Skyline Chili 5-Way features a hearty serving of Cincinnati-style chili layered over spaghetti noodles, topped with a generous mound of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a side of rich kidney beans, offering a savory blend of spicy, cheesy, and tangy flavors with a comforting, hearty texture.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 white onion
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
Ground beef should be cooked thoroughly to ensure the chili develops its signature rich flavor. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and allspice is essential for capturing the authentic Cincinnati-style chili taste. Using a sharp chef's knife and a cutting board will make dicing onions quicker and more efficient. You can adjust the amount of shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions based on your preference for a cheesier or milder flavor profile. Skyline Chili 5-Way from the Skyline Chili copycat menu delivers a comforting and savory dish that balances spicy chili with tender spaghetti, creamy cheddar, fresh onions, and hearty kidney beans.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Finely chop onions (separate for chili and topping).
- Grate cheddar cheese and set aside.
- Rinse and drain kidney beans; keep warm in a saucepan.
- In a large pot, combine ground beef and 2 cups water. Break up beef.
- Add the chopped onion (for chili), tomato sauce, chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, cocoa powder, allspice, cloves, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Bring chili mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf and skim any fat from the surface.
- While chili simmers, cook spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain spaghetti using a colander.
- Dice white onion for topping.
- Warm kidney beans in a saucepan; drain before serving.
- To assemble: place cooked spaghetti on plate or bowl.
- Ladle Cincinnati chili over spaghetti.
- Layer with warmed kidney beans.
- Sprinkle diced raw onion evenly.
- Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Skyline Chili 5-Way from the Skyline Chili copycat menu combines Cincinnati-style chili over spaghetti with cheddar cheese, onions, and kidney beans for an authentic, hearty dish. If you lack ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, though the flavor will be milder and less rich. Kidney beans may be replaced with pinto or black beans, adjusting cooking time accordingly to ensure tenderness. Fresh yellow or red onions work well if white onions are unavailable, and pre-shredded cheese offers a convenient alternative to grating your own. Your chili will maintain its signature spicy and savory profile by carefully balancing the key spices even when ingredients vary.
Tips
When cooking Skyline Chili 5-Way, make sure to simmer the chili for at least one hour to allow the complex spice blend, including cinnamon, cocoa powder, and allspice, to fully develop rich flavors. Use a colander to drain spaghetti noodles thoroughly to prevent sogginess when layering your dish. Keep your shredded cheddar cheese cold until serving to maintain its perfect melting texture over the hot chili and beans. You should dice the raw onions finely to offer the right balance of crunch and sharpness without overpowering your layered chili creation.
Nutritions
Skyline Chili 5-Way combines protein-rich ground beef with fiber-packed kidney beans to create a balanced meal that supports muscle repair and digestive health. The spaghetti noodles provide a source of carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the shredded cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D for bone strength. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon contribute antioxidants and may aid in metabolism. You can enjoy a flavorful dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also delivers essential nutrients to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover Skyline Chili 5-Way in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Your cooked chili and spaghetti should be refrigerated separately and consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. For longer storage, freeze the chili mixture without the toppings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish while keeping protein content high. Instead of shredded cheddar, try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier cheese topping. For a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper to intensify heat. Simmering the chili longer helps deepen flavors and tenderize the meat, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your Skyline Chili 5-Way.
Allergies
Skyline Chili 5-Way contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and potential cross-reactants in Worcestershire sauce, which may include soy or fish. The dish also includes kidney beans, which can cause reactions in individuals with legume allergies, and ground beef, which some people may avoid due to meat sensitivities. Be sure to check all ingredient labels carefully to protect your dietary needs and prevent allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Skyline Chili 5-Way combines tender spaghetti, authentic chili made with a unique blend of spices, and generous layers of shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions, delivering a rich, savory flavor that attracts chili lovers nationwide. Its distinct taste, rooted in Cincinnati's culinary heritage, offers a comforting yet adventurous dining experience that you can recreate at home for a fraction of the price. Making the copycat version allows you to customize ingredients and spice levels while enjoying the nostalgia and bold flavors of this iconic dish. Trying the 5-Way recipe brings the perfect balance of textures and tastes straight to your kitchen, making it a worthy addition to your cooking repertoire.