Description
Skyline Chili is a unique Cincinnati-style chili featuring a complex blend of spices including cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar and diced onions for a flavorful, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 6 Tbsp tomato paste (divided, 6 oz. can)
- 5 cups cold water
- 1 lb. ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1 cup, 150g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp molasses
Pasta and Toppings
- 1 lb. spaghetti (uncooked)
- 8 oz. mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup white onion, finely diced (75g)
Instructions
- Gather and prep ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients and prepare them accordingly, including chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- Whisk tomato paste and water: In a large pot over medium heat, whisk 5 tablespoons of tomato paste into 5 cups of cold water until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and smooth.
- Add beef and spices: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and all the spices including chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Bring the mixture to a boil while breaking up the beef with a whisk until the meat is very finely textured.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 1 to 1½ hours. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and reduces to a rich consistency. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the spaghetti: Meanwhile, prepare the spaghetti by boiling it in salted water following package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
- Toss spaghetti with tomato mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the reserved pasta water with the remaining 1 tablespoon of tomato paste until combined. Toss the hot spaghetti in this mixture so the noodles are evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the coated spaghetti and generously spoon the Skyline-style chili over it. Top each serving with shredded mild cheddar cheese and finely diced white onions. Optionally, add oyster crackers and a dash of hot sauce for the classic experience.
Notes
- Simmering the chili for at least an hour helps develop the unique flavor and tenderizes the beef for the traditional texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- Reserving pasta water is crucial for emulsifying the tomato paste and coating the spaghetti evenly.
- Oyster crackers and hot sauce are traditional accompaniments that add texture and a spicy kick but are optional.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cincinnati
