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This island-inspired chili delivers an incredible sweet-savory mix to your family's table with its unique Hawaiian spin on traditional comfort food. The unexpected touch of pineapple turns everyday chili into something extraordinary that'll have guests wondering about your mystery ingredient.
I stumbled upon this dish during a trip to Hawaii many years back and it's been in my cooking lineup ever since. My kids were doubtful about putting pineapple in chili at first but now they ask for this version instead of regular chili, especially when we're watching football together.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Forms the meaty foundation. Go for 80/20 meat-to-fat for the tastiest results
- Onions and bell peppers: Build the flavor base. Try red peppers for a touch more sweetness
- Stewed tomatoes: Give chunkiness and mild sweetness. Grab fire-roasted ones for extra flavor
- Kidney beans: Add that classic chili feel and extra protein. Dark red ones look prettier in the pot
- Tomato sauce: Gets the thickness just right. Pick one without added sugar
- Pineapple chunks: Bring that Hawaiian magic touch. Canned works fine but you can use fresh too
- Chili powder: Gives that warm kick and rich flavor. Add more or less based on how spicy you want it
- Salt: Pulls all flavors together. Kosher salt works best for even seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Pot Ready:
- Warm up your Dutch oven or heavy cooking pot on high until it's super hot. This sets you up for good meat browning and better taste. Give it at least 2 minutes to get properly heated.
- Cook the Beef:
- Toss ground beef into the heated pot and cook until slightly pink. Keep breaking it up with a wooden spoon while stirring. This helps the meat cook evenly and gives your chili better texture.
- Put in Veggies:
- Mix chopped onions and peppers with the beef. Keep cooking until meat isn't pink anymore and veggies get soft and see-through, around 5 minutes. You'll notice the veggies letting out juice and getting sweeter.
- Get Rid of Grease:
- Put everything in a strainer over a bowl and press down hard to squeeze out extra fat. This step stops your chili from being greasy and lets other flavors stand out more.
- Throw Everything Together:
- Put the drained meat mix back in the pot. Add your stewed tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans with their liquid, tomato sauce, and drained pineapple pieces. The bean liquid helps make the chili thicker.
- Add Spices and Simmer:
- Sprinkle in chili powder and salt to match your taste. Bring everything to a light boil, then turn heat down to medium-low. Let it bubble gently uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring now and then until it's as thick as you like.
Pineapple really makes this dish special. My family wasn't sure about putting fruit in their chili at first, but the way those sweet bits play against the spicy flavors makes everything work so nicely together. It changed how they think about chili forever. One cold night, my daughter even wanted this for her birthday dinner instead of getting pizza!
Storage and Leftovers
This Hawaiian-style chili gets tastier after sitting awhile as the flavors mix together. Keep any extra chili in a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days. When you warm 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 leaving about an inch of space at the top for the food to expand. Frozen chili stays good for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Make this chili part of a complete Hawaiian meal by pouring it over white rice like they do at island plate lunch spots. If you prefer mainland style, serve it with some cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. People love adding toppings like shredded cheddar, chopped avocado, sour cream, and if you're going all-in on the tropical theme, try sprinkling some toasted coconut on top for nice crunch and extra island flair.
Easy Adaptations
You can switch up this flexible dish to fit what you like. Want something lighter? Swap out beef for ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarians can skip meat altogether and use an extra can of beans or chunks of firm tofu instead. If you're not sure about pineapple, start with just half as much or try diced mango for a similar sweet contrast. Spice fans can throw in some jalapeños or a bit of cayenne to turn up the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes it different from regular chili?
The unique tropical sweetness from pineapple chunks sets it apart, giving it an exotic vibe you won’t find in traditional chili.
- → How do I control the spice level?
Dial down or raise the heat by adjusting chili powder or tossing in fresh chilies based on your preference.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it up with a bowl of steamed rice, some buttery cornbread, or even a crisp green salad for balance.
- → Can fresh tomatoes replace canned ones?
Absolutely. Dice them up and cook down until they’re saucy to substitute for canned tomatoes.
- → How can vegetarians enjoy this meal?
They can swap the meat for plant-based options or toss in chunky veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for an equally satisfying dish.