Skyline Chili
A hearty Cincinnati-style chili with aromatic spices and rich flavors, perfect for serving over spaghetti and topped with cheese or onions for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 5 pieces bay leaves ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Combine all ingredients, including browned meat and onions, in a pot.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti, topped with chopped onions or grated cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, allow the chili to simmer longer than three hours if time permits. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a mix of ground beef and pork for added depth. If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a quicker meal, serve with garlic bread or a side salad, which pairs beautifully with this Skyline Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Skyline Chili over a bed of spaghetti for a hearty meal. Top with chopped onions, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness. This dish is perfect for family dinners and game day gatherings. Pair with cornbread or a light green salad for a complete meal that satisfies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Skyline Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skyline Chili contains roughly 322 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2295mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Skyline Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without much attention.
Is Skyline Chili gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products. However, always check your chili powder and other packaged ingredients for any hidden gluten. You can serve it over gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether for a low-carb option.
What can I serve with Skyline Chili?
Skyline Chili goes well with various sides. Popular choices include cornbread, a fresh green salad, or even tortilla chips for crunch. You can also serve it with hot dogs or burgers for a fun, casual meal that everyone will enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).