Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili

Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili — Indulge in a taste of the Midwest with our Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili recipe.

In just a fraction of the time, you’ll savor the comforting flavors of this iconic chili dish, complete with its signature blend of spices and toppings that make it an absolute classic.

Skyline chili is known for its perfect medley of unexpected spices, making this a delicious recipe at home! It’s one of my favorite recipes; the whole family loves it!  It truly is the best chili recipe! 

What You Need To Know About Skyline Chili Restaurants

• Cincinnati’s Culinary Icon: Skyline Chili is an integral part of Cincinnati’s culinary heritage and has been serving its signature chili recipes for decades. It’s considered a local institution and a point of pride for Cincinnati residents.
• Chili with a Twist: Skyline Chili is renowned for its unique take on chili. It features a sweet and slightly saucy ground beef served over spaghetti, often accompanied by toppings such as finely shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and canned kidney beans. This distinctive flavor comes from a unique blend of spices, including cinnamon and cocoa.
• “Ways” of Serving: Skyline Chili offers different ways of serving their chili dishes, which can be customized to your liking:
  • 3-Way: Chili, spaghetti, and cheese.
  • 4-Way: Chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions (usually raw, diced onions).
  • 5-Way: Chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and kidney beans.
• Menu Variety: While Skyline Chili is famous for its chili dishes, its menu also includes items like coney dogs (hot dogs), chili burritos, salads, and loaded potato dishes. They even offer vegetarian versions for those who prefer meatless options.
• Consistency and Quality: Skyline Chili restaurants pride themselves on the consistency and quality of their food. They use fresh ingredients and maintain a commitment to delivering the same great taste that customers have come to expect.
• Community Involvement: Skyline Chili is actively involved in the communities where it operates. They often support local charities and initiatives, contributing to their reputation as a good corporate citizen.
• Expanding Beyond Cincinnati: While Skyline Chili’s roots are in Cincinnati, they have expanded beyond Ohio, with locations in several other states. However, most of their restaurants are still concentrated in the Cincinnati area.
• Frozen Products: Skyline Chili also offers frozen retail products, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite dishes at home. These products are available in supermarkets in various regions.
• Cult Following: Skyline Chili has a dedicated fan base that includes both locals and visitors who make it a point to enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants whenever they are in Cincinnati.
• Nostalgia and Tradition: Many people have fond memories of visiting Skyline Chili with family and friends, making it a cherished part of Cincinnati’s food culture and a nostalgic dining experience.

If you can visit Cincinnati or one of the areas where Skyline Chili has a presence, trying their unique chili dishes is a must to appreciate this iconic regional cuisine fully.

What Is Skyline Chili?

Skyline Chili is a beloved regional specialty hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio. Its unique chili style is characterized by its rich, spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti, typically topped with finely shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans. What sets Skyline Chili apart is its secret blend of spices, including cinnamon and cocoa, which impart a sweet and slightly exotic flavor to the chili. It’s often enjoyed as a 3-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), 4-way (with onions or beans), or 5-way (with both onions and beans) dish. Skyline Chili has a dedicated following and is a cherished part of Cincinnati’s culinary heritage.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili for several compelling reasons:

• Time-Efficient: With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Skyline Cincinnati Chili in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option.
• Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the iconic and unique flavor profile of Skyline Chili, with its blend of spices that include cinnamon and cocoa, delivering that sweet and savory sensation that fans of the dish adore.
• Customizable: Just like at the restaurant, you can customize your chili with your choice of spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans to create your perfect “way,” making it adaptable to your preferences.
• Family Favorite: Skyline Chili is a crowd-pleaser loved by all ages, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings, and this recipe ensures everyone gets their fill of comfort food.
• Perfect for Game Days: Whether it’s game day, a cozy evening in, or a special occasion, this dish adds a touch of Midwest comfort to any gathering and will impress your guests.
• A Taste of Cincinnati: Even if you’re far from Cincinnati, this recipe brings the city’s cherished chili straight to your kitchen, allowing you to savor its iconic taste no matter where you are. Nothing better than a taste of the Buckeye State.
• Make It Your Way: While this recipe pays homage to the classic Skyline Chili, you can adjust the spice level, toppings, and serving style to suit your unique taste.
• Leftovers are Delicious: Leftover Cincinnati Chili makes for excellent meals the next day, whether served over hot dogs, as a topping for nachos or as a delicious pasta sauce.

In summary, this Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili recipe offers you a convenient and faithful way to enjoy the distinctive flavors of this beloved regional dish, ensuring that it becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chil

To recreate the unmistakable flavors of Cincinnati’s beloved Skyline Chili in your Instant Pot, you’ll need an array of carefully selected ingredients to form the heartwarming dish many adore. From ground beef to a medley of spices and essential toppings, each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the iconic taste of authentic Cincinnati chili.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.​

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef serves as the protein base for the chili, providing hearty texture and flavor. 
• Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds a savory and aromatic element to the chili, enhancing its depth.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chili with a delightful hint of pungent sweetness and flavor.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a key spice that gives Skyline Chili its distinctive and slightly sweet taste.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder complements the spices, contributing to the chili’s unique flavor.
• Chili Powder: This spice blend adds heat and depth of flavor, essential for that classic chili kick.
• Ground Allspice: Ground allspice brings warmth and a touch of earthiness to the chili’s spice blend.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These pantry staples season the chili, balancing the spices and enhancing the overall taste.
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce forms the chili base, providing a rich and savory backdrop for the flavors to meld.
• Water: Water is necessary to create the chili’s desired consistency and ensure the spices are well-distributed. You can also use beef broth for additional flavor. 
• Spaghetti: Cooked spaghetti serves as the traditional base for Skyline Cincinnati Chili, providing a hearty foundation for the meat and sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous topping of finely shredded mild cheddar cheese is a signature element of this dish, adding creamy richness and flavor.
• Chopped Yellow Onion (optional): For those who prefer the “4-way” or “5-way” version, additional chopped yellow onion can be used as a topping.
• Canned Kidney Beans (optional): If you’re opting for the “4-way” or “5-way,” canned kidney beans are the final topping component.

These carefully chosen ingredients and precise techniques will guide you toward creating a memorable batch of Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili that’s true to its iconic roots.

How To Make Copycat Skyline Chili Recipe In Instant Pot

Making Skyline Cincinnati Chili in your Instant Pot is a breeze, and you’ll savor the iconic flavors of this beloved dish in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Sauté Ground Beef: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the uncooked ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Spices and Seasonings: Add the ground cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder, chili powder, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices evenly.

Tomato Sauce: Pour in the can of tomato sauce, followed by the water. Stir to combine, ensuring that the spices are well-distributed in the liquid.

Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure. Set cook time for 15 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Serve: To assemble the chili, place a serving of cooked spaghetti on a plate or in a bowl. Ladle the Skyline Cincinnati Chili over the spaghetti.

Toppings: For the traditional “3-way,” sprinkle finely shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili. For a “4-way,” add chopped yellow onions on top of the cheese. For a “5-way,” include canned kidney beans as the final layer.

Enjoy: Serve your Instant Pot Skyline Cincinnati Chili hot and enjoy this beloved Midwestern dish’s delicious, iconic taste.

This recipe offers a convenient way to savor the unique flavors of Cincinnati Chili in the comfort of your own home. Customize it with your preferred toppings, and enjoy this comforting classic!

Recipe Variations Instant Pot Cinnnacini Chili

While traditional Skyline Cincinnati Chili is a beloved classic, you can get creative and try exciting variations to suit your taste. Here are some recipe variations for Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili:

• Spicy Cincinnati Chili: Add extra heat to your chili by increasing chili powder or incorporating diced jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili: For a meatless version, omit the ground beef and replace it with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or cooked lentils. You can also add extra beans for protein and substance.
• Turkey Cincinnati Chili: Substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option that’s still full of flavor. Turkey pairs well with the signature Cincinnati Chili spices.
• Cincinnati Chili Mac: Combine your love for Cincinnati Chili with macaroni and cheese by serving the chili over cooked elbow macaroni. Top with cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Chili Dogs: Spoon Cincinnati Chili over hot dogs in buns and top with cheddar cheese, diced onions, and mustard for a classic Cincinnati Chili Dog. This hot dog sauce can not be beaten!
• Chili Spaghetti Bake: Mix cooked spaghetti with Cincinnati Chili, add a layer of cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole.
• Greek Cincinnati Chili: Add a Mediterranean twist by serving Cincinnati Chili over rice and topping it with crumbled feta cheese and diced tomatoes.
• Sweet Potato Cincinnati Chili: Incorporate cubed sweet potatoes and brown sugar for added sweetness and texture. They pair beautifully with the spices.
• Cincinnati Chili Tacos: Use Cincinnati Chili as a unique taco filling, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
• Cincinnati Chili Pizza: Use Cincinnati Chili as a pizza topping and mozzarella cheese. Add diced onions, black olives, and diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Vegan Cincinnati Chili: Create a vegan version using plant-based meat substitutes or lentils, and ensure your tomato sauce is vegan-friendly. Top with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Gluten-Free Cincinnati Chili: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or rice for serving, and verify that your spices, tomato sauce, and other ingredients are gluten-free.

These variations offer a range of exciting flavors and options, allowing you to put your own unique spin on the classic Cincinnati Chili while still savoring its distinctive taste.

Pro Tips Instant Pot Skyline Chili

To achieve the best results when making Instant Pot Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili, consider these pro tips:

• Searing the Meat: While the Instant Pot has a sauté function, it’s optional but recommended to sear the ground beef before adding the other ingredients. Searing enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
• Even Spice Distribution: Evenly distribute the spices throughout the meat mixture to ensure a consistent flavor in every bite.
• Cocoa and Cinnamon: Cocoa and cinnamon are key to the unique flavor profile of Cincinnati Chili. Use them as specified in the recipe, but feel free to adjust to your taste preference for subtle or bold sweetness and spice.
• Adjust Liquid: If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water slightly. Conversely, if you want a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more water.
• Natural Release: Allowing for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and prevents hot liquid from spurting out when you release the remaining pressure.
• Toppings Galore: Cincinnati Chili is all about the toppings. Don’t be shy—pile on the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans if you’re going for the “5-way.” Customize your chili to your heart’s content.
• Serve Over Spaghetti: Traditionally, Cincinnati Chili is served over the top of spaghetti noodles. To achieve the authentic experience, ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente and drained well before serving.
• Leftovers Get Better: Like many chili dishes, Cincinnati Chili tastes better the next day. The flavors meld, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dish.
• Freezing: Cincinnati Chili freezes well. Store leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags for future quick and easy meals.
• Spice Adjustment: Cincinnati Chili spices can vary from person to person. Taste your chili before serving, and adjust the seasonings (cinnamon, cocoa, and chili powder) to your liking. For added spice, add cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Double the Batch: Cincinnati Chili is excellent for batch cooking. Consider making a larger quantity and freezing portions for convenient future meals.
• Experiment with Toppings: While the classic toppings are cheese, onions, and beans, feel free to experiment with additional toppings like hot sauce, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños for added flair.

By following these pro tips, you’ll master the art of making Cincinnati Chili in your Instant Pot and create a dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Midwest classic!

Faq’s

What makes Cincinnati Chili unique? Cincinnati-style chili is unique due to its sweet and slightly exotic flavor profile, which includes spices like cinnamon and cocoa. It’s traditionally served over spaghetti with various toppings.

Can I use ground turkey or a meat substitute instead of beef? You can substitute ground turkey or a meatless alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) if you prefer a different protein source. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

How spicy is Cincinnati Chili? The level of spiciness can vary. Cincinnati Chili typically has a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or other hot spices.

Can I make Cincinnati Chili in advance? Yes, Cincinnati Chili often tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for convenient reheating.

How do I reheat Cincinnati Chili? Reheat Cincinnati Chili by placing it in a microwave-safe container and heating it in short intervals, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or tomato sauce to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze Cincinnati Chili? Yes, Cincinnati Chili freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months.

What are the traditional toppings for Cincinnati Chili? The conventional toppings for Cincinnati Chili are shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onions, and canned kidney beans. These can be combined to create the “3-way,” “4-way,” or “5-way” versions. You can serve it with crackers or oyster crackers for a traditional chili recipe. 

Is it necessary to use spaghetti, or can I use a different pasta? While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can experiment with different types of pasta if you prefer. Some people enjoy Cincinnati Chili over macaroni or other pasta shapes.

Can I make Cincinnati Chili with gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free option? You can use gluten-free pasta or rice to make Cincinnati Chili, ensuring it suits your dietary preferences and needs.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot? While this recipe uses an Instant Pot for convenience, you can make Cincinnati Chili on the stovetop, crock pot, or in a slow cooker. Adjust the cooking times and methods accordingly.

Store leftover chili in an airtight container that lasts 2-3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, place the chili in a freezer-safe container; the leftover chili will last for 1-2 months.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT VEGETARIAN CHILI
• INSTANT POT WENDY’S CHILI COPYCAT RECIPE
• NINJA FOODI SOUTHWESTERN CHILI
• INSTANT POT CHILI CON CARNE

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