Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of chili that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of kick? Our Chili Recipe Zippys takes a classic comfort food and adds a unique twist inspired by the bold flavors of Hawaii’s local cuisine. It’s a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Chili Recipe Zippys
When we’re craving bold flavors and Hawaiian-inspired comfort food, our go-to is the Chili Recipe Zippys. This hearty dish infuses richness with a tropical twist, perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make your own bowl of this irresistible chili.
Ingredients
Here’s what we’ll need to make our Chili Recipe Zippys:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean for best flavor)
- 1 cup diced Portuguese sausage or linguica
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup beef broth or water (for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced green onions, sour cream.
Preparing the Chili Recipe Zippys
Follow these simple steps to craft a pot of delicious Chili Recipe Zippys:
- Heat the Oil: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions and garlic. Cook until they become soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
- Brown the Meats: Add the ground beef and Portuguese sausage to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked (approximately 7–10 minutes). Break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Season the Chili: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for 1–2 minutes to wake up their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquid: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Hawaiian Touch: Mix in the soy sauce and brown sugar for a subtle sweet-savory balance reminiscent of island flavors.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the kidney beans and pinto beans. Continue cooking uncovered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken the chili.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving the Chili Recipe Zippys
This chili tastes best when served steaming hot with your favorite toppings. Try it over rice for an authentic Hawaiian twist, or enjoy it with warm bread rolls.
| Topping Idea | Suggested Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded cheese | ¼ cup per serving |
| Diced green onions | 1 tablespoon |
| Sour cream | 1 dollop |
| Crushed tortilla chips | 2 tablespoons |
Ingredients
This “Chili Recipe Zippys” preparation calls for a blend of savory meat, hearty beans, and zesty spices, bringing an authentic Hawaiian-inspired flavor to your table. Below, we’ve divided the ingredients into categories for easier preparation.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, lean preferred
- 1/2 pound Portuguese sausage, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Spices And Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the spices)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste heat preferences)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
Elevate your “Chili Recipe Zippys” with these toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Diced green onions or fresh cilantro
- Chopped fresh jalapeños, for an extra kick
- Crushed tortilla chips or warm bread rolls for serving
Tools And Equipment
To create the perfect bowl of Chili Recipe Zippys, we’ll need a set of reliable tools and equipment. Having these items ready ensures smooth preparation and cooking, letting us focus on building those rich, bold flavors inspired by Hawaiian cuisine. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot is crucial for evenly cooking the chili and preventing sticking during simmering. Aim for a pot with at least 6-quart capacity to accommodate all ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate ingredients properly.
- Cutting Board: Use a sturdy cutting board for prepping onions, garlic, and Portuguese sausage. Wooden or plastic boards are both good options.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife is essential for dicing vegetables and proteins consistently and efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when balancing the spices. We recommend having both dry and liquid measuring tools for accuracy.
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium-sized bowls for staging prepped ingredients like chopped onions or diced sausage, keeping your workflow seamless.
- Can Opener: Essential for opening cans of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the chili without making a mess.
- Tongs: Handy for stirring or flipping larger pieces of sausage before dicing, if needed.
Optional Tools
- Immersion Blender (if desired): For a smoother texture, briefly blend part of the chili once it’s cooked.
- Grater: If you’re adding fresh cheese as a topping, a grater is essential for shredding it easily.
- Slow Cooker: If you want to adapt the recipe for slow cooking, a 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly.
Quick Reference Table
Here’s a summary of the tools and their purposes for easy reference:
| Tool Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Stockpot | For cooking and simmering the chili |
| Wooden Spoon | Stirring and mixing to prevent sticking |
| Chef’s Knife | Dicing vegetables and proteins efficiently |
| Cutting Board | Safe surface for chopping and prepping ingredients |
| Measuring Cups | Accurate measurements for spices and liquids |
| Can Opener | To open canned goods like tomatoes and beans |
| Mixing Bowls | Keeping prepped ingredients organized |
| Ladle | Serving portions cleanly |
| Immersion Blender | Optional: For a smoother chili consistency |
| Grater | For shredding cheese toppings |
Ensuring we have these Tools And Equipment prepped will make cooking this mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired chili recipe an enjoyable and efficient experience.
Directions
Let’s dive into crafting the Chili Recipe Zippys! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a bold and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Prep
- Prepare ingredients:
- Dice 1 medium onion and 4 cloves of garlic.
- Slice 1 cup of Portuguese sausage into quarter-inch pieces.
- Open cans of 28 oz diced tomatoes, 15 oz tomato sauce, and 15 oz red kidney beans.
- Measure out all spices in advance for convenience:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grate cheese and chop any desired toppings, such as green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Cook The Chili
- Sauté Aromatics:
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, stirring for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add 1 lb of lean ground beef and the sliced Portuguese sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the sausage is slightly crispy.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
4. Add Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir thoroughly, then bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Incorporate Beans:
Rinse and drain the red kidney beans. Add them to the pot, gently stirring.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The result should be thick and full-bodied with bold Hawaiian-inspired spices.
Assemble The Zippys
- Build the base:
In a bowl, ladle the hot chili over a bed of steamed white rice for the authentic Hawaiian-style chili experience.
2. Add Toppings:
Customize the bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips to enhance texture and flavor.
3. Serve It Hot:
Enjoy the Chili Recipe Zippys immediately while all the flavors are vibrant and fresh.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Chili Recipe Zippys ahead of time is an excellent way to save effort while ensuring the flavors have time to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish’s rich, bold Hawaiian-inspired profile. Here is how we can efficiently make this hearty chili in advance:
Steps to Make Ahead
- Cook the Chili: Follow the complete cooking instructions outlined earlier. Once the chili is fully cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature. Cooling prevents condensation during storage, which could dilute the flavor.
- Storage: Once cooled, transfer the chili into an airtight container or divide it into smaller, meal-sized portions. Storing it in smaller containers speeds up the reheating process. Be sure to label the container with the date. The chili can be stored safely in the refrigerator or freezer:
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
| Storage Method | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- Reheating: For reheating, choose the method that best fits your schedule:
- Stovetop: Pour the chili into a saucepan or stockpot. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed. If needed, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the consistency.
- Microwave: Transfer a single portion of chili into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in increments of 1 to 2 minutes, stirring between each round, until hot.
- Slow Cooker: For reheating large batches, use a slow cooker on the low setting for several hours until the chili is bubbling and heated through.
- Flavor Boosting (Optional): If the chili thickens after refrigeration or freezing, you can add a little extra beef broth, diced tomatoes, or tomato sauce while reheating to revive its texture and flavor.
- Topping and Serving: Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions just before serving. Avoid adding toppings before storage as they can ruin the texture during reheating.
Pro Tip:
“Chili always tastes better the next day!” Allowing the spices and ingredients to sit overnight enhances the depth of flavor, giving our Chili Recipe Zippys a well-rounded, bold taste that’s irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying Chili Recipe Zippys, the possibilities are endless! This versatile dish can be served in a variety of creative ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Below are some of our favorite serving suggestions so you can savor the bold Hawaiian-inspired flavors in every bite.
1. Classic Style
Serve the chili hot over a steaming bowl of white rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. The fluffy rice complements the rich, hearty chili beautifully and makes each bite satisfying.
2. Topping Bar Fun
Set up a chili topping bar and let everyone customize their bowls to their liking. Include toppings such as:
- Shredded cheddar cheese (melts perfectly over a warm bowl)
- Sour cream (for a creamy, tangy finish)
- Diced green onions (adds a fresh and mild zest)
- Pickled jalapeños or sliced fresh chili (to turn up the heat)
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbles (for crunch)
3. Hawaiian Inspiration
To keep with the Hawaiian influence, serve with a side of Hawaiian sweet rolls or tender spam musubi rice cakes. These sweet and savory pairings balance out the chili’s bold flavors and add a unique twist.
4. Game Day Nachos
Transform your chili into the star of your next game day spread by drizzling it over crispy tortilla chips and loading them up with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. This creates crowd-pleasing chili nachos that are perfect for sharing.
5. Chili Bowls
Elevate your presentation by serving the chili in bread bowls. Hollow out individual sourdough or Hawaiian sweet bread rolls, ladle the chili inside, and top with shredded cheese. The bread soaks up the chili for an easy-to-eat, indulgent experience.
Serving Size and Pairings Table
Use this quick reference table to plan your meal and pair unforgettable sides with Chili Recipe Zippys.
| Serving Style | Recommended Pairing | Portion Size (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Over Rice | Steamed white rice | 1 cup chili + 1/2 cup rice |
| Topping Bar | Assorted toppings (see list) | 1 cup chili |
| With Hawaiian Sweet Rolls | Sweet rolls or spam musubi | 1 cup chili + 1-2 rolls |
| Chili Nachos | Tortilla chips and toppings | 1/2 cup chili + generous toppings |
| In Bread Bowls | Sourdough or Hawaiian bread | 1-1.5 cups chili per bread bowl |
Quick Pro Tips
- For a festive vibe, serve the chili in bright bowls or Hawaiian-themed tableware.
- Keep the chili warm in a slow cooker during events so guests can help themselves throughout the meal.
- Always provide extra toppings on the side; it’s better to have too much than run out!
Storage And Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are essential for preserving the rich, bold flavors of Chili Recipe Zippys while maintaining its hearty texture and Hawaiian-inspired charm. Here are some specific guidelines to ensure your chili remains just as delicious as the day it was made:
Storing Leftover Chili
- Cool the Chili Completely
Let the chili cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation and ensure food safety. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.
- Use Airtight Containers
Transfer the chili to airtight containers to minimize exposure to air. This keeps the chili fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge or freezer.
- Refrigeration Tips
- Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Label the container with the storage date for easy tracking.
- Freezing Tips
- For longer storage, place the chili in freezer-safe containers or zippered plastic bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
- To save space, freeze in portions to thaw only what you need.
Reheating Chili
When reheating Chili Recipe Zippys, follow these methods to preserve its taste and texture while ensuring it is heated thoroughly:
Stovetop Method (Recommended)
- Pour the chili into a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan.
- Set the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes or until the chili reaches 165°F, ensuring a warm, even temperature.
Microwave Method
- Place a portion of chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent splatters.
- Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time, until it is evenly heated and reaches 165°F.
Slow Cooker Method
- Transfer the chili directly to your slow cooker and set it to the low setting.
- Stir occasionally and heat for 1-2 hours, perfect for serving at gatherings or game days.
Pro Tips for Storage and Reheating
- If the chili thickens during storage, add a small amount of beef broth or water while reheating to loosen the consistency.
- Avoid reheating portions multiple times. Instead, reheat only the amount you plan to serve.
- Always add toppings, like shredded cheese or diced green onions, after reheating to maintain their freshness and texture.
- For the best flavor, enjoy the chili within a day or two of preparation—its bold taste often improves as the flavors meld!
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Use airtight containers and store promptly after cooling. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Freeze in portions for convenience; leave space for expansion. |
| Stovetop Reheating | 10-15 minutes | Best flavor retention; stir often during reheating. |
| Microwave Reheating | 2-4 minutes | Heat in intervals; stir to avoid cold spots. |
| Slow Cooker Reheating | 1-2 hours | Ideal for gatherings; stir occasionally to maintain consistency. |
Conclusion
Chili Recipe Zippys brings a flavorful twist to a beloved classic, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Its bold Hawaiian-inspired flavors, versatile serving options, and ease of preparation make it a must-try for home cooks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals ahead, this recipe offers endless possibilities to suit your needs.
With the right tools, fresh ingredients, and a few pro tips, creating this hearty chili becomes an enjoyable experience. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful journey that leaves everyone craving more. Let’s savor every bite and make Chili Recipe Zippys a staple in our kitchens!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Chili Recipe Zippys unique?
Chili Recipe Zippys stands out due to its Hawaiian-inspired twist. It combines classic chili ingredients like ground beef and beans with bold flavors such as Portuguese sausage and spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and unique.
2. Can I make Chili Recipe Zippys ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Chili Recipe Zippys ahead of time to let the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. What are the essential tools needed to make Chili Recipe Zippys?
You’ll need a large stockpot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a can opener. Optional tools include an immersion blender and slow cooker.
4. What toppings go well with Chili Recipe Zippys?
Great topping options include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and even spam musubi for a Hawaiian twist.
5. How should I serve Chili Recipe Zippys?
Serve it hot over steamed white rice, or pair it with Hawaiian rolls, nachos, or bread bowls. A topping bar is also a fun way for guests to customize their serving.
6. How can I reheat leftover Chili Recipe Zippys?
Reheat leftover chili on the stovetop, in a microwave, or using a slow cooker. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens during storage.
7. Can the recipe be adapted for a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker to simmer on low for several hours.
8. How long does Chili Recipe Zippys last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
9. Can I freeze Chili Recipe Zippys?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely and stored in airtight, freezer-safe containers.
10. Does Chili Recipe Zippys taste better the next day?
Yes! Letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious the following day.