When chili comes to mind, we typically envision a fiery, meaty stew filled with beans and served out of a bowl with a side of cornbread. But in Cincinnati, Ohio, chili is a completely different affair. Cincinnati Chili is not your standard Tex-Mex fare — it’s a zesty, Mediterranean-style meat sauce served atop spaghetti and garnished with a host of novel ingredients.

A local favorite and well-known throughout the United States, Cincinnati Chili has become one of America’s most beloved regional foods. Its bold flavors, distinct preparation method, and rich history have made it a culinary destination for food enthusiasts everywhere.

What is Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati Chili is slow-cooked ground beef sauce, flavored with Mediterranean spices such as cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and even chocolate on occasion. It’s often served over spaghetti noodles and buried in a mound of shredded cheese.

It’s unlike standard chili in that it’s thinner in consistency and usually sweet and savory instead of very spicy. The dish was brought to the table by Macedonian and Greek immigrants in the 1920s and has since been a Cincinnati food staple.

History of Cincinnati Chili
The history of Cincinnati Chili started with immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff, who owned a small restaurant named Empress Chili in 1922. It was their aim to establish a meat sauce based on Greek tastes which could be modified for the use of American customers.

Their creative approach to chili attracted locals, and before long, other chili parlors started opening up throughout the city. Now, chains such as Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili are renowned for serving Cincinnati Chili throughout Ohio and the world.

The Popular “Ways” System
Cincinnati Chili is usually ordered through a unique system known as the Ways. The quantity of “ways” indicates what toppings you desire on your chili.

Here’s the rundown:
2-Way: Spaghetti topped with chili.

3-Way: Spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese.

4-Way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, and either onions or beans.

5-Way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans.

You can also order it as a Cheese Coney — a hot dog topped with chili, mustard, onions, and cheese.

Ingredients for Traditional Cincinnati Chili
For the Meat Sauce:
2 lbs ground beef

1 onion (finely chopped)

2 cups beef broth

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 cloves garlic (minced)

Spices:
2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp allspice

½ tsp ground cloves

1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder or a small piece of dark chocolate

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp sugar

For Serving:
Cooked spaghetti

Shredded cheddar cheese

Chopped onions

Kidney beans (optional)

How to Prepare Cincinnati Chili
Step 1: Simmer the Beef
In a big pot, put the ground beef and beef broth. Cook on low heat, mincing the beef into small parts. The broth makes the chili thin.

Step 2: Add Flavor
Put in the onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and all the seasonings. Stir well.

Step 3: Slow Cooking
Cover and cook at least for 1 to 2 hours. The more it cooks, the richer it will be in flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble Your “Way”
Put spaghetti on a plate, spoon over the chili, and add cheese, onions, and beans to taste.

Why is Cincinnati Chili So Popular?
1. Unique Flavor Profile
The blend of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors is unforgettable.

2. Customizable
From 2-way to 5-way, it’s a dish that can be adjusted to your liking.

3. Comfort Food Classic
It’s satisfying, comforting, and ideal for family gatherings or everyday dinner.

4. Rich History
Cincinnati Chili is the product of blended immigrant heritage and American culinary culture.

Tips for Preparing the Best Cincinnati Chili
Slowly simmer the beef at all times for a great, sauce-like consistency.

Grate your own cheddar cheese for optimal melt.

Refrigerate the chili overnight for even greater flavor.

Serve over oyster crackers alongside — the Cincinnati way.

When to Eat Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati Chili is ideal for:

Game day meals

Family dinners

Potluck parties

Late-night comfort food cravings

Celebrating Ohio’s food culture

Final Thoughts
Cincinnati Chili is more than a regional specialty — it’s a flavor, tradition, and culinary innovation celebration. Its strange but irresistible taste has established it as one of America’s go-to comfort foods.

Whether you’re traveling to Ohio or want to recreate it in your own home, Cincinnati Chili is a unique dining experience that you won’t soon forget.