If you have been looking for a copycat Cincinnati Chili Recipe, then you will love this super fast version.
Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili has all the flavors of the classic skyline chili, but is made in only minutes in the Instant Pot.
Served over spaghetti and tops with tons of cheese and onions, you will love the unique flavor of this Instant Pot Chili recipe.
Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step
Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili is a delicious Instant Pot Beef recipe.
I am always looking for unique Instant Pot recipes, and this may just be my new favorite! I first tried Cincinnati Chili at one of my favorite Myrtle Beach restaurants, Ritzy’s. They sadly went out of business and I have been dying to recreate the unique flavors of their Cincinnati Chili ever since! The family who owned the restaurant was from Cincinnati and the only thing on the menu was this chili!
I have never actually been to Cincinnati or been to a Skyline, but I have such fond memories of this restaurant that I knew I wanted to try out my own version of their Cincinnati Chili!
Does anyone else have that problem when you can never think of a good ground beef recipe? I pull ground beef out of the freezer the night before which such good intentions, and then dinner time rolls around and I’m stuck! I usually stick with my classic Italian meatball recipe or even switch it up and make my daughter’s favorite porcupine balls, but it is nice to have a wide variety of ground beef recipes. We love chili, but I think I may love Cincinnati Chili even more!
If you have never heard of Skyline or Cincinnati Chili, it is really delicious!
Don’t go in expecting the classic Tex-Mex taste of chili because you won’t find that here! Skyline Chili is a brand out of Ohio that specializes in Cincinnati Chili. It has Greek and Lebanese origins and is actually more of a meat sauce than a traditional chili.
Skyline Chili is served in “ways.” You choose the way, and my favorite is four way, with spaghetti, tons of cheddar cheese, and finely minced onions. You can also make it 5 way and add kidney beans on top! You definitely want to garnish this chili with oyster crackers and hot sauce too!
Chili always tastes best when simmered for hours, but I knew that the Instant Pot could get that same slow simmered flavor in a fraction of the time! This chili turned out so flavorful, tender, and my entire family loved it! Give this copycat of the Cincinnati classic a try anytime you want a unique, but delicious dinner in under 30 minutes!
How to make Cincinnati Chili in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili
Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili is an incredible take on the classic chili recipe. You will love the unique flavors of this Ohio favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced fine
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 6 ounces of tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 cups of beef stock
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Turn your Instant Pot to saute. Once it reads HOT, add oil and then ground beef and onion. Cook beef until browned, and use a potato mashed or wooden spoon to break the meat up into very fine pieces. Once brown add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
-
Turn the saute function off. Add all remaining ingredients and stir well. Put lid on the Instant Pot and turn to Manual or High Pressure and set timer to 25 minutes. Let cook and when the timer beeps, let the pressure out with a quick release.
-
Serve over spaghetti and top with desired toppings. I recommend onions and cheddar cheese.
Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili: Ingredient Swaps, Family-Friendly Add-Ins, and Easy Sides from a Mom Who Loves Comfort Food
As a mom who’s always looking for hearty, satisfying meals that come together quickly, this Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with spices that make the whole house smell incredible—plus, it cooks in a fraction of the time thanks to the pressure cooker. Whether I’m serving it to my husband after a long day or layering it over spaghetti for the kids, this dish never fails to bring everyone to the table.
Cincinnati chili is famous for its unique seasoning and layered serving style, and what I love most is how customizable it is. Below are my go-to ingredient alternatives, flavor-boosting add-ons, and the best side dishes to turn this simple one-pot meal into a full family dinner.
Ingredient Alternatives for Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili
If you’re out of certain ingredients or want to make this chili a little healthier (or just different), here are some easy swaps that work beautifully:
Ground Meat Options
- Use lean ground beef for a classic take, but you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter version.
- For added richness, try a 50/50 blend of ground beef and ground pork.
Tomato Product Swaps
-
If you don’t have tomato sauce, use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. Add a teaspoon of sugar to mimic the sweetness Cincinnati chili is known for.
Vinegar and Cocoa Powder
-
Traditional Cincinnati chili includes apple cider vinegar and unsweetened cocoa powder for depth. If you’re out, white vinegar and dark chocolate shavings can be used in a pinch.
Spice Variations
-
The signature flavor comes from cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. You can adjust based on taste or use a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice for a similar profile.
Broth Options
-
Use beef broth for richness, but chicken or vegetable broth work well if that’s what you have on hand.
Add-Ons and Toppings to Make It Your Own
Cincinnati chili is typically served in “ways”—from 2-way to 5-way—and each layer adds more flavor and texture. Here are some fun additions that make this dish even more kid-friendly or dinner-party ready:
- 2-way: Chili + spaghetti
- 3-way: Add shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-way: Add diced onions or kidney beans
- 5-way: Add both onions and beans
Other mom-approved toppings include:
- Chopped green onions for a fresh bite
- Sour cream to mellow out the spices
- Crushed tortilla chips for texture
- Pickled jalapeños for older kids or spice lovers
- A drizzle of hot sauce for those who like heat
These options also help your blog rank for keywords like Cincinnati chili spaghetti, pressure cooker Cincinnati chili with beans, and kid-friendly Instant Pot chili recipes.
Recommended Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this chili with one or two sides that balance the rich flavors:
- Buttery cornbread or corn muffins
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette to lighten the plate
- Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans for added veggies
- Garlic breadsticks or soft dinner rolls for mopping up sauce
- Coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing for a refreshing contrast
If you’re serving a crowd, set up a Cincinnati chili bar with all the toppings and sides laid out. It’s interactive, fun for kids, and allows everyone to customize their plate just how they like it.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
As a mom, I love meals that work for leftovers—and this one is perfect for meal prep:
- Make the chili ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days
- It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
- Reheat in the microwave or stovetop and serve over fresh noodles or even baked potatoes for a new twist
This Instant Pot Cincinnati chili recipe has become a comforting tradition in our home. It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor—perfect for busy evenings or chilly weekends. With a little prep and your favorite toppings, it’s a meal your family will ask for again and again.
Looking for more Instant Pot Recipes?
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Instant Pot Bacon Wrapped Balsamic Pork
Check out my Must Haves for Instant Pot Cooking
The instructions in the recipe read: “Turn your Instant Pot to saute. Once it reads HOT, add olive and then ground beef and onion.”
Olive…??? There are no olives in the ingredients!
Do you mean to use EVOO as opposed to Canola oil, or do you really add olives and that ingredient was omitted from the ingredients list?
Oops! It is supposed to say add oil! I fixed it, thank you!
As a native from Cincinnati, I’ll have to try this. I love Cincy style chili and can’t get enough. My kids that were born in Texas love it just as much but it’s not for everybody. That said, don’t knock it until you try it!!!
It definitely isn’t for everybody but I definitely love it!! It’s so unique and a great dinner recipe!
I will definitely try this. I have made it before in a dutch oven and it has always turned out good. I just got an instant pot a couple of weeks ago, so I am looking forward to trying this method. I like it on spaghetti, however….it’s great on hot dogs.
This recipe definitely earns the “Ohio expat with a shiny new Instant Pot” stamp of approval. 🙂
Why do you a very light gray font, it is very difficult to see and read!