.04)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.08)
- 1 tsp dried oregano ($0.04)
- 1 tsp salt ($0.04***)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.08)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar ($0.04)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ($0.02)
- 1 tsp molasses ($0.06 )
For Serving
- 1 lb. spaghetti (uncooked, $0.98)
- 8 oz. mild cheddar cheese (finely shredded, $1.94****)
- ½ cup white onion (finely diced, (75g) $0.35)
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients.
- In a large pot, whisk 5 Tbsp of tomato paste into 5 cups of cold water over medium heat until fully dissolved.
- Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, all spices, vinegar, Worcestershire, and molasses. Bring to a boil, breaking up the beef with a whisk until it’s very fine in texture.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 1-1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and reduced. Taste for seasoning, adjust if need be.**
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large bowl, whisk the reserved pasta water with the remaining 1 Tbsp tomato paste. Toss the hot pasta in this mixture to coat evenly.
- Spoon the Skyline-style chili generously over the pasta and top with shredded cheddar and diced onion. For an optional classic touch, add oyster crackers and a dash of hot sauce.
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Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Braiser
- Large Pot
Notes
*Chili powder is a mild blend of chilies and other spices used to season chili. You can also use our homemade chili seasoning in place of store-bought chili powder.
**Cayenne adds a touch of heat; skip it for a milder version.
***Salt may need adjustment depending on your tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Taste before serving.
****Traditional Cincinnati chili uses finely shredded mild cheddar for that signature fluffy texture. Always shred your own cheese for the best melt.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (4 oz. pasta + 1 cup chili with toppings)Calories: 1008kcalCarbohydrates: 101gProtein: 50gFat: 45gSodium: 1330mgFiber: 8g
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