Cincinnati “Skyline” Chili

Dissolve the Bouillon: In a small bowl, stir the Better Than Bouillon (1 teaspoon) into 1/4 cup hot water until fully dissolved; set aside.

Build the Flavor Base: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large Dutch oven and heat over medium. Stir in the tomato paste (1/2 cup) and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize it.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil, onions (1 1/2), and garlic (4 cloves), then cook for 6–8 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef (2 pounds) and cook and crumble until there is no longer any pink in the beef.

Toast the Spices: In a small skillet (no oil yet), add chili powder (¼ cup), cumin (1 ½ teaspoons), cinnamon (½ teaspoon), allspice (½ teaspoon), and cayenne (1 teaspoon, if using). Cook over medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Stir in the toasted spice mixture and continue to cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in water (3 3/4 cups), tomato sauce (1 ½ cups), apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons), Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), soy sauce (1 tablespoon), cocoa powder (1 tablespoon), decaf coffee crystals (1 teaspoon), brown sugar (2 ½ teaspoons), salt (1 1/2 teaspoons), and bay leaf (1).

Long Simmer: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 2 ½ to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The chili should gently thicken into a sauce-like consistency (coats the back of a spoon but still pourable). If it reduces too quickly, cover partially with the lid tilted; if it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Adjust & Finish:Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust:Too acidic? Add ½ teaspoon more brown sugar.Too heavy? Add a splash more vinegar.Needs more punch? Add salt to taste.

Rest (Optional but Recommended): For the richest flavor, cool completely, refrigerate overnight, then reheat gently the next day. The spices meld beautifully.

Serve the Skyline Way:Spoon hot chili over spaghetti. Add toppings as desired:2-Way: Chili + spaghetti3-Way: Chili + spaghetti + cheddar4-Way: Add onions or beans5-Way: Add onions and beans