Zippy’s Chili Recipe

If you love rich, meaty, and flavorful chili, this Zippy’s Chili Recipe is going to become your new favorite comfort food. Inspired by the famous Hawaiian-style chili served at Zippy’s, this version is hearty, slightly sweet, deeply savory, and perfectly balanced with spices.

This chili is different from traditional mainland American chili. It has a smoother texture, a mild sweetness, and a signature island twist thanks to Portuguese sausage and a touch of mayonnaise. It’s delicious served over rice, just like in Hawaii.

The best part? You can easily make it in an Instant Pot in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, this homemade Zippy’s chili recipe is satisfying, filling, and full of bold flavor.

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What Is Zippy’s Chili?

Zippy’s Chili is a Hawaiian-style chili that became famous at Zippy’s restaurants across Hawaii. Unlike Texas-style chili, this version includes beans and has a smoother, thicker consistency.

What makes it special?

• Ground beef and Portuguese sausage
• A rich tomato base
• Mild but flavorful spices
• A subtle sweetness
• Creamy finish from mayonnaise
• Often served over rice

In Hawaii, chili over rice is a classic comfort meal. It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Zippy’s Chili recipe stands out:

• ✅ Easy Instant Pot recipe
• ✅ Ready in under 1 hour
• ✅ Perfect for meal prep
• ✅ Family-friendly flavor
• ✅ Rich, thick, and hearty
• ✅ Great for large servings (serves 10)

It’s not too spicy, making it perfect for kids and adults. You can also easily adjust the spice level if you like more heat.

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Equipment’s

To make this homemade Zippy’s chili, you will need:

• Burner
• Food Processor
• Instant Pot (or pressure cooker)
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoon
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

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Ingredients With Amounts

Here are the exact ingredients you need:

• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 ½ lb Ground Beef
• 6 oz Redondo’s Portuguese Sausage
• 6 cloves Garlic, chopped
• ¼ tsp Grated Ginger
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• ½ cup Celery, chopped
• ½ cup Bell Pepper, chopped
• 4 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 ½ tbsp Dried Oregano
• 1 ½ tbsp Cumin Powder
• 2 tsp Iberia Red Wine, recommended
• 1 tsp Powdered Chicken Bouillon
• 1 tsp Ajinomoto
• ½ tsp Sugar
• 1 cup Tomato Paste
• 2 cans (15 Oz) Bush’s Kidney Beans, Drained
• 1 can (15 oz) Bush’s Pinto Beans, Drained
• 1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 cups Chicken Broth
• 4 tbsp Kewpie Mayonnaise, Recommended
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 1 ½ tsp Salt

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Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make authentic Zippy’s chili:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop onion, garlic, ginger, celery, and bell pepper on a cutting board. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage

Pulse the Portuguese sausage in a food processor until it looks like ground meat.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add vegetable oil.
Add onion, garlic, ginger, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Meat

Add ground beef and processed Portuguese sausage.
Cook until browned and fully cooked. Break apart with a wooden spoon.

Step 5: Add Spices

Add chili powder, red wine, chicken bouillon, Ajinomoto, sugar, oregano, and cumin.
Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

Turn off sauté mode.
Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, bay leaves, chicken broth, beans, and tomato paste.
Stir gently (do not overmix).

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the vent.
Select chili setting or cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Release Pressure

Once done, carefully release the pressure.
Open lid and remove bay leaves.

Step 9: Add Mayonnaise

Mix in 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Serve

Serve hot over rice and enjoy your homemade Zippy’s Chili.

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Notes

• Do not over-stir after adding beans to prevent breaking them.
• If chili is too thick, add a little more broth.
• The mayonnaise gives authentic Hawaiian flavor — don’t skip it.
• Chili tastes even better the next day.

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Variations

You can customize this Zippy’s chili recipe in many ways:

Spicy Version

Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooker Method

Brown the meat first, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours.

Stovetop Method

Simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Healthier Version

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

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Tips

• Brown meat well for deeper flavor.
• Use good-quality chili powder for best taste.
• Let chili rest 10–15 minutes before serving.
• Store leftovers properly for better flavor development.

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What To Serve With Zippy’s Chili?

Traditionally, it’s served with:

• Steamed white rice
• Macaroni salad
• Cornbread
• Crackers
• Shredded cheese
• Green onions

In Hawaii, chili and rice is the most popular way to enjoy it.

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How To Store Zippy’s Chili?

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.
Let cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat on stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Have a look at our Mar Far Chicken Recipe if you are interested.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can look at our Marc Murphy Carbonara Recipe If you’re interested.

Take a peek at our Red Lobster Baked Potato Recipe if you’re interested.

Conclusion

This homemade Zippy’s Chili Recipe brings Hawaiian comfort food straight to your kitchen. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor from beef, Portuguese sausage, beans, and spices. The creamy finish makes it unique and unforgettable.

Whether served over rice for a traditional island-style meal or enjoyed on its own, this chili is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it once, and it may become your go-to chili recipe for years to come.