Skyline Chili(Ala Clark)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Skyline Chili is a rich, flavorful Cincinnati-style chili known for its unique blend of spices and comforting serve over spaghetti. Perfect for casual gatherings, it offers a hearty, savory experience with cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of vinegar, topped with cheese and oyster crackers for a classic finishing touch.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. hamburger
  • 5 c. water
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 large onions
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 16 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. allspice
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. red pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Chop the onions.
  2. Put the hamburger and water in a large pot, then add all the remaining ingredients at once.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
  4. Serve the chili over cooked spaghetti.
  5. Top with Cheddar cheese and oyster crackers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker chili, consider adding a can of kidney beans or black beans. If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper or add diced jalapeños. Using lean ground beef will reduce fat, but you may lose some flavor. To enhance the depth, try adding a dash of cocoa powder, similar to what you might find in some American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Skyline Chili over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a classic presentation. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and a handful of oyster crackers for added texture. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Meat Roll for a fulfilling meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Skyline Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Skyline Chili(Ala Clark) contains roughly 700 calories, with 24g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (88% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 719mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

700 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.2g 48% DV
Total Fat 32.3g 41% DV
Carbs 95.2g 35% DV
Fiber 16.5g 59% DV
Sugar 28.5g 57% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 718.5mg 31% DV
Potassium 2478mg 53% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 192.6mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 33.1mg 37% DV
Calcium 1146.9mg 88% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 use turkey or chicken instead of hamburger?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, so you might want to increase the spices to compensate. Leaner meats will also result in a lighter chili.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Skyline Chili, substitute the hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Increase the spices slightly to maintain flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth. This will ensure a hearty and satisfying dish without the meat.

What can I do if my chili is too salty?

If your chili turns out too salty, you can add a raw potato to absorb some of the saltiness. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then remove the potato before serving. Alternatively, you can dilute the chili with additional water or broth, but be cautious not to lose the flavor balance.

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).

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