Skyline Chili Recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti With Fire-Red Beans

I’ve perfected this Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans to bring that authentic taste right into your kitchen. The rich aroma of cinnamon and cocoa will fill your home, promising a comforting, hearty meal. This family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need easy dinner ideas that satisfy everyone, even the picky eaters. My family always asks for this easy meal prep chili on Sundays.

Ingredient Essentials and Smart Substitutions

Crafting an authentic Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans starts with quality ingredients. This Cincy-style chili is known for its unique flavor profile, and smart substitutions ensure it fits every household and lifestyle.

• Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner for a healthier option) for a rich base.
• Onion: 1 medium (150g) yellow onion, chopped, for aromatic depth.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (10g) garlic, minced, for pungent flavor.
• Tomato Paste: 6 oz (170g) can, for concentrated tomato flavor.
• Chili Powder: 2 Tbsp (30g) mild chili powder blend, the main chili flavor.
• Cumin: 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin, for earthy notes.
• Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp (2.5g) ground cinnamon, crucial for Cincy-style chili’s unique sweetness.
• Unsweetened Cocoa: 1 Tbsp (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-processed), adds depth and color.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 Tbsp (15ml), for umami complexity.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium beef broth (or regular if that’s all you have, adjust salt later), for simmering liquid.
• Spaghetti: 1 lb (450g) dried spaghetti (whole wheat for added fiber), the traditional bed.
• Fire-Red Beans: Two 15-oz (425g) cans fire-red beans (or kidney beans if that’s what’s in the pantry), rinsed and drained, for heartiness.

For those focused on healthy eating, consider organic ground beef, low-sodium broth, whole wheat spaghetti, and unsweetened cocoa. These choices enhance the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

Low-Carb/Keto options

To adapt this easy meal for low-carb meals or keto diets, serve the chili over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Simply omit the spaghetti and fire-red beans entirely.

Vegan/Vegetarian swaps

For a plant-based version, use plant-based ground “meat” substitutes and vegetable broth. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan to enjoy this family-friendly dish.

Gluten-Free alternative

Making this Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans gluten-free is simple: swap traditional spaghetti for a gluten-free spaghetti alternative. All other ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free.

Look for quality ground beef from a trusted butcher, and check your spices for freshness to ensure vibrant flavors for your Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans. Buying spices in bulk can be a cost-effective strategy for frequent cooking.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Follow these precise steps to create a rich and flavorful Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans that will impress any crowd. With careful attention to detail, you’ll achieve that classic Cincinnati taste.

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or 10-inch Dutch oven, brown 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef over medium-high heat, crumbling it finely with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, leaving just a tablespoon for flavor.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes, releasing its sweet aroma.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in 6 oz (170g) tomato paste, 2 Tbsp (30g) chili powder, 1 tsp (5g) cumin, 1/2 tsp (2.5g) cinnamon, 1 Tbsp (15g) unsweetened cocoa, and 1 Tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute, letting the spices bloom and deepen in color.
4. Simmer the Chili: Pour in 4 cups (960ml) beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If it appears too thick during simmering, add a splash of broth or water (1/4 cup at a time) to maintain a loose consistency.
5. Cook Spaghetti: While the chili simmers, cook 1 lb (450g) spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Add Beans & Finish: During the last 15 minutes of chili cooking, add two 15-oz (425g) cans of rinsed and drained fire-red beans. Let them heat through. Taste the Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans and adjust salt and pepper as needed until the flavor is perfectly balanced.

For quick meals, use pre-chopped onion and minced garlic from the produce section. While a longer simmer develops richer flavors, this Cincy-style chili can be ready in 30-45 minutes of simmering if you’re in a pinch. I find that making this Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans the day before and letting it rest in the fridge overnight truly deepens the flavors, making for an even better meal the next day.

• Spicier Chili: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during simmering.
• Milder Flavor: Slightly reduce the chili powder blend to 1.5 tablespoons.
• Thicker Consistency: Simmer the chili uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp cold water) during the final 10 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Ideal Serving Times and Storage Tips

This Cincy-style chili is perfect for weeknight family dinners, casual gatherings, or game day feasts. It’s always a comforting hit, making it one of my favorite easy dinner ideas.

Serve this Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans with classic shredded cheddar cheese, diced raw onion, and a side of oyster crackers. A crisp green salad or warm cornbread complements it beautifully for a complete meal.

• Fridge: Store cooled chili and cooked spaghetti separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: The chili itself freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating best practices: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Benefits of This Cincinnati Chili

This recipe supports wellness goals by being hearty and fulfilling. This protein-packed meal keeps you full longer, reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks. Using lean ground beef makes it excellent for muscle maintenance, energy, and overall satiety, supporting a healthy lifestyle. Cook a big batch for quick, healthy dinner recipes throughout the week, simplifying your meal planning. Opt for lean beef, whole wheat spaghetti, and mindful portion sizes to support your goals effectively.

This versatile Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans is customizable for various diets, including low-carb if you swap the spaghetti and beans. It’s a satisfying comfort food that can be enjoyed mindfully, providing sustained energy from protein and complex carbs (if using whole wheat pasta).

How This Recipe Solves Everyday Needs

This recipe offers a fantastic solution for fast family meals; it’s quick to prep, and the simmer time is mostly hands-off, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s budget-friendly, using common, affordable ingredients to feed your family economically, providing easy meal solutions.

• Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
• Great for fitness goals due to its high protein content.
• Saves time with excellent batch cooking and freezing options for meal prep recipes.
• Reduces food waste by making delicious leftovers easy to store.

Advanced Tips and Customizations for Your Cincy-Style Chili

For a brighter flavor, a dash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can make a difference. Always use a high-quality beef broth for the richest flavor in your Cincy-style chili.

Create a classic “3-Way” or “4-Way” with distinct layers of spaghetti, chili, cheese, and onions for an authentic Cincinnati presentation.

Offer a “build-your-own” chili bar with separate toppings so kids can customize. For sensitive palates, serve the chili on the side or reduce the spice slightly.

• Dairy-free: Skip the shredded cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative for toppings.
• Nut-free: This Skyline chili recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe choice for many.
• Soy-free: Check the ingredients in your Worcestershire sauce and cocoa powder to ensure they are soy-free if needed.

FAQs

Can this Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans be part of a weekly meal prep plan?

Absolutely! Make a large batch of the chili on the weekend, then portion it out with cooked spaghetti for quick lunches or dinners all week. It reheats beautifully, and I find the flavors actually deepen after a day or two in the fridge, making it even better for meal prep.

Where can I buy fresh Skyline chili ingredients online?

Most major grocery delivery services, such as Instacart or Amazon Fresh, carry all the necessary ingredients. You can easily find fresh ground beef, quality spices, and canned goods through your local store’s app, ensuring you have everything for this easy dinner idea.

Is this Cincy-style Skyline chili suitable for weight management diets?

Yes, by opting for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher), using whole wheat spaghetti instead of white, and practicing mindful portion control, it can be a balanced, protein-rich meal. For a low-carb option, swap the spaghetti for 2 cups of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice per serving.

How do I get that classic “runny” Cincinnati chili consistency?

Cincinnati chili is traditionally thinner than many other chili varieties, designed to drape over spaghetti. Ensure you use enough beef broth as specified and avoid over-reducing it. A longer, gentle simmer uncovered will reduce it slightly without making it overly dense.

Can I make this Skyline chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! First, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop. Then, combine all chili ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook the spaghetti separately when you’re ready to serve this family-friendly meal.

What are “Fire-Red Beans” and can I substitute them?

“Fire-Red Beans” generally refers to kidney beans, sometimes with a touch of added spice. You can easily use regular canned dark or light kidney beans or even pinto beans. If you prefer a spicier kick, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your Skyline chili recipe.

This Skyline chili recipe Cincy-Style Over Spaghetti with Fire-Red Beans is your ticket to an easy, satisfying, and family-approved meal that brings comforting flavors to your table. I love how this hearty Cincy-style chili makes busy weeknights feel special. Save this delicious meal prep recipe on Pinterest for your next family dinner!

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