This paleo Cincinnati chili recipe is a delicious and healthy version of the infamous Skyline chili that you can make at home. And with just a few steps to make, it’s one of the easiest family dinners you’ll make all year.
My family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for about four years when I was growing up. I may not remember a ton about living in Cincinnati, but there are three things that burned into my brain that I’ll never forget – coasters, memories with my sister Breanna, and a love for Cincinnati chili. I’ll give it to you, Cincinnati chili is an acquired taste but once you’ve acquired it, other chilis just don’t compare. Not even my all-time favorite white chicken chili recipe.
My husband isn’t a huge fan of the traditional Skyline chili, so he came up with this version instead. And for me a big fan, it’s close enough to the original to curb my cravings for Cincinnati chili when we can’t get back to Ohio often enough. And the best part of all is that the recipe is simple – meat + spices that simmer together for a while and that’s it. It’s simple and delicious.
You can eat Cincinnati chili however you want – on chips, on hot dogs for coneys, or on pasta for a 3, 4, or 5 way. My favorite way to eat it is on a hot dog with a grilled hot dog, hand shredded cheddar cheese, chili, and topped with oyster crackers. Don’t forget the oyster crackers.
Paleo Cinncinati Chili
Ingredients
- 2lbsground beefpreferably grass-fed
- 4cupslow sodium beef broth
- 16-18ozjar of crushed tomatoespureed until smooth
- 6clovesgarlicminced
- 2TBSapple cider vinegar
- 1TBScoconut aminos
- 1/4cupchili powder
- 1TBSunsweetened cocoa powder
- 1tspcinnamon powder
- 1tspcumin
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1/2tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1/2tspallspice
- 1/4tspground cloves
- 1bay leave
Instructions
- Add the beef and beef broth to a 6 qt pot.
- Break up the beef into very tiny pieces. You could probably do this with a fork, but I find that the best way to do this is to wear gloves and break up the meat with your hands until it almost dissolves into the broth. You're going for a "meat soup" texture.
- Bring to a boil then decrease to a simmer and simmer for half an hour, stirring frequently.
- Add all the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add all the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 3 hours, stirring every so often so that the bottom does not burn. If the chili ever thickens up too much and looks like just ground meat, add a cup of a water and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to an edible temperature.
Cincinnati chili isn’t the only thing you should add to your weekly meal plan for the new year! These 14 other recipes are healthy, quick to make, and perfect for a family dinner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Zoodles from Mom Endeavors | One Pan Salmon & Vegetables from Mom Endeavors | Tomato & Jalapeño Tuna Stuffed Avocados from See Vanessa Craft | Baked Spaghetti from Spaceships & Laser Beams | Paleo Cincinnati Chili from Play Party Plan | Dragonfruit Smoothie Bowls from Happiness is Homemade | Chicken Cranberry Lettuce Wraps from Printable Crush | Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce from Ashlee Marie | Instant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili from A Night Owl Blog | Easy Baked Shrimp Foil Packets from See Vanessa Craft | One Pan Chicken Cacciatore from Happiness is Homemade | Paleo Almond Chicken from Play Party Plan | Fresh Nectarine Salad Recipe from Printable Crush | Lemon Herb Salmon from Ashlee Marie | Southwest Tortilla Salad from A Night Owl Blog
Just don’t forget to make it a 5-way…add the onions and the beans and I’m there.
I’ll give you all the onions! We made this for Christmas Eve and it was a big hit with the fam!