Homemade Zippy’s Chili Recipe
Craving a taste of Hawaii but can’t get to Zippy’s? Don’t worry, you can recreate their iconic chili right at home! This recipe captures the unique flavor profile of Zippy’s chili, with a blend of savory ground meat, colorful vegetables, and a surprise creamy element.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 pound Portuguese sausage (or chorizo), casings removed and chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and green pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, all three types of beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the bay leaf. Here comes the secret ingredient: stir in the mayonnaise until well combined. The mayonnaise adds a touch of creaminess and richness that makes Zippy’s chili so unique.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors develop further.
- Serve your Zippy’s chili hot with your favorite toppings, like chopped green onions and shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy a taste of the Hawaiian Islands with every delicious bite!
Tips
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- If you can’t find Portuguese sausage, you can substitute chorizo for a similar flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spice.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This homemade Zippy’s chili recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the Aloha State. So grab your favorite bowl, whip up a batch, and enjoy a taste of paradise!
Estimated Calories:
This recipe likely yields around 8-10 servings, depending on how much you ladle in each bowl. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Ground beef/sausage – 400-500 calories (depending on fat content)
- Beans (3 cans) – 700-800 calories
- Vegetables – 100 calories
- Other ingredients (broth, tomatoes, spices) – 200-300 calories
- Mayonnaise – 350 calories
Total estimated calories per serving: 1750-1950 calories
Tips for Reducing Calories:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey.
- Drain and rinse the beans well to remove excess sodium and some starch.
- Lighten up on the mayonnaise. You can start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste if desired.
- Use low-sodium beef broth.
Remember: This is just an estimate. The actual calorie count will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the amount you consume.
