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This island-inspired chili strikes just the right mix of sweet and savory, bringing a unique Hawaiian twist to a dinner staple. The unexpected pineapple addition turns everyday chili into something amazing that'll have family members begging to know what makes it so tasty.
I stumbled upon this dish during a trip to Hawaii many years back and it's been a staple at home ever since. My kids were doubtful about mixing fruit into chili at first, but now they ask for this version more than regular chili, especially when we're watching football together.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Forms the meaty base. Go for 80/20 meat-to-fat for the tastiest results
- Onions and bell peppers: Make up the flavor foundation. Red peppers work best since they're naturally sweeter
- Stewed tomatoes: Add chunkiness and a bit of sweetness. Try fire-roasted ones for more flavor
- Kidney beans: Give that classic chili feel and extra protein. Dark red ones look prettier in the pot
- Tomato sauce: Helps everything come together smoothly. Pick a good one without extra sugar
- Pineapple chunks: Bring that Hawaiian magic. Canned works better than fresh for convenience
- Chili powder: Gives that signature warmth and flavor punch. Add more or less depending on how spicy you want it
- Salt: Brings out all the other tastes. Kosher salt works better than table salt
Easy Cooking Method
- Get Your Pot Hot:
- Warm up your Dutch oven or heavy cooking pot on high until it's really hot. This helps everything brown nicely and builds flavor. You'll need about 2 minutes for proper heating.
- Cook The Beef:
- Toss your ground beef into the heated pot and cook until slightly pink. Keep breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This makes sure you don't have big chunks in your final dish.
- Throw In Veggies:
- Mix chopped onions and peppers with the meat. Keep cooking until the beef isn't pink anymore and the veggies are soft and see-through, about 5 minutes. You'll notice the veggies getting juicier and sweeter.
- Get Rid Of Grease:
- Put everything in a strainer over a bowl and press down hard to squeeze out extra fat. This step keeps your chili from being too oily and lets other flavors stand out.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Put the drained meat mix back in the pot. Add stewed tomatoes with juice, kidney beans with their liquid, tomato sauce, and drained pineapple pieces. The bean juice makes your chili thicker.
- Add Spices And Simmer:
- Sprinkle in chili powder and salt to your liking. Bring everything to a gentle bubble, then turn heat down to medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring now and then until it's as thick as you want.
The pineapple really makes this dish special. My whole family wasn't sure about putting fruit in chili at first, but the way the sweet bits play off the spicy flavors created such a nice balance that they completely changed their minds. One cold evening, my daughter even asked for this as her birthday dinner instead of our usual pizza!
Storage and Leftovers
This Hawaiian-style chili gets tastier after sitting awhile as the flavors mix together better. Keep any extra in a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days. When you heat it up again, you might need to add a splash of water or broth if it's gotten too thick. If you want to save it longer, put portions in freezer containers with about an inch of space at the top so it can expand. Frozen chili stays good for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Make this chili part of a complete Hawaiian meal by spooning it over white rice for that authentic plate lunch feel. If you prefer mainland style, serve with some cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. People love adding toppings like grated cheddar, chopped avocado, sour cream, and if you're really going with the tropical theme, try sprinkling some toasted coconut on top for extra crunch and island flair.
Easy Adaptations
You can switch up this chili lots of ways to match what you like. For something lighter, swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Vegetarians can skip meat altogether and use an extra can of beans or firm tofu cut into cubes. If you're not sure about pineapple, start with just half as much or try diced mango for a similar sweet touch. Spice fans can throw in some jalapeños or a bit of cayenne to kick up the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does Hawaiian-style chili taste different?
The sweet tropical flavor of pineapple chunks adds a unique twist you won't find in classic chili.
- → Is the heat level adjustable?
Absolutely! Add or reduce chili powder to control the spice or toss in fresh peppers for extra heat.
- → What sides go with this chili?
Try serving it alongside fluffy rice, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for balance.
- → Can I swap canned tomatoes for fresh ones?
Sure! Chop up fresh tomatoes and cook them until they're saucy for a homemade touch.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Switch the beef for plant-based meat or heartier veggies like zucchini or mushrooms—it works great!