Thick, hearty local-style chili with Portuguese sausage, bacon, and Hawaiian chili pepper. Serve over rice with a mayo dollop—pure island comfort food.
1/2lbPortuguese sausagediced (or substitute red hot dogs for old-school style)
1Hawaiian chili pepperseeded & minced (more for heat)
1yellow oniondiced
4clovesgarlicminced
1green bell pepperseeded & diced
Seasonings
2 ½tbspchili powderdivided (1 1/2 tbsp for beef, 1 tbsp for chili)
1tspcumin
1tbspWorcestershire sauce
1tbspbrown sugaroptional
salt & black pepperto taste
Liquids & Tomatoes
14.5ozcrushed tomatoes
14.5ozcanned diced tomatoes
19ozcanned kidney beans with liquiddo not drain
2 ½cupsbeef broth
1tbsptomato paste
Optional Add-ins
2red hot dogssliced (old-timer style; can replace Portuguese sausage)
To Serve
1-2tbspmayonnaiseBest Foods style, for garnish
cheddar cheeseshredded
green onionssliced
cilantrooptional
hot cooked ricefor serving
Instructions
Serve: Ladle chili over hot cooked rice or into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of mayonnaise (1–2 tbsp), shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Cook bacon & sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Add Portuguese sausage and cook 2–3 minutes until browned.
Brown aromatics & beef: Add seasoned ground beef, onion, Hawaiian chili pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook until beef is browned and aromatics are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add veggies & seasonings: Stir in bell pepper, remaining 1 tbsp chili powder, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the chili: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans with liquid (do not drain), beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar (if using). Stir well to combine. Add red hot dogs if using.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful. The chili should be thick enough to sit on top of rice.
Serve: Ladle chili over hot cooked rice or into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of mayonnaise (1–2 tbsp), shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and cilantro if desired.
Video
Notes
The key to authentic Hawaiian-style chili is NOT draining the kidney beans—that starchy liquid creates the signature thick texture.
Portuguese sausage is the secret ingredient, but old-timers remember using red hot dogs as a substitute.
Mayo instead of sour cream is a local thing! Best Foods (Hellmann's on the mainland) is the go-to brand.
This chili freezes beautifully for up to 2–3 months. Freeze flat in gallon bags for quick thawing.