Cincinnati chili is a beloved regional dish from Ohio that stands out in the world of chili for its unique flavors and preparation. Unlike traditional Tex-Mex chili, Cincinnati chili has a distinct Mediterranean influence, featuring spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, which give it a warm, aromatic profile. It’s typically served over spaghetti and topped with a variety of garnishes, making it a versatile and comforting meal. This chili isn’t just a dish—it’s a cultural icon in Cincinnati, often enjoyed in “ways” (more on that later) at local chili parlors like Skyline Chili or Gold Star Chili. Whether you’re a chili enthusiast or a curious home cook, Cincinnati chili offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Let’s dive into its history, significance, and a step-by-step recipe to make it at home.
A Brief History of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili traces its roots to the 1920s, when Macedonian immigrant brothers Tom and John Kiradjieff opened a restaurant in Cincinnati called the Empress. They wanted to create a dish that would appeal to their diverse customer base, so they adapted a traditional Greek stew by adding spices and serving it over spaghetti—a nod to their heritage combined with American tastes. The dish became a hit, and over the decades, Cincinnati chili parlors proliferated, each putting their own spin on the recipe. The chili’s signature “ways” system—ranging from two-way (chili and spaghetti) to five-way (chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, and cheese)—became a local tradition, cementing its place in the city’s culinary identity.
What Makes Cincinnati Chili Unique?
Cincinnati chili is thinner than traditional chili, almost like a sauce, and it’s not spicy in the way you might expect. The spice blend, which often includes cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and sometimes cocoa powder, gives it a sweet-savory depth that sets it apart. It’s also rarely eaten on its own; instead, it’s layered with toppings and served over spaghetti or hot dogs. The “ways” system lets diners customize their dish:
- Two-way: Chili over spaghetti.
- Three-way: Add shredded cheddar cheese.
- Four-way: Add diced onions or red beans.
- Five-way: Include both onions and beans, plus the cheese, chili, and spaghetti.
This flexibility, along with its comforting flavors, makes Cincinnati chili a dish that’s both nostalgic and accessible for home cooks to recreate.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cincinnati Chili
Here’s a straightforward recipe to make Cincinnati chili at home. This version serves 4-6 people and can be prepared in about 2 hours, with most of that time being hands-off simmering.
Ingredients
For the chili:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works well for flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving (choose your “way”):
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and warmed (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely diced white onions
- Oyster crackers (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Colander (for draining spaghetti)
- Ladle
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and 4 cups of water or beef broth. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The goal is to create a fine texture, so keep stirring until the beef is fully crumbled and no large chunks remain. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices:
- Once the beef is broken down, add the chopped onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, cayenne (if using), cocoa powder, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Simmer the Chili:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken slightly but remain more like a sauce than a stew. If it gets too thick, add a little more water or broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare the Spaghetti and Toppings:
- While the chili simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Warm the kidney beans (if using) in a small pot or microwave. Shred the cheddar cheese and dice the onions for topping.
- Remove Bay Leaves:
- Once the chili is done simmering, remove the bay leaves and give it a final stir. It should have a smooth, saucy consistency with a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Assemble Your “Way”:
- Place a serving of cooked spaghetti on a plate. Ladle a generous amount of chili over the spaghetti (this is your two-way).
- For a three-way, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- For a four-way, add either diced onions or a spoonful of warmed kidney beans.
- For a five-way, add both onions and beans, ensuring the cheese melts into the hot chili.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve immediately with oyster crackers on the side, if desired. The chili can also be used as a topping for hot dogs (known as a “coney”) or enjoyed on its own with crackers.
Tips for Success
- Texture Matters: The beef should be finely crumbled, almost like a meat sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the chili (before adding toppings) with an immersion blender.
- Make Ahead: Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Spice Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to certain spices, reduce the cinnamon or cloves slightly, but don’t skip them—they’re key to the authentic flavor.
Why Cincinnati Chili is Perfect for Home Cooks
This recipe is ideal for home cooks because it’s relatively simple, uses pantry staples, and can be customized to your liking. The long simmer time allows the flavors to develop fully, but you can also make it in a slow cooker for even less hands-on effort. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids love the spaghetti and cheese, while adults appreciate the complex, spiced flavor of the chili. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a cozy dinner, Cincinnati chili delivers.
Cultural Significance
In Cincinnati, chili isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. Locals debate their favorite parlors (Skyline vs. Gold Star is a common rivalry) and have strong opinions on how many “ways” are best. The dish has even spread beyond Ohio, with Cincinnati-style chili parlors popping up across the U.S. It’s a testament to the power of immigrant cuisine and how food can bring communities together, one comforting bowl at a time.
