Get ready to spice up your life with these 18 mouth-watering Cincinnati chili recipes! The Queen City’s signature dish is a staple for many, and we’re excited to share our favorite variations that are perfect for every occasion. From classic spaghetti-based dishes to vegetarian and vegan options, slow cooker recipes, and even sweet treats, there’s something for everyone in this list.
Whether you’re a die-hard Cincinnati Reds fan, a lover of the city’s iconic chili parlors, or just looking for new ways to spice up your meal routine, these 18 recipes are sure to satisfy. So grab a spoon and dig in – we’re about to take you on a culinary journey through the flavors and flair of Cincinnati chili!
Classic Cincinnati Chili with Spaghetti
Experience the unique flavor of Cincinnati’s signature chili dish, adapted to pair perfectly with spaghetti. This hearty recipe combines rich beef broth, ground beef, and a blend of spices for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb spaghetti
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or grated cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and serve with the Cincinnati-style chili.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili with Lentils
A twist on the classic recipe, this vegetarian take on Cincinnati chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a little water until tender.
2. Add the lentils, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Stir to combine, then add the water and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
A classic twist on traditional chili, this recipe combines ground beef, beans, and tomatoes for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 6-8 hours
– High: 3-4 hours
Cincinnati Chili Cheese Dogs
Get ready to taste the flavors of Cincinnati with this classic recipe that combines juicy hot dogs, creamy cheese, and rich chili.
Ingredients:
– 4 hot dogs
– 1 cup Cincinnati-style chili (use your favorite brand or make your own)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 poppy seed buns
– Optional toppings: diced onions, mustard, relish
Instructions:
1. Grill the hot dogs according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the Cincinnati-style chili in a saucepan over low heat.
3. Assemble the dogs by placing each one on a bun.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of chili over the dog.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
6. Place the hot dogs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and add optional toppings if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Nachos
Experience the flavors of Cincinnati’s famous chili in a new way with these delicious nachos. This recipe combines the classic ingredients of Cincinnati-style chili, including ground beef and tomatoes, with melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortilla chips
– Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
– Optional toppings: chopped onions, sour cream, jalapeños
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir to combine.
4. Add diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
6. Spoon the chili mixture over the tortilla chips.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Skyline-Inspired Cincinnati Chili Dip
Experience the bold flavors of Cincinnati’s iconic Skyline Chili with this easy-to-make dip, perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh bell pepper
– 2 tablespoons Skyline-Style Chili Powder (or regular chili powder)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer mixture to a small baking dish or ramekin.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm and slightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
8. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your Skyline-Inspired Cincinnati Chili Dip!
Gluten-Free Cincinnati Chili
This hearty recipe brings a taste of the Queen City’s famous chili to your table, using gluten-free ingredients that are just as flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp gluten-free chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Stuffed Peppers
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the flavors of Cincinnati chili with bell peppers for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Cincinnati-style chili (use your favorite brand or recipe)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, garlic, chili, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and top peppers with shredded cheese (if using). Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Mac and Cheese
A hearty twist on classic mac and cheese, this Cincinnati-inspired dish combines the comforting warmth of pasta with the bold flavors of chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup ground beef
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chili mixture, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter. Mix until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (if desired).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Chocolate Cincinnati Chili
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the bold spices of Cincinnati-style chili, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, beef broth, cocoa powder, and brown sugar.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Baked Potatoes
Cincinnati Chili Baked Potatoes Recipe
Summary:
Get ready to experience the perfect combination of creamy potatoes and flavorful Cincinnati-style chili! This recipe is a twist on traditional baked potatoes, adding a rich and hearty chili topping.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 baking potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-60 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer the chili for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
7. Top baked potatoes with the Cincinnati-style chili and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Turkey Cincinnati Chili
Experience the flavors of Cincinnati with this twist on traditional chili, featuring ground turkey and a hint of sweet and tangy notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Pizza
This classic recipe combines the flavors of Cincinnati-style chili with a crispy pizza crust, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup Cincinnati-style chili (made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness. Place on baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread Cincinnati-style chili evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Cornbread Casserole
A hearty twist on classic cornbread, this casserole combines the flavors of Cincinnati-style chili with a warm, crumbly cornbread crust. Perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup Cincinnati-style chili (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour half of the cornbread batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with chili and cheese.
7. Spread remaining cornbread batter over top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vegan Cincinnati Chili with Walnuts
Experience the rich flavors of Cincinnati-style chili without the meat! This hearty, plant-based recipe combines tender beans and vegetables with a deep, walnut-infused broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans (canned or cooked from scratch)
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup vegan chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced green chilies
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cooked kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in the chopped walnuts, apple cider vinegar, and diced green chilies. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cincinnati Chili Tater Tot Bake
A comforting twist on traditional tater tots, this recipe combines the flavors of Cincinnati-style chili with crispy tater tots and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 (32 oz) bag of tater tots
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the tater tots according to package instructions. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the canned diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked tater tots in the bottom. Top with the chili mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining tater tots on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cincinnati Chili Cheese Fries
Get ready to experience a flavorful twist on classic cheese fries with this Cincinnati-inspired recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of French-fry potatoes (your favorite brand)
– 1/2 cup of Cincinnati-style chili (such as Camp Washington or local favorite)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the French-fry potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
3. While the fries are baking, heat the Cincinnati-style chili in a separate pan over medium heat.
4. Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Drizzle the warmed chili over the top of the cheesy fries, followed by chopped yellow onion.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Worcestershire sauce to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Enjoy your Cincinnati Chili Cheese Fries!
Cincinnati Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cincinnati Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Twist on a Classic
This recipe combines the flavors of Cincinnati-style chili with the sweetness of roasted bell peppers, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Cincinnati-style chili (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup cooked macaroni
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the chili, macaroni, and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the chili mixture, filling to the top.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering Cincinnati chili recipes! From classic spaghetti dishes to vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for every occasion. Try the Classic Cincinnati Chili with Spaghetti or Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili with Lentils for a comforting twist. Or, get creative with Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili or Cincinnati Chili Nachos. And don’t miss out on unique variations like Skyline-Insired Cincinnati Chili Dip and Spicy Chocolate Cincinnati Chili. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never tire of this spicy staple!
