Skyline Chili Recipe
This Skyline Chili recipe brings Cincinnati’s famous spaghetti chili to your kitchen. A comforting, meaty dish topped with cheese, onions, or beans!
Ingredients
- For the Chili Base
- 2 pounds ground beef lean, but not too lean — flavor comes from a little fat
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cups beef broth rich flavor, forms the base
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon the secret warm spice
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder adds depth and slight bitterness
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar balances flavors
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon sugar mellows acidity
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Serving
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese the more, the merrier
- 1 cup kidney beans warmed (optional)
- 1 cup chopped onions raw, for crunch
- Oyster crackers classic Skyline garnish
- Hot sauce for those who like a kick
Instructions
- Start with the meat. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add ground beef to 4 cups of beef broth. Yes, broth! This method keeps the beef extra tender and prevents clumps. Bring to a simmer, breaking up the beef until it’s fine and crumbly.
- Add aromatics. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Build the flavor. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, paprika, cocoa powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer low and slow. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for at least 1 ½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and enjoy the smell filling your kitchen — it’s incredible.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste and tweak — maybe more salt, maybe a dash more chili powder, depending on your preference.
- Serve Skyline-style. Spoon chili over hot cooked spaghetti, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, beans, oyster crackers, and hot sauce as desired.
Notes
- Don’t brown the beef first — simmering in broth gives authentic Skyline texture.
- Skyline Chili is mild compared to other chilis. Add cayenne or hot sauce at the table.
- Low and slow cooking is key — simmer at least 90 minutes.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melt.
- Make ahead — tastes even better the next day.
- Freeze-friendly up to 3 months.