Homemade Cincinnati Chili Recipe

This article REALLY piqued my interest, as I had lived in northern Kentucky (near Cincy) for 14 years. I first encountered Cincinnati-style chili in 1997, when a co-worker was eating some. I’d never before seen chili eaten over spaghetti noodles! That just didn’t seem right to me, even gross. BUT…up to that point, my only experience had been with ‘regular’ chili, not this kind. Since it was a very popular lunch around there, my curiosity got the best of me. I finally tried it, ordering a “3-way”, which is spaghetti noodles, topped with the chili, then topped with shredded cheese. I LOVED IT! Obviously, you can’t compare it to ‘regular’ chili…it’s a completely different style and taste!! Yes, it looks thin and soupy and ugly, but something ‘magic’ happens when served over noodles, and you add cheese & toppings. It’s a unique, very tasty combination. Yes, it’s fattening, but it was definitely a treat at times! Having lived in 9 states, I’d discovered that each place tends to have their own unique foods or dishes; Cincinnati-style chili is that kind of dish for that region. And by the way, I’d always read that Cincinnati-style chili had originated from a Greek family, who had started Skyline Chili. Anyway, this brought back fond memories (ha!). Thanks for this healthier version of Cincinnati chili; I will have to try it!

I grew up in Cincinnati and GOLDSTAR is the best! This is actually more of a “Middle Eastern” chili because of the spices used. (Particularly cinnamon.) Goldstar Chili was in fact founded by four brothers from Jordan. Because my dad’s family hails from an Arab background, this chili has always had a special place in my heart. This recipe looks wonderful. I will have to try it. Still using the spaghetti, though, sorry!

I am very sorry many of you have such rude things to say about Cincinnati, my husband and I go there all the time to visit his family. I am from SoCal and I found the place super charming. Very few fast food restaurants, tons of mom and pop joints. It was clean and people were friendly. The place has a ton of personality (the good kind).

Any who, I am building this chili as we speak, it smells like my mother-in-law’s house. I have roots in eastern Europe, of which this style of food is very popular (so keep talking haters) the spices remind me of a lot of dishes my grandmother used to make. So far, judged by the smell, this chili is going to be wonderful.

I was a little hesitant on this because I’m such a fan chili
with beans – but I made it and loved it, with ground venison of course. I
served it in the traditional ‘four way’ style over spaghetti noodles, with
cheese, and raw onion. YUM. My hubby loved it and so did I. It’s saved in my recipe
folder now. Thanks!