Yes, Cincinnati chili traditionally contains beans. The classic recipe includes kidney beans, which are typically served either mixed into the chili or as a topping when the dish is served over spaghetti. However, not every version includes beans—some restaurants and home cooks omit them or serve them on the side, so it’s always worth asking if you have a preference.
What Is Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati chili is a unique regional dish that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1920s. It is not a traditional Texas-style chili; instead, it’s a thin, spiced meat sauce that is most often served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The sauce is made from ground beef, tomato paste, and a distinctive blend of spices that typically includes cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and sometimes chocolate or cocoa powder. This sweet-and-savory flavor profile sets it apart from other chili styles.
The dish is famously served in several ways, known locally as “ways”:
- Two-way: spaghetti topped with chili
- Three-way: spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese
- Four-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, and either onions or beans
- Five-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans
Beans are a standard component, especially in the five-way, which is the most complete and popular version.
The Role of Beans in the Recipe
Beans are a defining ingredient in Cincinnati chili. The most common type is kidney beans, though some recipes use pinto or black beans. They are usually cooked separately and added at the end, either mixed into the sauce or used as a topping. The beans add texture and protein, and they help stretch the dish, making it more economical—a key factor during the Great Depression when the recipe was being developed.
In a traditional five-way, the beans are placed on top of the cheese, creating layers of flavor and texture. The beans are typically warm and slightly firm, not mushy, so they hold up well when mixed with the spaghetti and sauce.
How to Choose the Right Beans
If you’re making Cincinnati chili at home, the type of bean you choose matters. Here are common options and how they affect the dish:
- Dark red kidney beans: The classic choice. They have a firm texture and hold their shape well during cooking.
- Light red kidney beans: Slightly softer than dark red, but still a good option.
- Pinto beans: Creamier and milder, they work well if you prefer a softer bean.
- Black beans: Not traditional, but they add a slightly earthy flavor that some enjoy.
Most recipes call for canned kidney beans for convenience. If using dried beans, soak and cook them before adding to the chili. The beans should be cooked until tender but not falling apart.
Does Every Cincinnati Chili Recipe Include Beans?
No, not all Cincinnati chili recipes include beans. Some versions, especially those served at certain restaurants, offer beans as an optional topping. For example, Skyline Chili, one of the most famous Cincinnati chili chains, serves its chili with beans only if you order a “five-way” or ask for beans on the side. The base chili itself—the meat sauce—does not contain beans. This is a common point of confusion, but the beans are a separate component that can be added or omitted.
If you’re following a strict traditional recipe, beans are usually included as part of the full dish, but they are not cooked into the sauce itself. This allows diners to customize their serving.
Common Misconceptions About Beans in Cincinnati Chili
One widespread misconception is that Cincinnati chili is a soup or stew, but it’s actually a thin sauce. Another is that the beans are always mixed into the sauce—they’re not. They’re usually added as a topping or side. Some people also believe that all Cincinnati chili recipes contain beans, but as noted, it varies.
Another misconception is that the beans are kidney beans, but some recipes use other types. The key is that the beans are a supporting player, not the main ingredient. The flavor of the chili comes from the spiced meat sauce, and the beans add texture without overwhelming the dish.
How to Serve Cincinnati Chili with Beans
If you’re serving Cincinnati chili at home, here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling a classic five-way:
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain.
- Warm the chili sauce (if it’s not already hot).
- Place a portion of spaghetti in a bowl.
- Ladle chili over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add a layer of diced onions (if desired).
- Top with a scoop of warm kidney beans.
You can also serve the beans on the side for guests to add as they like. Pair the dish with oyster crackers, which are a traditional accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beans in Cincinnati chili kidney beans?
Yes, kidney beans are the most common type used in Cincinnati chili, particularly dark red kidney beans. Some recipes use pinto or black beans, but kidney beans are the traditional choice.
Can you order Cincinnati chili without beans?
Absolutely. Most restaurants that serve Cincinnati chili will let you omit beans or serve them on the side. The base chili sauce itself typically doesn’t contain beans, so you can easily customize your order.
Why are beans served on top of Cincinnati chili instead of mixed in?
The layering is part of the dish’s identity. Serving beans on top allows each component to maintain its own texture and flavor. It also lets diners control how much bean they get with each bite.
Are beans in Cincinnati chili vegetarian?
Yes, the beans themselves are vegetarian. However, the chili sauce is made with ground beef, so the overall dish is not vegetarian. If you want a vegetarian version, you’d need to use a meatless sauce and add beans.
What if I don’t like beans? Can I still enjoy Cincinnati chili?
Yes, you can order a two-way or three-way, which are spaghetti with chili and cheese, without beans. Many people enjoy the dish without beans, and it’s still delicious.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati chili is a beloved regional dish with a unique flavor profile. Beans are a traditional component, usually served as a topping, but they are not mandatory. Whether you include them or not, the dish is a comforting, savory-sweet meal that has captured the hearts of many. If you’re trying it for the first time, the five-way is the classic way to go—with beans, of course.
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