Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 6 oz can of Tomato paste
- 1/2 oz baking chocolate
unsweetened - I use Baker's brand
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
or less, depending on your desired heat level
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/4 lb lean ground beef
Directions
- 1
Add the water to a large pot. I like to use my dutch oven for this.
- 2
Add the tomato paste and chocolate and heat over medium heat stirring to combine for about 3 minutes. (I stir with a whisk to really break up the tomato paste)
- 3
Add chili powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, sugar and vinegar.
- 4
Next, crumble the raw ground beef into the pot with your fingers, then use a potato masher, whisk or fork to break up the meat into very fine pieces.
- 5
Turn heat to high to bring to a boil.
- 6
Once boiling, turn the heat down to med-low.
- 7
Cook, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, at a low boil.. stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened quite a bit.
- 8
Serve over thin spaghetti or a hot dog.
Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of that iconic Cincinnati chili flavor without the trip to Ohio? This homemade Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili recipe brings the unique, savory, and subtly sweet taste right to your kitchen, offering a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to takeout.
What truly makes this recipe stand out is its distinctive aromatic profile. The unexpected addition of unsweetened baking chocolate combined with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves creates a complex depth that’s utterly unique to Cincinnati chili. This blend, along with a touch of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors, transforms simple lean ground beef into a rich, long-simmered sauce that’s far more nuanced than a typical chili.
Prepare for a comforting and deeply flavorful experience. This chili boasts a savory foundation from the beef and tomato paste, beautifully complemented by the intriguing sweetness and warmth of the spice blend. You'll notice a hint of bitterness from the chocolate, which adds to its complexity rather than making it taste like dessert. Unlike thicker, chunkier chilis, this Cincinnati-style version is known for its smoother, saucier consistency, perfect for spooning. It's incredibly satisfying, with a unique warmth that truly lingers.
Tailor this chili to your family's palate by easily adjusting the heat. The red pepper flakes are your secret weapon here; use less for a milder chili or add a little extra if you enjoy a more pronounced spicy kick. While the unique spice blend is essential, you can always experiment with the balance of sugar and salt to find your perfect flavor harmony.
This distinctively flavored chili makes for an incredibly satisfying and comforting meal. It's ideal for a cozy night in, a casual gathering, or simply when you're craving a taste of something truly special and unique. Enjoy this hearty dish as a standalone main or as the star of your next culinary adventure.