Cincinnati Chili has a style all its own. It isn’t just another regional twist—it’s a whole different beast. With unexpected ingredients and a flavor profile that sets it apart from the traditional chili crowd, it’s proudly unique. One of its biggest draws? You can customize it exactly how you like, and no one’s going to give you the side-eye for adding beans or pasta. In fact, that’s part of the charm—judgment-free chili for all.
One to Five-Way Chili
It all starts with the base chili. From there, you build your way up:
- Two-Way: Chili + shredded cheese
- Three-Way: Add chopped onions
- Four-Way: Your choice—either beans or spaghetti
- Five-Way: The full lineup—chili, cheese, onions, beans and spaghetti
- Tim’s Way: The full lineup with sliced deli jalapenos
No matter how you order, every version comes with a side of oyster crackers. Cheese and onions are piled on top, while beans and spaghetti go underneath. It’s all designed to be devoured with enthusiasm.
A Slice of History
Cincinnati is home to more than 250 chili parlors, from mom-and-pop diners to large chains. Many have a nostalgic 1950s vibe—long counters, red vinyl stools, jukeboxes, and a layout built for fast service and hungry lunch crowds. The menus stretch beyond chili to include coneys, frito pies, and more—but chili is the centerpiece.
This regional phenomenon got its start in the 1920s, thanks to Greek immigrants who brought their own twist to traditional stew recipes. From there, it flowed down the Ohio River, making its way to my hometown of Louisville. Today, chains like Skyline and Gold Star carry the torch across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and even Florida.
If you find yourself in Cincinnati, don’t miss local legends like Camp Washington, Chili Time, Cretan’s Grill, Dixie Chili, or Empress. Each one offers its own spin on the Queen City staple. Not nearby? No problem—just whip up a batch at home and enjoy it your way!
Let’s Make Cincinnati Chili
Add the water and hamburger to a large soup pot and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes while chopping and stirring to break up the meat.
Lower the heat to medium and add the chocolate and tomato paste and stir until melted. Lower the heat to a low simmer and make sure the hamburger is completely broken up.
Add the remaining ingredients, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook 1-1/2 to 2 hours on a low simmer until it has thickened.
Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati style with ground beef, Greek seasoning, cinnamon and chocolate
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Basic Chili
- 1–1/4 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 5 cups water
- 3/4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 TBL apple cider vinegar
For the “Ways”
- 1 lb mild cheddar cheese – finely shredded
- 1 small onion – diced
- 1 can kidney beans – warmed
- Thin spaghetti
- Sliced deli jalapenos
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- Add the water and hamburger to a large soup pot and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes while chopping and stirring to break up the meat
- Lower the heat to medium and add the chocolate and tomato paste and stir until melted
- Lower the heat to a low simmer and make sure the hamburger is completely broken up
- Add the remaining ingredients, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook 1-1/2 to 2 hours on a low simmer until it has thickened