With rich Portuguese sausage, tender ground beef, and a medley of flavorful seasonings, this bowl of chili is a celebration of Hawaiian island-style comfort food.
Plus, it’s easy to make in the slow cooker, so you can focus on spending time with family and friends rather than spending all day in the kitchen.
Gina’s Recipe Highlights For Zippy’s Chili
This Zippys chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its rich, slow-cooked flavor and hearty mix of ground beef, Portuguese sausage, and bold spices. Perfect for gatherings, this comforting dish brings the taste of Zippy’s in Hawaii to your table, making every meal feel warm and welcoming.
With simple steps, this chili is beginner-friendly, making it an easy go-to recipe for any home cook. Using a slow cooker saves time by letting the flavors develop while you focus on hosting or spending time with loved ones.This recipe is budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd. To make prep even smoother, chop the veggies ahead of time or use pre-diced options for convenience. If you can’t find Portuguese sausage, Spanish chorizo works beautifully for a similar depth of flavor.
This recipe was great! The consistency & overall “look” was almost identical to our beloved Zippy’s chili but with just a few tweaks, it turned out even better! (According to the Ohana!) I wish I could post a photo – Mahalo for sharing this with us!
— Juliana
Tips Before You Get Started
- The ground beef and Portuguese sausage cook more evenly if taken out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Chop the onion, celery, and bell pepper ahead of time for a smoother cooking process. Also, measure the spices, broth, and Worcestershire sauce for easy addition.
- You’ll need a large pan or Dutch oven for browning the meat and a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking and deep flavor development.
Ingredient Tips For Zippy’s Chili
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground beef: Choose 90/10 lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less grease.
- Portuguese sausage: Look for authentic Portuguese sausage at specialty markets, or substitute with Spanish chorizo for a similar smoky flavor. Dice it into small, even pieces so it blends well with the beef and creates a rich, meaty base.
- Vegetables: Choose shiny, firm green bell peppers and fresh celery with bright green stalks. Yellow onions work best for this copycat Zippy’s chili recipe.
- Tomato paste: Opt for double-concentrated tomato paste for a richer flavor. The ingredients should only be tomatoes and not preservatives or added sugars.
- Beef base and chicken base: Look for Better Than Bouillon or similar high-quality pastes instead of bouillon cubes for deeper flavor.
- Beef broth and chicken broth: Go for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish. Before using, shake or stir to redistribute some of the ingredients that settled at the bottom of the container.
- Beans: Zippy’s use dark red kidney beans for their hearty texture. You can omit or switch them out to your favorite beans like pinto beans which are less dry tasting. If using canned, drain and rinse the beans before adding them to remove excess sodium and starch.
Seasonings
- Worcestershire sauce: Purchase a trusted brand of Worcestershire sauce like Lea & Perrins for the best depth of flavor.
- Ginger: Use fresh ginger that’s firm and unwrinkled. Before grating, peel the skin with a spoon.
- Chili powder: Look for pure chili powder without additives. If you prefer a milder chili, go for a mild or medium blend rather than an extra-hot version.
- Cayenne pepper: Choose 100% cayenne pepper without additives. Double the amount of cayenne pepper if you like the chili spicy or omit it if you don’t like the extra heat.
- Paprika: The restaurant uses oleoresin of paprika for flavor and color, but you can use regular paprika for this copycat recipe.
Let me put this to rest. Under the allergen ingredients on Zippy’s website, they do not list eggs in their chili. Since mayo is basically eggs and oil, it is safe to say there is no mayonnaise in Zippy’s Chili.
Zippy’s restaurant did share a copycat recipe for their chili. They posted on their Facebook page 11 years ago a photo of the recipe printed in the newspaper.
Since Zippy’s posted the recipe publicly, I’m wondering if this recipe was a diversion from what is really in their chili. If you know, leave a comment below. 
How To Make Zippy’s Chili Recipe
Making this chili recipe at home lets you enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of this Hawaiian classic, perfect for bringing family and friends together over a comforting meal.
Step 1: Cook The Meat And Add Veggies
Start by heating a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced Portuguese sausage, letting them sizzle as they release their savory aroma. As the meat browns, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small, crumbled pieces for a perfect chili texture.
Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease, then transfer the flavorful meat mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Now that the foundation of your chili’s bold, smoky taste is set, stir in the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste, Worcestershire, And Ginger
Once all your veggies are in, mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef base, and chicken base. These ingredients provide a bold, umami-packed richness that enhances the slow-cooked flavor. Finally, grate in fresh ginger, stirring everything together so the warm, slightly spicy notes blend seamlessly into the dish.
Step 3: Mix In Spices, Broth, And Slow Cook
Now, it’s time to add those signature spices, so sprinkle in the chili powder, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Next, pour in the chicken broth and beef broth, stirring gently to combine. If you’re using kidney beans, stir them into the pot.
Once done, cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours. When it’s ready, give it a final stir, taste for seasoning, and serve it warm. Whether ladled over rice, topped with cheese, or enjoyed as is, this recipe is the perfect dish to bring people together.
How To Serve Zippy’s Chili
The best part of making a big pot of Zippy’s Chili is figuring out the best way to serve it! Zippy’s restaurant has a variety of ways to serve its chili. Sure, you can eat it just like it comes out of your slow cooker. However, to find your favorite, you must try all the unique ways Zippy’s serves their chili in Hawaii.
- Chili Bowl: No Rice
- Chili with Rice: A bowl of chili with a big round scoop of white rice in the middle.
- Chili Frank: Zippy’s chili is served on a plate with beef hot dogs plopped right down in the middle. Next to the chili is a side dish scoop of mac salad and rice.
- Chili Loco Moco: A juicy hamburger patty on top of rice, then smothered with Zippy’s chili and topped with two fried eggs.
- Chili Cheese Fries: French fries topped with Zippy’s chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Chili Spaghetti with Garlic Bread: Chili over spaghetti noodles and a side of garlic bread.
- Chili Burrito: Deep-fried bean and ground beef burrito smothered in Zippy’s chili, then topped with cheddar cheese.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
If you have any chili leftovers, let them cool to temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
When you’re ready to serve, choose from any of these reheating methods.
- Oven: For a large batch, warm it on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-minute intervals. Stir between each round until hot.
Hospitality Tips
- Make- Ahead Tip: Make a large batch the night before. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert (except the broth), then store it in the fridge and simply add the liquids before starting the slow cooker the next day.
- Hosting Tip: Hosting a chili dinner party can be a fun and delicious way to gather friends and family for a hearty meal. Make your next gathering easy using these great chili dinner ideas, make-ahead tips, decor ideas, and topping recipes. By setting up a chili food bar, you create a customizable experience where guests can build their own bowls of chili with a variety of toppings and sides.
For more slow cooker recipes, check out my Easy Crockpot Beer Chili which uses beer to enhance the depth of flavor. Slow Cooker Green Chili Chicken Soup features chicken and green chilies, offering a different flavor profile and texture. Another chili recipe that features beef and a rich blend of spices is Skyline Chili which can be served over spaghetti with various toppings.
If you have a favorite way to order Zippy’s famous chili, share it in the comments below.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
“Hospitality is not about inviting people into our perfect homes, but welcoming them into our imperfect hearts.”
In a world where social media often makes us feel like our homes (or our lives) need to be picture-perfect, biblical hospitality reminds us that what people really crave isn’t flawless decor or gourmet meals—it’s genuine connection. Think about Jesus. He dined with sinners, welcomed the outcasts, and shared meals in all sorts of homes, not because they were perfect, but because He was about love, not appearances.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Zippy’s Chili Recipe Hawaiian Style
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds lean ground beef, 90/10
- 2 pounds Portuguese sausage, diced (or substitute with Spanish chorizo)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 2 cups green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon beef base, such as Better Than Bouillon
- 1 tablespoon chicken base, such as Better Than Bouillon
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 14 ounces beef broth
- 15.5 ounces dark red kidney beans, canned, optional, add more or omit based on preference
Instructions
Cook the Meats
- In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced Portuguese sausage until fully browned.3 pounds lean ground beef, 2 pounds Portuguese sausage
- Break the meat apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked meat to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Stir in the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper.1 cup onion, 2 cups celery, 2 cups green bell pepper
- Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef base, and chicken base.6 ounces tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon beef base, 1 tablespoon chicken base
- Grate fresh ginger into the pot and stir to combine.1 teaspoon fresh ginger
Mix in Liquids and Spices
- Add chili powder, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon white sugar, 1 tablespoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt
- Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth.14 ounces chicken broth, 14 ounces beef broth
- If using, drain and rinse kidney beans, then add them to the slow cooker.15.5 ounces dark red kidney beans
Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
Notes
Zippy’s is known for serving chili in creative ways! Try one of these classic options:
Chili Bowl (No Rice) – Enjoy the chili as is.
Chili with Rice – Serve over a scoop of white rice.
Chili Frank – Pour chili over sliced beef hot dogs with a side of macaroni salad and rice.
Chili Loco Moco – Serve over rice, top with a hamburger patty, and finish with two fried eggs.
Chili Cheese Fries – Spoon chili over crispy fries and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Chili Spaghetti – Serve chili over spaghetti with garlic bread.
Chili Burrito – Smother a deep-fried beef and bean burrito with chili and shredded cheese.
This was a good recipe and everyone loved it. Can’t compare it to Zippy’s because it’s been so long since I had it. I added some rice wine vinegar and a little more sugar to increase the sweet/sour aspect. It was well liked.
Thanks for sharing that you enjoyed it. Also, do you think this original was sweeter than my copycat? If so, I could make a note of that for other readers.
This recipe was great! The consistency & overall “look” was almost identical to our beloved Zippy’s chili but with just a few tweaks, it turned out even better!(According to the Ohana!) I wish I could post a photo – Mahalo for sharing this with us!
Juliana, thank you so much for sharing that you liked this recipe. I like to give my readers recipes that evoke memories. Anyone that has spent time in Hawaii knows that Zippy’s is comfort food. Pease share your tweaks with me. I keep trying to make this just like the restaurant does. I am sharing your comment at the top of my post for other readers to see.