Did you know that Cincinnati Chili has Greek origins? It’s true! This delicious dish was created by Greek immigrants in the early 20th century. Experience a taste of history and culture with every bite.

I was born in Kentucky. Hence the Beer Cheese, Derby Pie, and Hot Browns. Those last two I’ve made in a few different variations. It will always be home even though I haven’t lived there since I was 7. When I was growing up we used to make over the top chili and slumgullion which we call chili mac often. I do remember Skyline Chili when we moved to Northern Virginia. There was one restaurant in the corner of a strip mall we used to go to just for their chili. I was devastated when they closed.

You’re saying, “What does this have to Cincinnati chili?” Where we lived in Kentucky was pretty darn close to Cincinnati. I am a Cincinnati Reds fan just like Nana. We used to be Bengals fans until we moved to the Washington, DC area. Now I’m a Reskins/Commanders fan. Don’t hate. But living where we did meant we were familiar with Cincinnati chili and all it’s delicious spices and flavors.

What is Cincinnati Chili?

Cincinnati chili is a unique take on the classic chili dish. It has a unique spice blend inspired by Mediterranean spices and flavors. It’s full of what most consider to be sweet spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Then there’s chili spices like cumin and chili powder in this delicious recipe. While my recipe has some cocoa powder in there, the original recipes do not have any chocolate in there. I just like the richness it adds. Like mole chili. And it makes for really delicious chili cheese fries!

Have you heard of pastitsio? Or have you seen my pastitsada meatballs? You should check them out. They’re really delicious and explain how Cincinnati chili sort of came about. The flavors in pastitsio or pastitsada are in Cincinnati chili.

How is Cincinnati Chili different from Texas Chili?

Cincinnati chili and Texas chili both fall under the category of chili. However, while the name says Cincinnati chili it’s more like a sauce that’s used to top spaghetti (two-way) or hot dogs (coneys). There are no beans and it’s claim to fame is both the flavors in the recipe and the way it’s served up. Unlike chili dog sauce, Cincinnati chili is just ground beef with sweet and savory spices in there.

Texas chili is known for its bold, spicy flavors and chunky texture. It can be made with cubed steak like this tomato kidney bean and roast beef chili or coarse ground beef. Then there’s the argument about beans or no beans. There are no beans in Cincinnati chili. And finally, the spice level. My husband measures the spice level by the container of chili powder in the spice drawer. Which I find hilarious. He will add about 2/3 of the container to the pot and that’s the perfect amount for both of us.

Selecting the Right Ingredients for Cincinnati Chili

In order to achieve the authentic taste of Cincinnati chili, it is essential to carefully select the right ingredients because each component plays a crucial role in creating the unique flavor profile that sets Cincinnati chili apart. Lean ground beef is traditionally used to ensure a smooth consistency. I have one of those meat mashers that breaks the beef apart as it’s cooking better than a wooden spoon, but sometimes I process the beef after it cooks. That means I pulse it in a food processor until it’s all fine crumbles more like taco meat from that restaurant.

When it comes to spices, I added cinnamon, allspice, and cloves to mine along with a little cocoa powder for the sweet spices. Then I have cumin, chili powder, bay leaves, and cayenne for the savory spices. Finally, don’t forget the unexpected addition of Worcestershire sauce and vinegar to enhance the overall depth of flavor. These two combine to add that umami flavor and to help elevate the sweet spices in this chili recipe. I used balsamic vinegar in mine for added richness, but some use apple cider vinegar instead.

Finally, there’s the supporting ingredients of garlic, onions, beef broth, tomato juice, and tomato paste. And, don’t shame me, I added some beans to mine. So, that basically makes mine automatically 3 way? There’s a whole list of ways to serve this chili up, but we’ll talk about that later. Yes, I always put tomato juice in my chili recipes. I like the added flavor it brings to the chili party.

Instructions for making the perfect Cincinnati chili recipe

Cincinnati chili, like all chili recipes, are particular in the consistency of the final recipe. Cincinnati chili has fine pieces of tender ground beef in rich beef and tomato broth. It needs to be thin enough to scoop but thick enough to top spaghetti or hot dogs without being watery or thin. It should coat the spaghetti and still look like chili sitting on top. So, the key to a great Cincinnati chili is not to add too much liquid. And if it seems a little too thin, simmer it a little longer so it thickens.

I stirred the tomato paste after adding the broth and juice, but the next time I made it I cooked the tomato paste a little bit before adding the broth and juice to the pot. The Maillard (caramelization) effect by cooking the tomato paste elevates the flavor of the chili. It makes the tomato paste darker and sweeter.

Make sure the tomato paste completely dissolves before adding the rest of the chili ingredients and spices. And then, you wait. Let it simmer. The longer the better. Just make sure to check the liquid and add more if it’s getting too thick. And stir it every now and then to make sure it cooks evenly, and all the spices and flavors are consistent throughout the chili.

What are all the ways you can order Cincinnati chili?

There’s no such thing as one-way. That’s just plain chili and most don’t usually order it by itself. It’s almost always poured over spaghetti. That’s two-way: chili topped with spaghetti. Each “way” adds a new ingredient to the dish.

Three way – spaghetti topped with chili and cheese

Four way – this one has two versions depending on where you order it from. It can be four way bean or four way onion. Mine already has beans in the recipe so you don’t have the option here.

Five way – this is all the toppings! Spaghetti topped with chili, cheese, onions, and beans.

What does this Cincinnati chili taste like?

It is rich and delicious! Just look at how dark that chili is. It has a complex, delicious flavor that your family will ask for time and time again. We make both kinds of chili here. The hubs was on the fence about Cincinnati chili, but he’s grown to enjoy it almost as much as I do. And we’ve even made some to top chili cheese dogs, or coneys as some might call them.

While chocolate isn’t an ingredient in the original recipe, I love the mole type flavor it brings to the chili party. While it’s not an overpowering chocolate flavor, it does add a level of flavor that rounds out the whole chili experience. Finally, the cinnamon and the allspice that add intense flavor and depth to this chili recipe. This Cincinnati chili recipe is full of so much flavor you and your family will love it!